I’m starting to think that video games, as opposed to TV/movies and actual written works, own the biggest piece of the sci-fantasy pie. Take a look at Final Fantasy X, which is my most favorite example of sci-fantasy; I’m beginning to think it’s spawned a whole line of sci-fantasy RPGs, not just within the Final Fantasy series. I acquired the game Rogue Galaxy (PS2) last weekend, and I was immediately struck by the similarities.
However, unlike FFX, Rogue Galaxy makes no attempt (so far*) to explain how and why magic and technology can coexist. Everything is considered an “ability” – nothing is called a “spell.” There are ability points, but no sign of mana. A robot named Steve can shoot icy beams from his eyes – but is this a technological ability inherent in his model, or a magical spell? A human bounty hunter can light his sword on fire without any external help – that, to me, qualifies as magic. A squat little man with a missile launcher can summon a dragon made of fire to deal widespread damage. That’s magic, too. We are also running around with space pirates on a ship that looks like a real pirate ship… you know, the kind you find on the ocean, not among the stars. There are monsters – “beasts” – floating around just about everywhere. I’m not convinced space is a vacuum in this ‘verse – no one’s needed a helmet while on the deck so far!
Is Rogue Galaxy an example of well-integrated sci-fantasy, or does it simply lack the well-thought-out background to explain the convergence of magic and technology that FFX and many other ‘verses boast?
*Please keep in mind that I’ve not finished the game, so the absence of an explanation and backstory may be a plot point in the future. I’m a bit of a slow gamer, so it might be a few weeks before we find out!
I really do need to amass a more sizeable list of games, movies, TV shows, and books that fall in the sci-fantasy category. Reports from a good friend inform me that the Dresden series should definitely be included, but I’m fairly sure there’s a genre for magic being used in an otherwise realistic, modern world. “Modern fantasy”? “Paranormal fiction”? Something like that. In my mind, sci-fantasy more involves entirely new worlds and universes, rather than just tossing some magic onto good ol’ Earth.
What do you think? Do books that employ magic in an otherwise normal setting count as sci-fantasy?
RosoMC said,
December 10, 2007 at 2:07 pm
Hi there,
.
I figured that you are a science-fantasy fan (yeah, it was very sharp of me) and I thought that maybe, just maybe, you’ll be able to help me out a little.
The thing is, that I’m currently looking for a book or movie (preferably a book) that combines elements of both fantasy and sci-fi, but not in normal science fantasy way. I’m thinking about a conflict. Maybe some interstellar civilization equipped with technological weapons invading fantasy planet on medieval level of development. Why this configuration? Because I firmly believe, that magic has its boundaries and magic as such may be a draw-back of technological development.
It would also be interesting, seeing/reading about mechas or sci-fi aircrafts fighting with wizards and demons. Althought I think that the result of the battle is obvious, since people who travel through galaxy are definitely at the advantage.
IMHO such book would be mostly of “space opera” genre, since it would probably be about fighting, technology and psychological insight on main characters, yet I think that with a good writer it should be fun to read.
Anyway, if you know of such books/movies/games/anime feel free to write a responce now that I left you my e-mail
Take care,
Peter