Space Seige vs. Too Human

Following up on my post a few weeks back about narrative in game design, I think perhaps it is a good idea to discuss something I have noticed: there are two games coming out that seem to have very similar themes and story lines. These games are Space Seige from Gas Powered Games and Sega versus Too Human from Silicon Knights. Both of these games follow a storyline in which, over the course of the game, the player must choose whether to augment his/her character with cybernetic upgrades or not in order to better battle the enemies in the respective universe. Granted, there are drastic differences such as Too Human being based loosely on Norse mythology versus Space Seige having a more contemporary story. However, the thematic underpinnings of both of these titles remains extraordinarily similar: is it better to remain completely human or to give in to temptation and 'upgrade' ourselves with technology?

While the thematic repetition between the titles may irritate some of you, I think if handled well that these titles will benefit the industry as a whole. My belief is that games are on the verge of becoming accepted by our society as an 'acceptable' entertainment medium on which people of many different backgrounds, communities, and ages can find enjoyment. Stories like this in games, structured around very solid and innovative gameplay, can lead the industry to new dramatic heights and accomplish what many of us have been hoping and/or working towards for many years: mainstream acceptance of video gaming.

Some of you may argue that this has already occurred. However, I will believe it when I stop seeing ridiculous stories on the news blaming certain games for the violent acts of those individuals looking for any excuse to partake in criminal and violent activities.

My hopes remain high for both of these games. I plan to at least demo them both and hopefully find one or the other intriguing enough to purchase for long-term enjoyment. I also hope that the narrative structures and themes presented in these titles help to progress the state of our industry to new entertainment heights.