Summary
Britain has been the setting for some of the best dystopian novels ever written, including1984andA Clockwork Orange.Perhaps it’s the British attitude of keeping a stiff upper lip no matter what events unfold which makes Britain a great setting for memorable dystopian worlds, whether it’sa nuclear disaster, a brutal regime,or a zombie apocalypse.
While some of these games were developed outside of the UK, all take place within Britain. Boasting gut-wrenching stories and often skilled at mixing horror with a biting sense of humor, these are some of thebest examples of British dystopian settings in gaming.
Survival horror throwbackRule of Rosesees players take on the role of Jennifer, a timid young woman in 1930s England. Similar to the classic dystopian novelLord of the Flies,Jennifer finds herself trapped aboard an airship where she must adapt to a society ruled by a vicious gang of well-spoken schoolgirls who call themselves the Red Crayon Aristocrats.
Much like its contemporaryCanis Canem Edit,the game wasbanned in several countries, including the UK, due to overblown concerns about violent content. As a result,copies of this treasured cult classic regularly sell for upwards of $350.With the game’s incredible story let down by notoriously janky gameplay, it’s a game best experienced through online Let’s Plays rather than trying to track down a copy to own.
Set in 1899,Amnesia: A Machine for Pigssends players slinking through the rotting underbelly of London in the shoes of slaughterhouse owner Oswald Mandus, trying to prevent a catastrophic event that would see the world overrun by grotesque human-pig chimeras.
Often slated as a poor sequel to its smash-hit predecessorand one of thescariest games of all time,Amnesia: The Dark Descent,fans were left disappointed by the stripping back of elements that made the first game such a smash-hit. However, the sequel’s harrowing story makes it worthy of experiencing despite all its pig-related puns, with a climax which treats players to one of thebest monologues in gaming.
Brought to life by Boston-based developers Ape Law, this 2015stealth-based horrorimmerses players in a twisted Victorian wonderland ruled by grotesque maggot-like creatures known as The Grandchildren.
In spite of the game’s deliciously over-the-top voice acting and candy-colored palette,Albino Lullabyis perfectly capable of making players squirm in terror. The game prides itself on havingno gore or jump scares,relying on striking visuals and a great story to draw in players. This weird and wonderful episodic adventure is not yet complete, with fans still awaiting the release of its final installment.
This charming game from indie studio Big Robot Ltd issilly, scary,and, above all, fantastically British.Players scramble for survival as they are hunted through the procedurally-generated English countryside by a variety of mustachioed robots, with only the disembodied voice of their humble Butler, Walters, for company.
While the graphics have not aged too well since the game’s 2013 release, the mad scramble for tea and poached pheasants, coupled with the game’s infinite replayability, make it a gem of the genre.
Compulsion Games’We Happy Fewplunges players into a technicolor reimagining of 1960’s Britain where the allied powers lost World War Two. Grinning police officers patrol the streets dealing out ‘Joy’, a drug designed to erase the horrors of the war and keep everyone smiling—and subdued.
The game was criticized upon its release for havingpoorly implemented survival mechanics and a bloated runtime.Despite its flaws,We Happy Fewdeserves plenty of praise for its great story, unique aesthetic, and ability to balance a fantastic sense of humor with grim subject matter.
Brought to life by British team Rebellion Developments,Atomfallsees players exploring an alternate reality where the 1957 fire at Sellafield nuclear site has turned the North of England into a barely habitable wasteland. Players will encounter robots, cultists, and desperate outlaws as theycraft and fight for survivalin this unique post-apocalyptic world.
There is a great mystery element to the game. As players explore the lush green environments of the Lake District, they will eventually uncover the truth behind what led to the Sellafield disaster. With fun references to classic British media dotted around its gorgeous open world,Atomfallis distinctly British through and through.
As the third game in the action-adventureWatch Dogsseries,Watch Dogs: Legionputs players in the shoes of agroup of hackerswho are fighting back against the control of a corrupt militant company. The game takes place not too far in the future, in a glossy-but-gritty reimagining of London.
The game makes a bold choice byallowing players to recruit almost any NPC they meet to join the fight.Watchdogfans were divided on this feature, and in spite of itsbrilliantly realized environment,the game is generally seen a fun romp which doesn’t quite hit the heights of the first two games.
This 2012 first-person-shooter game was created for the often forgotten Wii U console, and treated gamers to animmersive, bloody romp through London’s Zombie-infested streets.The game is packed with challenging survival elements and memorable moments, including the chance to face off against undead Beefeaters within the gilded halls of Buckingham Palace.
ZombieUdelivers a uniquely British flair from start to finish. It was well-received by critics and fans alike, though its 2015 Steam port, simply titledZombi,suffers from launch issues, leaving it sadly inaccessible to many modern players.
While most dystopias feature violence and brutal regimes,Everybody’s Gone to the Raptureinvites players along on an idyllic stroll through the sun-kissed British countryside and starlit streets. Everybody in town has vanished, and it’s up to the player to figure out why.
Whilethe game’s limited interactivity won’t be for everyone,this game fromDear Estherdevelopers The Chinese Room is a stand-out of thewalking simulator genre.Players will find themselves blown away by the beautifully rendered environments. The game even boasts what might be one of the most beautiful moments in gaming, all brought to life by a soul-elevating soundtrack from acclaimed composer Jessica Curry.
