There seems to be some different opinions about this topic. If MC should be categorized, what is it then?
Just for all, who dont know this term:
Wikipedia:
Steampunk is a subgenre of speculative fiction which came into prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s. The term denotes works set in (or strongly inspired by—see fantasy-world steampunk below) an era when steam power was still widely used—usually the 19th century, and often set in Victorian England—but with prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy, such as fictional technological inventions like those found in the works of H. G. Wells, or real technological developments like the computer occurring at an earlier date. It is often associated with cyberpunk and shares a similar fanbase but developed as a separate movement (though with considerable influence on each other). Their main difference beyond the chronological differences in settings is that Steampunk settings tend to be less obviously dystopian.
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The prototypical "steampunk" stories were essentially cyberpunk tales that were set in the past, using steam-era technology rather than the ubiquitous cybernetics of cyberpunk but maintaining those stories' "punkish" attitudes towards authority figures and human nature. Originally, like cyberpunk, steampunk was typically dystopian, often with noir and pulp fiction themes, as it was a variant of cyberpunk. As the genre developed, it came to adopt more of the broadly appealing utopian sensibilities of Victorian scientific romances.
Steampunk fiction focuses more intently on real, theoretical or cinematic Victorian-era technology, including steam engines, clockwork devices, and difference engines. While much of steampunk is set in Victorian-era settings, the genre has expanded into medieval settings and often delves into the realms of horror and fantasy. Various secret societies and conspiracy theories are often featured, and some steampunk includes significant fantasy elements. There are frequently Lovecraftian, occult and Gothic horror influences as well.
As how I see Mutant Chronicles, its a weird mixture of Steampunk and Low-tech with some excursions into cyberpunk. Both (Steampunk and Low-tech) are well represent in all books, e.g. main transport on planets are by coal-fired locomotives and many devices and machines function strictly mechanical, like the Harrison-engine. On the other hand there are computers or even satelites, which means there has to be some more advanced technology (I suppose its a tech-level as in the 70ties and 80thies). And third there is cybertronic with automated weapon systems, AI´s and cyborgs. Well, that wouldnt mean that they are on the stage of nanotechnology, but their tech is definitely more advanced as of the other corporations - and its (officially) forbidden.
What do you mean: what aspect should be more important? Steampunk? Low-tech? Cybertech? Or all three?
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