For centuries, people have fantasized about exploring space and what such a journey would feature. While we cannot all be astronomers looking for exoplanets and embarking on space missions, space games allow anyone to explore space from the comfort of their home. We look at how these games work and the best options in the market.
Understanding the Space Game Concept
Space games vary in their environments, functionality, and storylines. But whether players are battling aliens or building spaceships, the premise remains the same – the game takes place in outer space. As such, these games often have the following features in common:
- Players can explore outer space. Most games feature the main workings of our universe, from planets to moons to stars. Players can journey through these systems, discovering what they offer and interacting with their native species.
- Players can engage in combat. Space games incorporate combat, whether this is on the ground or in outer space where players encounter enemy ships. The intensity of the fights varies based on the context.
- Players can interact with sci-fi elements. Whether your curiosity is about lightsabers or machine guns, these games feature sci-fi concepts that allow players to use advanced weapons and technologies.
- Players can be part of dynamic storylines. These games present numerous opportunities for players to shape the trajectory of their characters, including interactions with native species, the ability to join factions, and multiple quests.
These games, however, differ in their focus. For example, role-playing games emphasize storylines and character development, while strategy games require players to take on more managerial perspectives to make the most of their resources.
Which Games Top the Charts
Like any other game category, some titles appeal to players more than others. So, which ones have garnered the most points, and what makes them unique?
Star Wars
Since many of the games in this series feature space exploration, the franchise is considered to fall into the space game category. Let’s look at some top options:
- Knights of the Old Republic. This role-playing game (RPG) takes players through space travel, where their decisions affect the storylines, setting the pace for a rich narrative.
- Squadrons: This game falls more on the combat side, allowing players to pilot ships through the universe while taking part in strategic space battles.
Other good examples are Fallen Order, The Old Republic, and Battlefront II.
Starfield
This RPG game is known for its action-packed adventures as players make their way through the Milky Way centuries into the future. The developers set the pace for a realistic game by combining fictional and non-fictional planetary systems. Players have the choice to explore the planets, interact with other species, or travel through space, all while completing quests that often feature space and ground combats.
No Man’s Sky
This action-adventure game pushes players to think outside the box to survive. It boasts more than 18 quintillion planets, allowing players to enjoy a wide range of exploration opportunities. However, as they satisfy their sense of wonder, they must also figure out how to withstand the extreme conditions in different environments. And there’s always the chance that a player will encounter not-too-happy creatures and space pirates along the way. If that happens, combat is often the way out!
Warhammer 40,000
If you enjoy fantasy, you will love this game for its dystopian future setting. The game transports you to a time when warfare is the norm in the galaxy. You must figure out how to stay alive and safe when almost everything is blowing up in flames. You get to explore different planets and travel through space, where you encounter all sorts of aliens and often find yourself engaging in combat to save your skin.
The Outer Worlds
Players who want a mix of exploration, rich storytelling, and space travel love this game. You play the role of a colonist who wakes up to find that a conspiracy threatens the very system that holds your world together. You can move from one planet to another while making choices that will affect the outcome of the colony. But it’s not just dialogue and travel – you also get to be part of conflict resolution through combat. Luckily, this allows you to get your hands on some of the most advanced technologies, making the combat opportunities quite exciting.
Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak
Previous Homeworld games focus on outer space. But this one thrusts you into the deserts of the planet Kharak, where your goal is to figure out a mystery that lies deep in the south of the desert. You get to be part of the origin story, piecing clues together to figure out the cause of the anomaly. In doing so, you encounter various challenges, including the need to engage in ground combat to ensure your survival in the harsh desert conditions. However, adversaries are not the only barrier to success. Players must also figure out how to manage the few resources they have and organize their fleets to make it through the large and tough landscapes.
Stellaris
Are you in the mood to strategize? If so, you will love this game, which features a galaxy populated with all sorts of alien species that follow diverse political systems. Players get to explore the thousands of planets, looking for any that offer an opportunity for colonization while collecting relics and keeping an eye out for new species. Best of all, you can create your own empire and embark on decisions regarding how you will run it, including resource management and how to get along with other empires. Of course, with power comes great responsibility, and you will often have to fight to keep your boundaries intact. The storytelling in this game is just phenomenal.
EVE Online
While single-player explorations are fun, there is power in numbers, as seen in this popular game, which takes place in New Eden, a universe that comprises thousands of star systems. This online multiplayer RPG allows you to decide whether you want to explore the universe, engage in combat, be part of the trades, or combine these. You will love that this is a purely player-driven economy in which players do everything, from trading in the market to making goods to mining! So, you can choose a track and stick with it to be one of the top names in the industry, or you can fight for a better world.
Kerbal Space Program
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be at the forefront of space exploration? Well, wonder no more! This space simulator allows players to create and manage their own space program. Since it uses realistic mechanics and physics, players get to learn a lot about how space programs work. What’s more, it is highly entertaining as it allows you to live out your space exploration fantasies!
Elite Dangerous
Yet another space simulator, this game allows you to explore the Milky Way Galaxy. But it’s not just physics and learning. Instead, you get to engage in various activities, from trading to mining to combat. You can play the game alone or alongside online companions, which makes it great for anyone who craves more interaction.
Conclusion
Space games continue to appeal to players for their unique perspectives on outer space and the opportunities they offer for creative freedom, access to advanced technologies, and their rich storylines. And with these games, you are sure to find one that meets all your preferences.