I'd argue it depends entirely on what kind of story you're looking for. Ultimately, magic, technology, knowledge etc. are all just plot devices. Mysterious magic can be good, but predictable magic can take the place of technology in a more fantasy-flavored setting.
Kinda have to disagree. Hundreds of pages into the comic they'll still sometimes drop into expositional paragraphs about how the khert works. I've got other problems with the comic but here isn't really the place.
I'm not saying it can't be done well, but I guess all else being equal I just prefer Sci-Fi settings over Fantasy settings so if magic is just taking the place of technology I'd rather it not. A fantasy setting without mysterious magic just feels video-gamey to me; I wouldn't mind it as much if it wasn't so ubiquitous.
I feel like China Mireille's Bas-Lag setting might suit your tastes better. They have the magic as science thing, but more in the 19th century science way.
I'd argue it depends entirely on what kind of story you're looking for. Ultimately, magic, technology, knowledge etc. are all just plot devices. Mysterious magic can be good, but predictable magic can take the place of technology in a more fantasy-flavored setting.
I reluctantly agree with you; the "Unsounded" webcomic series pulled that off.
Kinda have to disagree. Hundreds of pages into the comic they'll still sometimes drop into expositional paragraphs about how the khert works. I've got other problems with the comic but here isn't really the place.
I'm not saying it can't be done well, but I guess all else being equal I just prefer Sci-Fi settings over Fantasy settings so if magic is just taking the place of technology I'd rather it not. A fantasy setting without mysterious magic just feels video-gamey to me; I wouldn't mind it as much if it wasn't so ubiquitous.
Don't get me wrong, it has to be done well
And just because people know how the magic works doesn't mean this character knows
I feel like China Mireille's Bas-Lag setting might suit your tastes better. They have the magic as science thing, but more in the 19th century science way.