10. Deliver Us Mars – A Puzzle-Heavy Adventure
Deliver Us Mars
- Released – February 2, 2023
- ESRB – T For Teen Due To Mild Blood, Violence
- Developer(s) – KeokeN Interactive
- Publisher(s) – Frontier Foundry
- Engine – Unreal Engine
- Platform(s) – PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- How Long To Beat – 9 Hours
- PS Plus Availability – Extra & Premium
- OpenCritic Rating – Fair
Emphasizing puzzle-solving and platforming elements, Deliver Us Mars offers a story-driven experience that takes a more relaxed approach compared to the action-intensive titles that follow. However, this doesn’t diminish its unique appeal.
Similar to games like Firewatch or Everybody’s Gone To The Rapture, players piece together an increasingly intricate and enigmatic story while investigating various clues scattered across the barren landscape.
A sequel to Deliver Us The Moon, this adventure unfolds on Mars, focusing on resolving a mysterious disappearance while progressing through the environment using climbing mechanics and solving various puzzles.
Despite its imperfections, Deliver Us Mars presents an engaging and distinctive take on the astronaut experience, complemented by diverse gameplay mechanics.
9. Fort Solis – A Highly Cinematic Horror Story
Fort Solis
- Released – August 22, 2023
- ESRB – M For Mature: Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s) – Fallen Leaf, Black Drakkar Games
- Publisher(s) – Dear Villagers
- Steam Deck Compatibility – Verified
- PC Release Date – August 22, 2023
- PS5 Release Date – August 22, 2023
- Platform(s) – Steam, PlayStation 5
- How Long To Beat – 3.5 Hours
- OpenCritic Rating – Weak
Featuring the talented Roger Clarke (renowned for his role as Arthur in Red Dead Redemption 2), this haunting narrative unfolds within the confines of a desolate Martian mining complex. Though the storyline follows a linear progression without many divergent paths, it masterfully captures the vulnerability and isolation one would experience in such a hostile extraterrestrial environment.
The narrative predominantly takes place within the facility’s interior, showcasing meticulous attention to environmental detail. Players can interact with numerous elements, including personal logs and mission documents that provide deep insights into the base’s inhabitants and their objectives.
Fort Solis stands as a testament to modern gaming’s visual capabilities, delivering some of the highest fidelity graphics you will find in any sci-fi game, despite its contained setting and linear narrative structure focused primarily on indoor environments.
The game’s immersion is significantly enhanced by exceptional voice acting performances that bring authenticity to the storytelling. The deliberate absence of traditional HUD elements and obvious gaming mechanics further strengthens the player’s connection to this atmospheric experience.
8. Astroneer – A Unique Survival Space Game
Astroneer
- Released – February 6, 2019
- ESRB – E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence
- Engine – Unreal Engine 4
- Multiplayer – Online Multiplayer
- Developer – System Era Softworks
- How Long To Beat – 22 Hours
- OpenCritic Rating – Strong
- Publisher – System Era Softworks
- X|S Optimized – No
- File Size Xbox Series – 1 GB (November 2023)
- Steam User Rating – 92% (October 25, 2023)
For those seeking a more cheerful cosmic adventure, Astroneer presents the perfect opportunity. The game’s primary objective involves transforming lifeless planets into thriving, resource-rich paradises brimming with potential and vitality.
It stands out as a groundbreaking sci-fi sandbox experience, offering players unprecedented freedom to mold and engineer alien landscapes according to their vision. The game introduces a delicate balance of survival mechanics, requiring careful management of essential resources like power systems and oxygen supplies to maintain your existence in these harsh environments.
While the majority of your adventures unfold on various planetary surfaces, the game’s scope extends beyond a single world. Players have the opportunity to venture across multiple unique planets, each with its distinct characteristics and challenges, creating an expansive interplanetary exploration experience.
The game’s distinctive low-poly visual design adds a special charm to the experience, fostering a more relaxed and approachable atmosphere compared to other entries in the genre. This artistic choice perfectly complements the game’s overall tone and gameplay philosophy.
What truly sets it apart in the survival genre is its exceptional combination of immersive gameplay and extensive creative possibilities. Although traditional combat elements are notably absent, the true challenge lies in navigating and adapting to the diverse planetary environments themselves.
7. The Invincible – An Iconic Sci-Fi Story
The Invincible
- Released – November 6, 2023
- ESRB – e
- Publisher(s) – 11 Bit Studios
- Engine – Unreal Engine 4
- Multiplayer – Online Multiplayer
- Platform(s) – PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Developer – Starward Industries
- OpenCritic Rating – Fair
Drawing inspiration from the renowned sci-fi novel by Stanislaw Lem, The Invincible weaves an intriguing narrative centered around a team of missing engineers on the enigmatic planet Regis 3.
