The Evolution and Use of Lovecraftian Themes in RPGs: Fallout and Beyond
Lovecraftian themes and cosmic horror have been influential in the world of gaming, particularly in role-playing games (RPGs). As a subgenre of horror fiction, Lovecraftian horror revolves around the works of H.P. Lovecraft, exploring fear of the unknown, cosmic insignificance, and the incomprehensible nature of the universe. Among the popular games that have embraced Lovecraftian themes, the Fallout series stands out. In this blog post, we will discuss and contrast the use and evolution of Lovecraftian themes and cosmic horror in the Fallout series and other RPGs.
The Fallout Series: Nuclear Horror Meets Cosmic Horror
The Fallout series is a post-apocalyptic RPG franchise set in a desolate world ravaged by nuclear war. While the primary focus of the series is the aftermath of the apocalypse, Lovecraftian themes and cosmic horror elements are interspersed throughout.
In Fallout 3, for example, players may come across the Dunwich Building, a location inspired by Lovecraft's "The Dunwich Horror." The eerie atmosphere, unsettling audio logs, and ghastly visions encountered within the building exemplify Lovecraftian horror. Furthermore, Fallout 4's Far Harbor DLC introduces a cult worshipping a mysterious, Lovecraftian entity known as the "Mother of the Fog." The dense fog that enshrouds the island creates an atmosphere of mystery and dread, typical of cosmic horror.
The Fallout series weaves Lovecraftian themes and cosmic horror into its narrative by emphasizing the insignificance of humanity in the face of larger, more terrifying forces. This is evident not only in the presence of powerful, otherworldly beings but also in the vast wastelands that remind players of the human race's vulnerability.
Other Recent RPGs with Lovecraftian Elements
- Bloodborne
Bloodborne is an action RPG developed by FromSoftware that heavily incorporates Lovecraftian themes and cosmic horror. Set in the gothic city of Yharnam, players discover that the inhabitants are afflicted by a mysterious disease that transforms them into monstrous creatures. As they delve deeper into the game, they encounter terrifying, god-like beings and cosmic horrors from other dimensions. Bloodborne showcases a world where humanity is insignificant compared to the unfathomable forces at play, truly capturing the essence of Lovecraftian horror.
- The Elder Scrolls Series
The Elder Scrolls series of RPGs also contains Lovecraftian elements, particularly in the form of the Daedric Princes. These god-like entities often manipulate mortals for their amusement or to further their inscrutable agendas. The Daedric Prince Hermaeus Mora, for instance, is heavily inspired by Lovecraft's works, as a mysterious and tentacled being associated with forbidden knowledge. The Dragonborn DLC for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim even features a questline in which the player must uncover the secrets of a lost civilization and face the madness-inducing influence of Hermaeus Mora.
- Darkest Dungeon
Darkest Dungeon is a turn-based RPG that focuses on the psychological stress of adventuring in a Lovecraftian world. Players manage a roster of heroes as they explore the twisted depths beneath a cursed estate, facing eldritch
horrors and cosmic abominations. The game emphasizes the fragility of the human mind, as heroes can succumb to madness and paranoia from the stress of their experiences. The game's setting, enemies, and storytelling all pay homage to Lovecraft's works, immersing players in a dark and terrifying universe.
- Sunless Sea and Sunless Skies
Sunless Sea and its sequel, Sunless Skies, are both narrative-driven RPGs set in the Fallen London universe. In these games, players navigate a Lovecraftian-inspired world filled with mystery, madness, and cosmic horrors. The games' storytelling relies heavily on the fear of the unknown, as players uncover the dark secrets of the Unterzee (in Sunless Sea) or the celestial High Wilderness (in Sunless Skies). The atmosphere and lore of these games are deeply rooted in Lovecraftian themes, focusing on humanity's insignificance in the face of vast, terrifying cosmic forces.
Lovecraftian themes and cosmic horror have made a significant impact on the world of RPGs. The Fallout series, along with other games like Bloodborne, The Elder Scrolls, Darkest Dungeon, Sunless Sea, and Sunless Skies, all incorporate elements of Lovecraft's works into their narratives, gameplay, and atmospheres. These games successfully capture the essence of cosmic horror by emphasizing humanity's vulnerability and insignificance in the face of incomprehensible forces, creating immersive and haunting experiences for players. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it is likely that Lovecraftian themes and cosmic horror will remain an enduring influence on RPGs and other genres.