Why Aren't There More Space RPGs?

Axe of the Blood God is our weekly RPG podcast hosted by Kat Bailey and Nadia Oxford. You can find the previous episodes here.

There are fewer RPGs set in space than you might think. This was the surprising discovery I made when I set out to do the research for this episde [download link here]

The space RPGs that do exist are mostly amazing: Mass Effect, KOTOR, Phantasy Star, and to a lesser extent, Star Ocean and Xenosaga. But while space features in everything from Final Fantasy VIII to Xenogears, it's not often the primary setting. Nadia and I set out to discover why (Nadia: Space is scary), and we also explore what it can contribute to the form.

Keeping with the space theme, the Top 25 RPG countdown continues with Phantasy Star IV. 1UP alum Shane Bettenhausen joins the show to talk about why this underrated gem is the best Genesis RPG, and why it means so much to him to this day.

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Show Description

1UP alum Shane Bettenhausen joins Kat to talk about the best Genesis RPG ever: Phantasy Star IV! Plus, Nadia and Kat talk about space RPGs, what sets them apart from their counterparts in other subgenres, and wonder why theren't more of them.

Music from Axe of the Blood God is courtesy of Lena Chappelle, who has also contributed the themes to Active Time Babble and Roleplayers' Realm. I also use music from the RPG Music Pack over at rpgmaker.net. Check it out!

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