Ferelden and Greenwort

      Fantasy varies.
      Many designers take shadowed and brooding approaches. Dark fantasy. This is where the world is always leering on the edge of some horror and humans are children in a world of greater powers. Personally this viewpoint leaves me wondering what is even the point. How can anyone exist, and why would they want to? There are no children to raise and no smiles to encourage. Good deeds mean nothing in a dark fantasy world. You can save a village only to have it ravaged by some nightmare. One stops even caring after a while.
      In the alternative is the light and happy fantasy of childhood games. Dark things do exist in this world, but the foes are slain by noble knights to rescue lovely princesses. Dragons sleep on mounds of delightful treasure, and the village is always in need of saving. Perhaps everyone can just get along? This world is preferable only on virtue of positivity. Otherwise it is just as bland as the dark one. There is no point to their ridiculous happiness. They haven't accomplished anything because there is no way not to. Agonizing.
      The quest is to find a fantasy world, then, that contains both elements of dark and light fantasy. Happiness and children need to be on the line before we actually start caring about impending darkness. We actually need to care about death and life.
      Fine examples of gaming dichotomy: Dragon Age: Origins and King's Bounty: The Legend.
      Dragon Age leans towards dark fantasy. The world is a gritty one. Dishonesty, tricks, traps, and faith crisis plague the humans while the horrible creatures that are building their forces to invade are always an inch away from invading. But, there is good in the world that is worth fighting for. You meet children and families in small villages, beautiful forests, and large fantasy metropolis locations. The situations are horrifying because they take away from the beauty and innocence in many situations. The swearing is minimal but the violence extreme and some of the moral dilemmas downright frightening, but what would we expect from the makers of Mass Effect and Jade Empire? This game is serious, yet still makes time for humanity. A near flawless mix, though it can make you come away feeling a bit less than morally fulfilled.
       King's Bounty is a more recent conquest for me and seems like a sleeper. Here we have a bright fantasy world filled with intricate details. The caves are classic fantasy with bats and spiderwebs and creepy music, the world as bright as a fantasy picture book and just as filled with adventure. Here you take on the role of a king's servant and wander about the country side seeking out quests. You lead armies tactically in a turn-based map while expanding your influence, inventory, spells, and skills. A cheery and bright game with just the right amount of aura and a kingdom of troubles and fantasy adventure. Delightful (And only $9.99 on GOG. Shameless advertising).
       Maybe not all of you are fans of fantasy, high or dark or light or avante garde, but these games bear decisions and experiences that all will enjoy or at least find fascinating. Enjoy!