This narrative-driven experience takes a deliberately measured pace, which enhances rather than diminishes its impact. The game builds upon its exceptional source material, featuring richly developed characters, compelling backstories, and advanced technology, alongside masterful writing, all of which are further elevated through immersive audiovisual presentation.
The game delivers a thought-provoking and philosophical odyssey set in an atom-punk universe, crafting an emotionally resonant experience that keeps players engaged throughout its intricate and meaningful storyline.
Special recognition must be given to Brunon Lubas’s remarkable original soundtrack, which employs vintage analog synthesizers to perfectly capture the essence of 1970s science fiction atmosphere.
6. Space Engineers – Creative Sandbox Spaceflight.
- Released – February 28, 2019
- ESRB – T For Teen Due To Drug Reference, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language
- Developer(s) – Keen Software House
- Publisher(s) – Keen Software House
- Engine – VRAGE 2.0
- Multiplayer – Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play – PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
- Number of Players – 1-4 (Xbox); 1-16 (PC); 1-8 (PS5)
- Early Access Release – October 23, 2013
- PC Release Date – February 28, 2019
- PS5 Release Date – May 11, 2023
- Platform(s) – PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Developer – Keen Software House
- How Long To Beat – 20 Hours
- PS Plus Availability – Extra & Premium
- Publisher – Keen Software House
- X|S Optimized – No
- File Size Xbox Series – 34 GB (May 2024)
- Platforms That Support Crossplay – PC, Xbox One, & Xbox Series X/S
- Steam User Rating – 89% (October 27, 2023)
Over the years, Space Engineers by Keen Software House has cultivated a dedicated following within the sci-fi sandbox genre, maintaining an enthusiastic and engaged community long after its initial launch.
The core gameplay revolves around constructing elaborate structures and spacecraft, featuring an accessible mechanics system that creates compelling gameplay loops, making it engaging even for solo players.
The game offers complete creative freedom, allowing players to chart their own course – whether that means establishing a permanent base on a distant planet or assembling a formidable fleet of ships to explore neighboring star systems.
While a sequel has recently entered early access with promising potential, the original Space Engineers currently remains the more refined and feature-rich experience between the two titles.
5. Starfield – The Sky Is Not The Limit.
- Released – September 6, 2023
- ESRB – M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s) – Bethesda
- Publisher(s) – Bethesda
- Engine – proprietary engine
- Cross-Platform Play – no multiplayer
- Cross Save – no
- Steam Deck Compatibility – yes
- Platform(s) – PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- How Long To Beat – 20 Hours
- OpenCritic Rating – Mighty
- X|S Optimized – Yes
- File Size Xbox Series – 101 GB (September 2023)
- Metascore – 86
While Bethesda’s highly anticipated space exploration title Starfield has garnered diverse reactions from its player base, the game undeniably excels in several aspects. From its vast universe containing countless explorable celestial bodies to the deep character and ship customization systems, Starfield delivers an impressive experience when approached with measured expectations.
The game’s universe is rich with captivating narratives and fascinating background lore, with particularly engaging side missions that leave lasting impressions.
The game offers truly memorable experiences reminiscent of Bethesda’s golden era titles like Oblivion and Fallout 3, whether you’re orchestrating a daring prison break on a hostile world or participating in the thrilling spectacle of the Red Mile betting arena.
4. Elite Dangerous – Incredibly Immersive Experience
Elite Dangerous
- Released – December 16, 2014
- ESRB – T For Teen due to Drug Reference, Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s) – Frontier Developments
- Publisher(s) – Frontier Developments
- Engine – Cobra
- Multiplayer – Online Multiplayer
- Platform(s) – PC, PlayStation 4
- How Long To Beat – 109 Hours
- PS Plus Availability – Extra & Premium
- OpenCritic Rating – Strong
- Steam User Rating – 76% (October 27, 2023)
When discussing space simulation and astronomical exploration, Elite Dangerous stands as a paramount example. Offering an extensive variety of career paths and featuring some of the most realistic space flight mechanics in the genre, it has established itself as a benchmark title across multiple aspects of space gaming.
Not only does Elite Dangerous excel as an audiovisual masterpiece, but it also delivers an exceptionally engaging and relaxed gameplay experience. The core essence of the game revolves around embarking on extensive journeys across various star systems, and through numerous updates over the years, the game has evolved to offer players expanded possibilities including planetary exploration, faction allegiances, and diverse revenue-generating activities.
The future content roadmap remains robust, with the development team demonstrating unwavering commitment to Elite Dangerous’s continued growth and enhancement. The game’s trajectory suggests an even more promising future ahead, with regular updates and improvements consistently being implemented.
