Steelrising is frankly a delight for us. Why? Well, for one it allowed us to write about alternate history all over again. We only had the pleasure of that only once before. In our Freedom Fighters article. Which you can read here.
But most importantly it’s a delight because it allows us to write about the French Revolution. An event we’ve not had the chance to write about before. Sure, we have plenty of articles about WW2. And plenty of articles about the Pandemic. Both horrible events from the 20th and 21st century that are still having an impact on us.
However, The French Revolution is something different. An event from the 18th century that we haven’t written about once. There’s a first time for everything, so… Here we go.
But wait. Before we dive into the complex events that occupied the French Revolution, we must have a closer look at the game that is put in the center of the story. Steelrising.
What’s Steelrising All About You Might Ask?
Developed by Spiders and published by Nacon, Steelrising is a fantastic action role-playing video game. Furthermore, it’s played from a third-person perspective and In an alternate version of the French Revolution. A game in which King Louis XVI had created an army of clockwork automatons and ruled the city of Paris with fear.
The city burns and bleeds as it suffers the madness of King Louis XVI and his violent legions of automatons. Aegis, a mechanical masterpiece created by the engineer Vaucanson to be the queen’s bodyguard, must save the French Revolution in this challenging action RPG.
You are one of the main characters of an alternative history where Paris is being choked by a tyrant king. Allies and enemies with unclear motives will cross your paths, such as Marie-Antoinette, Lafayette and Robespierre. It’s up to you to cut a path through all the plotting and put an end to one man’s madness so that the French Revolution succeeds.
Steelrising is available for purchase here at IndieGala.
But What Are Some of The Steam Comments Saying About It?
I would say Steelrising is one of my favorite Soulslike releases, and definitely a more worthwhile and interesting entry IMO than something more generic try-hard dark fantasy like Lords of the Fallen. Says Jotlar.
While SUBIMAL adds: Nice Gameplay and Nice story 9/10.
And Which Movies Go Well With Steelrising?
Well, we selected 5 interesting and informative movies about the French Revolution. They’re eclectic as they’re fun to watch. Some of them are in French, while others are in English. And coming from Hollywood too. Yes. Hollywood dabbed its toes into one of the most significant periods in European history. Which ones made the cut? Scroll down to find out.
The French Revolution 1989
Or La Révolution française in French. A historical epic movie that was produced for the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution. Split into two parts, the movie actually tells a faithful and neutral story of the Revolution. From the calling of the Estates-General to the death of Maximilien de Robespierre. Peter Ustinov, Sam Neill, Jane Seymour, François Cluzet, Claudia Cardinale, Christopher Lee and Dominique Pinon compose just a handful of the massive cast. But the thing is, this is probably one of the most historically accurate movies about this event. Some critics, however, pointed out that it suffered from its neutrality. Which resulted in a lack of point of view and some incoherence. Despite all of this, this is a must-see movie for all.
Fun fact: Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy appeared a few seconds as a “Tiers Etat” member in “Les années Lumière”.
Marie Antoinette 2006
A historical drama about Marie Antoinette but with a twist. A Hollywood and very eclectic version of the life of Queen Marie Antoinette. Here in Sofia Coppola’s effort, she’s played by Kirsten Dunst, and in the years leading up to the French Revolution. This is a fun movie to watch. Not particularly accurate when it comes to the historical events, but with fantastic costumes and set design. Oh and with an amazing soundtrack too. The Marie Antoinette soundtrack contains new wave and post-punk bands New Order, Gang of Four, The Cure, Adam and the Ants, and the Strokes. Along with some classical music of the period. Worth your time of course.
Fun fact: The French government granted special permission for the crew to film in the Palace of Versailles.
Farewell, My Queen 2012
Or Les Adieux à la reine in French. Based on the novel of the same name by Chantal Thomas, Farewell, My Queen gives a fictional account of the last days of Marie Antoinette in power. As seen through the eyes of Sidonie Laborde of course. She’s a young servant who reads aloud to the queen and is the perfect witness to the events that occurred. Diane Kruger portrays the Queen, while Léa Seydoux portrays Sidonie Laborde. While some critics compared it to Sofia Coppola’s movie, some called it “an intimate and sexy period spectacle. One that takes us backstage at Versailles and into territory Sofia Coppola was not willing to go.
Fun fact: In this movie, Diane Kruger speaks French with a German/Austrian accent. Which is undoubtedly how the Austrian-born Marie Antoinette would have spoken herself.
Danton 1983
We’re ending this list with another French biopic. This time from the ’80s. It’s Danton, and it’s with Gérard Depardieu in the titular role. But yeah. Danton depicts the last weeks of Georges Danton. One of the leaders of the French Revolution. Besides the French legend in the lead role, the movie with Wojciech Pszoniak in the role of Maximilien Robespierre. And Patrice Chéreau as Camille Desmoulins. What’s so fascinating about it? All supporters of Danton (except for Bourdon) are played by French actors. While Robespierre’s allies are played by Poles. Despite being loose with historically accurate facts, this is a good movie that is worth your time.
Fun fact: Danton is Reportedly the favorite film of Michael Jackson.
Steelrising And Your Favorite Movie About The French Revolution
Which is your favorite movie about The French Revolution? Let us know in the comment section. We’d love to know.
