Magic is a staple in many RPGs. The ability to in some way interface with the unseen, or utilize some latent mystical power to the effect of greatly changing the world around you is incredibly cathartic and has seen some excellent interpretations in games from a variety of sub-genres and themes. Maybe magic meansdark necromantic powerfor one character, or holy healing magic to another. One of the oldest forms of ‘magic’ in the real world, however, has always been astrology.
Charting the stars and divining the future, seeing how people change based on the dominant stars of their birth, these things have been prevalent in various cultures for centuries, and have made the transition into video games seamlessly. It isn’t always easy to find games with an astrological bent, however. Many games might havefearsome monster huntersor brave knights, but the secretive art of astrology can be well hidden. Luckily, these video games feature astrology while also being impressive, engaging titles.
Mysticism is a strange but welcome sight in the futuristic world ofCyberpunk 2077, and the heavy astrological symbolism that oftencomes with tarot cardsis once again present in the incredible tarot motifs presented by the game.
The astrological symbolism inCyberpunkis a great representation of the ‘technology as magic’ theme that the game explores, especially towards the late game when the main quest ramps up heavily.
As a series,The Elder Scrollsis a collection of games that are constantly evolving. While things like the combat have changed, and the focus on roleplaying heavily diminished over the games, one constant has always been the birthsigns unique to this world’s cosmology.
These birthsigns affect every player, though some races, such as the Argonians, place special emphasis on particular birthsigns like the Shadow. The tale these birthsigns tell is a great piece of insight intoElder Scrollslore.
Considered by many to be the magnum opus of Square Enix’s tactical RPG efforts, alongside games likeTriangle Strategyor the incredible branching story ofTactics Ogre, the aptly namedFinal Fantasy Tacticsis a game that challenges players with the need to be very strategic in battle.
Every unit has a star sign, and units synergize better alongside each other if their star signs are complementary, with penalties if they’re not. It’s a very interesting system that hasn’t been replicated by many games.
57th Dragon 3: Code VFD
The Fortuner Is A Powerful Debuff Class
7th Dragon 3is a game that evokes the huge, time-spanning narratives of something likeLive A Livewhile having a class-building system similar toEtrian Odyssey, and a slick urban fantasy setting that’s all its own.
The Fortuner represents those oracles and mystics of antiquity, a class from the past section of the world that uses the powers of the stars to bring bad luck and debuffs upon foes while augmenting allies.
Withmany difficult sectionsand gruesome, challenging boss fights, it’s no surprise that a game as in love with esoterica and eldritch themes as theBinding of Isaacwould have an affinity for astrological signs.
Star signs in this game provide excellent and useful buffs to the character and have a strong link to the game’s overall narrative of the futile main character’s place in the grand, cosmic scheme of things.
An incredibly unique class in the smash hit MMO that celebratesFinal Fantasy’s love of astrology that’s manifested over the years, the Astrologian is a great celestial healer class that uses the power of star signs and the cosmos.
There aremany intricate weaponsthis class can use, though mostly the class acts as a healer and supporter. Any players looking to focus on a mystical, mysterious healer class should give this one a try once they reach level 30.
2Virgo Versus The Zodiac
An Interesting Astrological JRPG
Among the various fantastic indie titles with female protagonists, this game stands out for all the right reasons. It’s an excellent, engaging game built around the interactions between the star signs with humor and wit.
Virgo Versus The Zodiacis a stylish, beautiful game. Anyone who is a fan of JRPGs should give this game a try and see how the incredibly engaging narrative mixes high stakes and humor together in a single, wonderful concoction of astrological intensity.
1Etrian Odyssey 3
The Zodiac Is A Great Elemental Class
Atlus' hardcore maze-mapping series has always retained a niche reserved for dungeon-diving enthusiasts and build concocting purists, and part of keeping this audience happy is cycling through a mix of compelling classes.
The Zodiac is an excellent mix of magic offense and debuffs, able to dominate from the backlines by triggering elemental weaknesses and softening up tough enemies using the power of the stars and an absolutely iconic aesthetic.
