Dystopian futures have long been a source of inspiration for writers, filmmakers, and game developers alike. These imagined worlds, characterized by oppressive governments, societal collapse, and a bleak outlook on the future, offer a unique lens through which to explore complex themes of power, freedom, and identity. In the world of gaming, dystopian settings have given rise to some of the most immersive and memorable titles in recent years. In this article, we take a look at 5 games set in dystopian futures that are must-play titles for any fan of the genre.
1. Bioshock
The game is known for its unique setting and immersive storyline, set in a dystopian world that explores complex themes of power, freedom, and individualism. In the world of Bioshock, Rapture is a city built by industrialist Andrew Ryan, who envisioned a society free from government intervention, where science and industry could flourish. The city was built in secret and located at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. Rapture’s society was based on Ryan’s philosophy of Objectivism, which valued individualism and self-interest above all else. However, things quickly go wrong in Rapture as the citizens become addicted to a substance known as “Adam,” a powerful genetic material that grants superhuman abilities. The use of Adam leads to the creation of the “Splicers,” genetically mutated citizens who have lost their sanity and become violent and aggressive.
2. Fallout 4
The game is set in the year 2287, 200 years after the nuclear war has devastated the planet. The player takes on the role of a survivor who emerges from an underground bunker called a “Vault,” after having been frozen in cryogenic suspension for more than 200 years. Upon emerging, the player is thrust into a world of radiation, mutated creatures, and desperate human survivors struggling to eke out a living. The world of Fallout 4 is a wasteland filled with the remnants of the past, including ruined buildings, rusted cars, and abandoned factories. The game’s environment is littered with debris and radiation hazards, which make it a challenging and dangerous place to navigate. Players must contend with various mutated creatures, including giant cockroaches, ghouls, and super mutants, who are all hostile to the player.
In this dystopian world, the player must scavenge for resources, craft weapons, and armor, and build settlements to survive. The player must also navigate a complex system of factions vying for control of the wasteland, each with their own agenda and goals.
3. The Last of Us
The game is set in a dystopian future, 20 years after a fungal infection has wiped out most of the human population, turning them into vicious, infected monsters. The game’s story follows the main character, Joel, who is entrusted with escorting a teenager named Ellie, across a dangerous, post-apocalyptic United States. The game’s world is a brutal and unforgiving one, where survival is the only goal. The game takes premise in a world where civilization has collapsed, leaving behind a devastated landscape of abandoned cities and towns. The player must navigate through this world, avoiding or fighting infected creatures, hostile survivors, and other dangers. The game’s world is a dark and gritty one, with a constant sense of danger and hopelessness. The environment is filled with overgrown vegetation and dilapidated buildings, giving the game a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.
4. We Happy Few
The game takes place in a fictional town called Wellington Wells, which is a seemingly utopian society where the people are always happy and have no worries or problems. However, as players delve deeper into the game, they quickly realize that Wellington Wells is a society built on lies, deception, and oppression. The inhabitants of the town are controlled by a drug called Joy, which is distributed by the government to keep the people happy and compliant. Players take on the role of three different characters, all of whom are trying to escape the clutches of the Joy-controlled society. The game’s world is a mix of dark and twisted, with a sense of unease and paranoia lurking behind every corner. The game explores themes of conformity, freedom, and the nature of reality itself, as players uncover the truth behind the Joy-controlled society and the people’s struggle to break free from its grip.
5. Deus EX
The game is set in a world where a virus has ravaged the global population, causing widespread social and economic instability. The player takes on the role of JC Denton, an agent of a powerful organization called UNATCO, which seeks to maintain global stability and control through the use of advanced technology and strict social control. As the player navigates through the game’s world, they encounter various factions and characters who are engaged in a power struggle over control of the world’s resources, including advanced technology and bio-engineered enhancements. The game’s narrative explores themes of conspiracy, corruption, and the struggle for power in a world where advanced technology has both liberated and enslaved humanity. The world of Deus Ex is characterized by a stark contrast between the wealthy and the poor, with powerful corporations and governments exerting strict control over the population through a combination of surveillance, social engineering, and advanced technology.
