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Most fantasy worlds are mind-numbingly similar. Knights, wizards, trolls, unicorns, yada yada yada, blah blah blah. It all draws from the same melange of European folklore, to the point that certain well-trodden elements of the fantastic have become predictable. If you want to escape familiarity, you have to branch out with your inspiration and look at other cultures for new ideas. The following recommendations look at fantasy that comes from non-European roots.
Most fantasy worlds are mind-numbingly similar. Knights, wizards, trolls, unicorns, yada yada yada, blah blah blah. It all draws from the same melange of European folklore, to the point that certain well-trodden elements of the fantastic have become predictable. If you want to escape familiarity, you have to branch out with your inspiration and look at other cultures for new ideas. The following recommendations look at fantasy that comes from non-European roots.
Though the world of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind is cold and alienating at first, its mystery and desolate beauty makes it an unforgettable place.
Read MoreWhile Tales of the Arabian Nights is lighter on mechanics than most board games, its massive Book of Tales will take you and your friends on a journey through the world of Middle Eastern mythology.
Read MoreYeelen creates an epic fantasy story with dazzling scenery from West African legends and folk tales.
Read MoreGuillermo del Toro's first feature film Cronos goes beyond its cheesy horror aesthetic to present a story about immortality and letting go.
Read MoreOne of the best action anime of the early 90s, Yu Yu Hakusho takes ideas from Buddhism, Shintoism, and East Asian mythology to create a colorful, detailed world.
Read MoreIn a world filled with bland film adaptations of classic fantasy stories, Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons attempts to capture the action and silliness of the original Chinese novel.
Read MoreFeaturing a deep look at the wizard archetype and a world based on Native American and Pacific Islander cultures, A Wizard of Earthsea is a must-read fantasy book that people of all ages can enjoy.
Read MoreDrawing from Japanese folklore, Yokai Monsters: Spook Warfare is a fantasy movie in the vein of Labyrinth or Dark Crystal starring a squad of Japanese spirits called yokai.
Read MoreAvatar: The Last Airbender brings a story and characters that build in complexity, set in a world inspired by Asian culture where people can control the elements using martial arts.
Read MoreThe best gaming articles you'll find this side of the Mississippi. Considering the Mississippi does not bisect the planet, we have the best best gaming articles on the planet. Can't vouch for Saturn though, their writers are pretty good.
