Science fiction (Sci-Fi) is a multi-faceted genre that is constantly evolving and captivating audiences. It was Arthur C. Clarke who famously said that “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” It is precisely this magic that is the source of what drives us to discover the various "what if" settings and narratives, compelling us to reevaluate and reshape what the future is and can be.
Now as serious as all that sounds, it is also awe-inspiring and fun to imagine what the near or far future can look like. Video games have always been able to present the myriad aspects of the Sci-Fi genre, be it parables of human existence or capturing wacky, incredible spectacles.
8 Outer Wilds/Echoes Of The Eye
Although released back in 2019, this game's most recent expansion, Echoes of the Eye, was released in 2021. Outer Wilds is an action-adventure game that focuses on an alien astronaut whose solar system is trapped in a 22-minute time loop, which ends when the sun goes supernova. The player must progress by exploring neighboring planets to solve the mystery of the time loop.
The game is a breathtaking experience and captures the majesty, exhilaration, and horrors of space. From exploring tempestuous ocean planets with giant jellyfish to solving puzzles on abandoned space stations, Outer Wilds and its expansion is a one-of-a-kind journey that gamers do not want to miss out on.
7 Exo One
Described as an interplanetary journey through time and space, players are placed in the cockpit of an alien vessel that must traverse various alien worlds to reach the "light in the distance." The manipulation of the vessel's gravity and utilizing the local landscape are key to controlling the speed and pace of the alien craft.
Fans of the game describe the experience as meditative and peaceful. Though short, it is a game where players can return to zone out and relax as players will in time find a natural flow and rhythm to their pace whilst being immersed in a range of beautiful alien planets.
6 GTFO
GTFO is the lovechild of Left 4 Dead and Dark Souls. In GTFO, players must work together to traverse a science facility deep underground that has been overrun by strange monsters, and carry out various tasks. The game contains a light storyline, and players can unlock new missions that progressively get more difficult. The game places heavy emphasis on strategy, stealth, and resource management as mistakes can be deeply punishing.
With no tutorial and no handholding throughout missions, players must rely on their wits or those of others to survive and succeed. The game is perfect for fans of FPS titles, or those who have a dedicated game group and want something immersive and challenging.
5 HighFleet
HighFleet is a dieselpunk version of Dune, minus the sandworms and with more emphasis on aerial combat. Players take charge of an airforce commander who must quash the rebellious kingdom of Gerat. To do so, players will need to explore their surroundings with care and acquire resources and allies to rule the skies. Meanwhile, a prophecy looms over the world, declaring that the savior is near.
The game features an interesting 2D platformer combat system, a dynamic storyline, and multiple avenues for players to customize their ships. HighFleet is the ideal title for detail-oriented and thrill-seeking gamers who seek a unique experience.
4 Death Stranding Director’s Cut
When looking for a bizarre gaming experience, it's hard to top Death Stranding. Gamers play as Sam Bridges, a porter (or delivery man) who must trek through a ruined America and reconnect the scattered societies. Meanwhile, lost souls, known as BTs (Beached Things), human terrorists, and an impending extinction event stand against Sam's efforts. No pressure, right?
The game is a strange experience at its core, and has been likened to being a walking simulator as players can spend hours delivering items between estranged settlements. The game is also interspersed with cutscenes (some can last a full hour) featuring an all-star Hollywood cast who alternate between furthering the narrative and delivering lengthy exposition. The new director's cut released this year features even more equipment, vehicles, and content for both new and returning players. That said, this game is certainly not for everyone. Yet even with its odd gameplay and worldbuilding, Death Stranding is a touching story about love, loneliness, the human connection between parents and children, and between strangers.
3 Chorus
An explosive and action-packed third-person shooter centered around ship-to-ship space combat, Chorus is the ideal game for those who like to go in guns blazing. The story revolves around an ace pilot who must use her skills to take down an ambitious cult bent on dominating everything.
Players will have the choice to customize their ship, the Forsaken, and equip it with a wide array of weaponry and abilities. These can include different missiles and lasers, as well as the ability to quickly warp behind enemies. Players will have access to an open world (or space in this case), filled with mysterious puzzles and intense side missions.
2 Deep Rock Galactic
Left 4 Dead meets Minecraft meets Starship Troopers in this title. Deep Rock Galactic is a co-op FPS where players work together to complete missions on a hostile alien planet. Each player is a space dwarf (yes, that’s right) employee of the Deep Rock Galactic mining company who is sent to mine the resource-rich planet of Hoxxes IV whilst fending off hordes of bugs.
The game features a wide array of different biomes with fully destructible environments, something that will deeply satisfy any explosive maniac. Players can select from four unique classes that are fully customizable and have completely different playstyles. Whether players enjoy incinerating hundreds of bugs with a flamethrower or like to dart across the map with a grappling hook, this game is a total blast.
1 Slipways
A condensed grand strategy puzzle game, Slipways differs from other similar titles in the genre with its lack of conflict and emphasis on resource management, which develops the empire. At the start of each round, players will select special perks from a host of aliens which will influence a playthrough. As worlds are discovered and colonized, players must link their planets via trade routes, but each planet produces different things and demands specific exports. The challenge here is how players connect their planets to maximize happiness and capital.
Slipways offers a fun challenge to players who enjoy solving ever more complex puzzles and making efficient plays. It's ideal for those who want to play a grand strategy game in a short amount of time and without excessive micromanaging.