What makes Steampunk so popular?

[GyroCaptain]

Because steam, gears, flying machines, and polished glass 'n' brass rule ass?
I can't think of enough steampunk games, Lost Odyssey was a borderline case and I think pulled off the magic-driven late-edwardian aesthetic well.

 

[pantsoffdanceoff]

[spoiler/][img/]http://api.ning.com/files/FBPVqMSZ1mBtWLlauyumh8d*CCL8-IwD*jE-O3aWRMox7QcObLTSBzYaZ59pgDBqBfZO19G6OE1BH4LdjcBA0ZzvtmXIfzF8/steampunk.jpg[/img][/spoiler]

Because it's history.. but badass.

I couldn't not make that picture my new desktop.

I assume you would have it as your desktop on THIS computer...
[spoiler/][img/]http://www.streettech.com/storypics/steampunkLaptop2.jpg[/img][/spoiler]

 

[ThaBenMan]

I'm sorry, but the Art History student in me has to object to BioShock being called steampunk - it's more properly labeled Art Deco [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Deco], methinks.

Although Rapture was powered by steam from sea vents, right?

Gah, my head hurts...

 

[Zeraki]

[spoiler/][img/]http://api.ning.com/files/FBPVqMSZ1mBtWLlauyumh8d*CCL8-IwD*jE-O3aWRMox7QcObLTSBzYaZ59pgDBqBfZO19G6OE1BH4LdjcBA0ZzvtmXIfzF8/steampunk.jpg[/img][/spoiler]

Because it's history.. but badass.

I couldn't not make that picture my new desktop.

I assume you would have it as your desktop on THIS computer...
[spoiler/][img/]http://www.streettech.com/storypics/steampunkLaptop2.jpg[/img][/spoiler]

That is one of the coolest things I've ever seen, is that an actual functional computer?

 

[sketchyshadows]

look at my pic!!!!
steam-punk lincoln!!!

 

[Hunde Des Krieg]

[spoiler/][img/]http://api.ning.com/files/FBPVqMSZ1mBtWLlauyumh8d*CCL8-IwD*jE-O3aWRMox7QcObLTSBzYaZ59pgDBqBfZO19G6OE1BH4LdjcBA0ZzvtmXIfzF8/steampunk.jpg[/img][/spoiler]

Because it's history.. but badass.

I couldn't not make that picture my new desktop.

I assume you would have it as your desktop on THIS computer...
[spoiler/][img/]http://www.streettech.com/storypics/steampunkLaptop2.jpg[/img][/spoiler]

If only...

 

[IxionIndustries]

I personally love the way the gears spin and the fact that you can generally see how the machines work, without having to bother with taking it apart.

Plus, it's a different way of making things work, basically making really complex machines, such as laser printers, computers, etc., and turning them into simple machines, with simple workings, and simple power supplies.

 

[The Rogue Wolf]

I'm sorry, but the Art History student in me has to object to BioShock being called steampunk - it's more properly labeled Art Deco [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Deco], methinks.

Although Rapture was powered by steam from sea vents, right?

Gah, my head hurts...

Maybe we can call it decopunk?

In any case, Thief- especially Thief II: The Metal Age- is a great exposition of steampunk. Case in point: The mechanical guards. Driven by a miniature furnace (which makes for a weak point- two water arrows into the vent will "kill" it), and speaking through the use of wax cylinder recordings, they can give warnings and kill intruders using a cannon-arm that fires actual, fused miniature cannonballs. Then, of course, there's also the mechanical spiders that fire razor-sharp gears, and the "Builder's Children", harmless gold-plated humanoid robots who will run for the nearest guard.

Creepy side-point: The mechanical guards seemed, on some level, aware of their own "deaths". One of the lines they would give out upon being deactivated: "Danger... danger... fails to understand... creation."

 

[Pumpkin_Eater]

I have literally no idea what steam punk is, and can't be bothered to look it up, so: BIOSHOCK!

Not really steampunk. The technology was about 1940s or 50s quality whereas steampunk is late 19th century industrial age.

I didn't realize steampunk was popular. I'm a fan of it myself, but I've barely seen any mainstream stuff that features it.

 

[ThaBenMan]

Check this [http://ericpoulton.blogspot.com/search/label/steampunk%20star%20wars] out - pure win, right there.

 

[Moormur]

In terms of steampunk games, I really think that the Myst series hit steampunk right on the nose, especially the first three games.

 

[runtheplacered]

Check this [http://ericpoulton.blogspot.com/search/label/steampunk%20star%20wars] out - pure win, right there.

There's some pretty neat pics on there. Particularly down towards the bottom.

In fact, I think I'll let Steampunk Vader sit on my desktop for a bit.

 

[Pseudonym2]

The problem I have with Steampunk is that I can't watch it without trying to figure out where the power source comes from. Steam powered camera's? Really? I always liked Transmetropolitan style cyberpunk.

 

[Flying-Emu]

Creepy side-point: The mechanical guards seemed, on some level, aware of their own "deaths". One of the lines they would give out upon being deactivated: "Danger... danger... fails to understand... creation."

That always scared me. I avoided killing them as much as possible, just so that I wouldn't have to chance hearing that line.

It made me question my morals in video games. Anyway, Thief II is by far the most mainstream steampunk game out there. Although I question why they use swords and bows in place of rifles.

Steam-powered rifles!

 

[amara2021]

Probably because there was a sense of adventure and wonder from that time period that came allong with the advancement of technology. Books by Jules verne and Mary shelley like around the world in 80 days, frankenstien, and moby dick, 20000 leauges under the sea, Captain nemo, Metropolis, Leauge of extrordinary gentlemen, wild wild west, connote that same feeling of adventure when watching it today.

Its also the atmosphere it gives, with all the gears in the machines turning and somhow being at a point thats oldtimey and modern at the same time gives the geeling of timelessness. Jasper Morrelo and the lost airship has got to be one of my favorite stempunk stories, its quite dark and is beautifly animated.

I also enjoy the neo victorian fassion of steampunk as well
http://www.addictinggames.com/dressmeupclockworkcouture.html

 

[Doug]

[spoiler/][img/]http://api.ning.com/files/FBPVqMSZ1mBtWLlauyumh8d*CCL8-IwD*jE-O3aWRMox7QcObLTSBzYaZ59pgDBqBfZO19G6OE1BH4LdjcBA0ZzvtmXIfzF8/steampunk.jpg[/img][/spoiler]

Because it's history.. but badass.

....NICE!

 

[The_Prophet]

Becouse It looks cool.

 

[Doug]

I also enjoy the neo victorian fassion of steampunk as well
http://www.addictinggames.com/dressmeupclockworkcouture.html

I'm not sure what to make of that. Aside from the fact that people seeing me (a guy) playing it will get the wroooong impression Welcome to the forum, btw.

 

[Sindre1]

The TARDIS in the 90s Doctor Who TV-movie was steampunk.

Steampunk is popular becose its cool and unusual.

 

[new_age_reject]

I'm sorry, but the Art History student in me has to object to BioShock being called steampunk - it's more properly labeled Art Deco [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Deco], methinks.

Although Rapture was powered by steam from sea vents, right?

Gah, my head hurts...

You are correct, but it had a nice mix of both me thinks.