3. No Man’s Sky – Endless Cosmic Exploration
- Released – August 9, 2016
- ESRB – T for Teen: Fantasy Violence, Animated Blood
- Developer(s) – Hello Games
- Publisher(s) – Hello Games
- Engine – Proprietary
- Multiplayer – Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play – PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
- Steam Deck Compatibility – Verified
- Platform(s) – PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
- How Long To Beat – 30.5 Hours
- PS Plus Availability – N/A
- OpenCritic Rating – Fair
- X|S Optimized – Yes
- File Size Xbox Series – 20.36 GB (September 2024)
- Metascore – 83
- Platforms That Support Crossplay – PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
- Supported VR Headsets – Sony PlayStation VR, Sony PlayStation VR2, Valve Index, HP Reverb G2, HTC Vive Pro 2, HTC VIVE Cosmos, Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest Pro
- How Long To Beat (Completionist Runs) – 150 hours
In terms of open-world exploration, No Man’s Sky stands unparalleled in its scope. The game features an almost infinite universe containing hundreds of thousands of distinct planets, each boasting unique environmental characteristics, mineral deposits, and indigenous life forms.
Although the game’s initial release faced significant criticism regarding its procedural generation approach, it has made a remarkable comeback through numerous content updates over the years.
Currently, No Man’s Sky ranks among the elite titles in the space gaming genre, promising players an individualized and distinctive gaming experience.
The vast expanse of diverse worlds, extraordinary life forms, and unique environmental landscapes serves as one of the game’s primary attractions. Over time, the developers have enhanced the experience by incorporating a comprehensive narrative mode featuring specific objectives and various competing factions.
No Man’s Sky stands out uniquely in the gaming landscape by offering an unparalleled level of astronomical exploration. Players can seamlessly transition from ground level to outer space, piloting their spacecraft beyond planetary atmospheres to explore countless star systems and celestial formations, all with unprecedented freedom of movement and discovery.
2. Dead Space – A Dark & Disturbing Astral Tale
Dead Space (2023)
- Released – January 27, 2023
- ESRB – Rated M for Mature for Blood and Gore, Strong Language, and Intense Violence.
- Developer(s) – EA Motive
- Publisher(s) – Electronic Arts
- Engine – Frostbite
- Franchise – Dead Space
- Platform(s) – Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, PlayStation 5
- How Long To Beat – 12 Hours
- PS Plus Availability – N/A
- OpenCritic Rating – Mighty
- X|S Optimized – Yes
- File Size Xbox Series – 31 GB (November 2023)
- Metascore – 89
The Dead Space trilogy stands as a landmark achievement in sci-fi horror gaming from the Xbox 360 era, earning widespread acclaim for its compelling storytelling, stunning visual design, and masterfully crafted environments. While a modernized remake emerged in 2023, the original series continues to impress despite its age.
Players step into the role of Isaac Clarke, a skilled starship systems engineer, tasked with exploring labyrinthine vessel interiors while confronting terrifying mutated necromorphs. However, Dead Space offers far more depth than typical alien-shooting gameplay, delivering a rich and immersive experience.
The narrative weaves an intricate tapestry of suspense and revelation, presenting plot twists that feel both surprising and perfectly aligned with the game’s established universe.
Though it may challenge those with sensitive dispositions, the Dead Space series delivers countless memorable experiences that will particularly resonate with enthusiasts of space-themed gaming adventures.
1. Mass Effect – The Ultimate Space Opera
- Released – November 6, 2012
- ESRB – t
- Developer(s) – BioWare
- Publisher(s) – Microsoft
- Engine – Unreal Engine 3
- Franchise – Mass Effect
- Platform(s) – Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, iOS, PS3, Android, PS4
The Mass Effect series, created by Bioware, stands as perhaps the most cherished sci-fi gaming franchise ever created, and deservedly so. By seamlessly integrating an expansive universe rich in lore with deeply meaningful character relationships, robust combat mechanics, and sophisticated RPG elements, it truly represents the genre’s finest achievement.
Players take control of Commander Shepard, a customizable protagonist, embarking on various missions across multiple planets while forging alliances and confronting adversaries throughout the journey.
Although Mass Effect 2 is widely regarded as the series’ pinnacle, each installment brings its own unique elements and merits exploration. For newcomers, the Legendary Edition, which combines the first three games into a comprehensive package, serves as the ideal entry point into this remarkable universe.
For those who have already experienced the Mass Effect series, these words merely echo what you already know. However, if you’re yet to embark on this extraordinary journey, this iconic sci-fi masterpiece deserves immediate placement at the top of your gaming priorities.r.