Games, Religion, and God

Hey everyone - I'm researching how religion and the concept of God is portrayed in games, and I'm looking for suggestions on titles to play through with this in mind.

Right now, the most significant titles that come to mind that I've played are:

• Suikoden Tierkreis (The church involved, and the debate of free will)
• Breath of Fire I ( The opening of the game introduces the hungry God, which I think was behind the churches in the game)
• Final Fantasy Tactics, VII, X (Jenova, the Church in FFT, Sin in X, etc.)

To me, those titles seem to comment on religion more than providing creative mythologies, something that is seemingly more frequent in Japanese games. You do see more creative mythologies being brought forth in titles such as the Zelda franchise or most JRPGs.

I still haven't made a full list yet, but if anyone could give me any reccomendations, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks!

For accuracy's sake, the concept of "God" is different from the concept of "god". The former is a subtype of the latter.

Halo series is a pretty good example

http://halo.wikia.com/wiki/Covenant_Religion

For accuracy's sake, the concept of "God" is different from the concept of "god". The former is a subtype of the latter.

Angry_Beaver

Tales of Symphonia had a rather (in my view) cynical take on religion that I think is worth mentioning.

Xenogears.

As a religious studies student, who wishes to pursue the idea of developing a masters thesis around the idea of religion in video games, I must suggest that Prince of Persia [2008] be your first step in researching religion in video games, especially when relating to a theological depiction of a extant religion (Zoroastrianism) which has ties to Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

First thing I would suggest would be to get into reading about Zoroastrianism first, then going on to play the game, so its easier to pick up on all the subtle things they use in imagery and story-telling. I have to admit, I've gone through the game twice now, have considered writing a critical analysis of the game in relation to Zoroastrianism, and still haven't thought of everything I want to talk about yet. And probably need to play it again.

Xenogears and the Xenosaga games probably have the most intense theological themes of any game I've played. There is a heavy emphasis on gnostic concepts that are usually redrawn in the game through a combination of Jungian philosophy and high level physics (quantum mechanincs being the most identifiable). It really is fascinating and, like i said, no game deals with religion more directly than these.

A couple others that come to mind are Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne and SMT: Digital Devil Saga. Nocturne starts with an apocalypse and tells the story of a demi-fiend that's been chosen to recreate the world. The game is basically about this character choosing a "Reason," as he wanders across this primordial desolation with the image of his friends and even Lucifer himself attempting to manipulate the main character's final choice. While the game's characters come from various religions across history, the heavier influences revolve around the "Reasons" themselves and include Christian, Buddhist, and even Darwinian references. Digital Devil Saga is actual a post-apocalyptic setting and story based around concepts from Hinduism.

These games focus more on religions that are still practiced. As for religions that aren't presently being practiced (as far as I know), there are plenty of games based on Greek mythology (GoW, Rise of the Argonauts), Norse mythology (Viking, Too Human), etc. Those are much easier to find. In general, it seems like a lot of game developers don't want to touch modern religions (especially Islam), and I can't really blame them.

I found black & white 1 and 2 to portray God

As far as Christianity is concerned, I think you mentioned the best example when you said FFX. Not only does it comment heavily on sin with...well...Sin, but it satirizes the entire religion. I could seriously write a college thesis on that game's plot because it is sooooo rich. Everywhere you look its THICK with images, some, not many, even carry over to X-2. For instance, Wakka, symbol of blind religious faith and pretty much the paradigm of the Spira citizenry, marries LuLu, a black mage/witch. Shows the demise of blind faith and the coming of reason and acceptance. The best symbolic part of X, imo, is the battle with Yunalesca, the mother goddess, where Wakka is very frightened and weary as to whether their cause is just. I mean, the entire concept of the beast Sin paints Yu Yevon, the maker, to be identical to the Christian "God", and what do they do? They kill his ass. Awesomeness ftw.A_Falcies_Fancy

FF X Xenogears Silent Hill 3 a little bit um and thats all i can think of. Xenogears is a heavly religion based game

The Assassin's Creed games deal with real-world religion, and the men who use it to control the minds of the population. The second game also deals with Adam and Eve, and "the truth" behind God. It's mainly a conspiracy that revolves around religion, I'm not sure if that's exactly what you're looking for though...

Just remember, if God has a speaking role, you are probably going to have to murder him.

First thing I would suggest would be to get into reading about Zoroastrianism first, then going on to play the game, so its easier to pick up on all the subtle things they use in imagery and story-telling. I have to admit, I've gone through the game twice now, have considered writing a critical analysis of the game in relation to Zoroastrianism, and still haven't thought of everything I want to talk about yet. And probably need to play it again.foxhound_fox

Just remember, if God has a speaking role, you are probably going to have to murder him.

AtomicTangerine

Yeah in Final Fantasy 13the main enemy is basically the Pope! It seems like there are a lot of games that challanges the whole concept of God and religion.

I'm surprised nobody has said Dante's Inferno.Gammit10

The idea of going against religion/God is a very popular idea/plot line for a lot of JRPG's. All of the mentioned and you can add in.

Star Ocean : Till the End of Time

Infinite Undiscovery

Xenogears should probably be at the top of your list. Xenosaga is great, but it uses Christian mythology in a way that the characters it refer to only act as mystical symbols and it pays no attention to accuracy for the Christian legends it refers to. So it might not be the best choice.

God of War.... duh. Name says enough... talks all about Greek Gods.

Halo references the Christian God quite a lot. The soundtrack even does. On a Pale Horse references a verse in Revelation.

The Witcher talks a bit in the beginning about a church leader who's actually kind of insane sending you off on a mission to call for their god.

And of course, Oblivion. There's so much stuff about gods!

surprised no one mentioned Shin Megami Tensei

Dante's Inferno made many references to Christian beliefs, especially on hell and salvation.

Something I noticed in the game is how it avoided referring to the "heretics" as Muslims which the Crusaders are fighting and it avoided making reference to Muhammad and Ali, as the original epic put them in hell among the "Sowers of Discord."Perhaps this is done to prevent any controversies the game will have with Muslims.

However, a mosque was mentioned once in the game in the City of Dis.

Castlevania Symphony of the Night had this gem. "You steal mens souls and make them your slaves!" "Perhaps the same could be said of all religions." "Your words are as empty as your soul! Mankind ill needs a savior such as you!" BOOM! Hard hitting social commentary!Got_to_go

I think Doom 3 is the "Hell House" of video games.

Morrowind loresmerlus