Science-Fiction games hold a special place in the gaming community. Being able to explore a science-fictional world, rather than watching it in the movies makes this genre popular amongst people. In addition to that, this virtual-science-fictional world comes with an immersive storyline that allows gamers to use advanced weaponry. Gamers, on the other hand, are extremely picky when it comes to sci-fi games. Not because there is a lack of good games but, because of the abundance of admirable games. If you are looking to try something out from this particular genre, to make things easy for you, here is a list of top sci-fi games.
1. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Even though the “Star Wars” franchise has over 100 games, none of them did justice to this iconic sci-fi pop-culture phenomenon like “Knights of the Old Republic”. Upon its release in the year 2003, Star Wars fanatics lauded this game for its brilliant execution. Developed by BioWare, this RPG allows you to become a Jedi. However, at the onset, you might have to choose from three basic character classes. After a while, you can switch to any three of the Jedi subclasses. Along the way, you will notice a lot of Star Wars lore. To sum up, if you want to fly through the world of Star Wars, then there is nothing better than “Knights of the Old Republic”. Furthermore, “Knights of the Old Republic” is a video game series. So, even if you finish this game, you can still enjoy the subsequent releases under this series!
2. Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Deus Ex is a video game series that revolves around the conflict between secretive factions who wish to control the world by proxy. As of now, there are 6 games written to this franchise, among which 2011’s “Human Revolution” makes it to this list. The reason for this is that this particular instalment is lauded as one of the finest cyberpunk video games. Gameplay-wise, it is a mix of RPG, First Person Shooting and a few stealth elements.
As far as the plot is concerned, it stays relevant to the digital world. Set in the year 2027, the game explores transhumanism and its impact on social class. For the Deus Ex franchise, this game was a benchmark, in terms of sales as well as gameplay. Shortly after 4 months, since its release, the game sold 2.18 million copies in North America and Europe. This tripled their predicted sales and profits for the April-September period.
3. BioShock
Philosophy and science go hand in hand. This combination was prudently put to a mass audience through “BioShock”. In fact, many believe this game to be an epitome for a game of such a concept. This retrofuturistic video game explores various philosophical concepts such as objectivism and exceptionalism. Set in 1960, the protagonist finds himself in an underwater city of Rapture, following an aeroplane crash. Before he could escape, he unravels the mystery behind this place. Subsequently, he is confronted by enemies including the franchise’s iconic “Big Daddies”. The origin of these enemies in an isolated utopia introduces him to ADAM, a genetic material that can grant superhuman powers. Eventually, he tries defeating foes by Rapture’s defences against them. Sounds interesting? Well, you will be (obviously) playing the protagonist in this game! See it for yourself.
4. StarCraft
“StarCraft” is a video game series from the “Warcraft” fame Blizzard Entertainment. This real-time strategy game revolves around a military science-fictional plot of a galactic struggle for dominance among four species. You command an army to battle against the alien hordes. Also, the gameplay is designed to invoke the intellectual side of a gamer. Needless to say, this series is easily one of the most popular franchises in the gaming community. In fact, there’s a separate fan following for this game in Korea, and the game is as popular as soccer. You are free to choose any one of the games from this franchise, as they are all more or less the same, quality-wise. Hence, mentioning the series rather than a particular game.
5. Halo: Combat Evolved
Although there are mixed opinions on the “Halo” series, “Halo: Combat Evolved” was equally accepted by the majority of gamers. Published by Microsoft game studios, this game was the launch title for Xbox video game console. The main objective for you in this game is to unravel the mystery of a ring-shaped artificial world. For this, you have to combat the alien race that tries to stop you before you could make any developments. Not just for its immersive gameplay, “Halo: Combat Evolved” also received awards for its soundtrack. To sum up, this game is a cornerstone in the “Halo” series. Also, just so you know, the “Halo” series inspired the name behind Microsoft’s virtual assistant, “Cortona”.
6. Fallout 3
Post-apocalypse is one of the much-explored realms within the Sci-fi genre. Nonetheless, there aren’t many games that capture the real essence of this particular sub-genre, except for one. “Fallout” series quickly rose into fame for its alternate timeline that depicts the aftermath of nuclear apocalypse. Given a promising post-apocalyptic plot, as expected, the series took the internet by storm as soon as its first instalment was released. However, it wasn’t until the third instalment, when this video game series became a staple in sci-fi. “Fallout 3” was released after making a lot of changes in their existing gameplay. Firstly, the developers switched to 3D graphics instead of their 2D isometric graphics. In addition to that, this is the first open-world game on this series. Such timely upgrades in their gameplay are the reason why we believe “Fallout 3” to be the best one from this franchise.
7. Half-Life 2
If you are an avid gamer, or even if you have just started, this should be a no-brainer. “Half-Life 2” is a part of the “Half-Life” series. This utopian video game series is regarded as one of the best that this genre has to offer. In a way, it glamorised the sci-fi genre, appealing the vast majority of gamers. “Half-Life 2” is one among the very few games that offer a realistic science along with immersive character development. Did I mention that the main protagonist of the game is a physicist? Which explains why the game features a gravity gun. As far as the reception is concerned, the second instalment of the series received 35 game-of-the-year awards. The game truly deserves it, given the hardships that the franchise had to face throughout their six-year development cycle.
8. No Man’s Sky
“No Man’s Sky” boasts as much as 18 quintillion procedurally-generated planets. Hence, it took the developers 3 years to finally roll out the first edition of this games. Although the game does require a lot of update in terms of gameplay, it sure is one of the best never-ending games on this list.
9. Mass Effect 2
BioWare’s success in “Knights of the Old Republic” helped draft the initial development stages of the “Mass Effect” trilogy. This action RPG video game series offers a good plot that matures with every instalment. Simply put, the story revolves around how humanity is threatened by an insectoid species called the “collectors”. The game is set in the Milky Way galaxy and the time is the 22nd century. You will play as Commander Shepard, a human soldier on a mission to save and stop the enemy force. For the sequel, “Mass Effect 2”, a player can also import the character he had played, from “Mass Effect”. However, if you do so, the decisions you made in the first part will impact the plot of this game. In short, “Mass Effect 2” is a good way to kill time, and some “collectors”!
10. Portal 2
“Portal” franchise set a standard for new sci-fi video games with its unique concept. Disorienting at times, the core concept of the movie is to solve puzzles by teleporting the character. Although it was the first instalment of the game that laid the foundation for this unique concept, “Portal 2” worked on it to build a better gaming experience. While the first game was short, the second part included a lot of new characters and features. It has a balanced learning curve and pacing, with a tinge of dark humour on its storyline. In short, this is a game that is better experienced than conveyed through words. So, if you want to get a crux as to what one of the best video games has to offer, enter “Portal 2”.
