Summary
The genre of science-fiction provides a veritable playground for new and exciting adventures, thanks in large part to its exploration of the unknown. As part of a broad and varied genre, sci-fi games are able to provide myriad experiences that range from spacefaring adventures to sprawling space operas.
Be it theFirefly-inspired atmosphere ofThe Outer Worldsor the detailed retro-futurism ofBioShock, many sci-fi adventure games excel with their unique and exciting worlds. However, others excel with immersive gameplay mechanics or a well-told narrative.
Innovating withits immersive storytelling,Half-Lifeis a linear adventure game that’s still worth playing today thanks to its fast pace and action-packed narrative. The game’s lightweight horror elements also make for a decidedly tense experience at times, with a variety of enemy types that shake up combat in new and interesting ways.
As an FPS,Half-Lifeis decidedly old-school and fairly straightforward. However, its hands-off approach to storytelling champions immersion over shoehorned drama, allowing players to feel like a part of its world, rather than an observer of its story.
Mass Effectisa spacefaring RPGthat excels with its distinctive sci-fi world and deftly-woven narrative. Its gameplay may not satisfy some players, but the moment-to-moment is supported by a variety of unique and interesting characters.
For players that are intrigued byMass Effect’ssci-fi world, there’s a wealth of information available throughout the game. This is thanks to a great deal of world-building, primarily supported by the game’s myriad companions. As a result,Mass Effectis able to offer considerable depth when it comes to its narrative and setting — giving substantial context to this sci-fi adventure.
Outer Wildsisan exploration gamethat focuses its efforts on immersing players in its melancholic atmosphere. It accomplishes this via a heartwarming soundtrack, a cast of charming characters, and a winning visual style that paints the galaxy in broad, sweeping strokes that frequently spark the imagination.
Exploring the world ofOuter Wildsis also tremendously immersive thanks to fluid gameplay that allows players to traverse environments freely, both on the ground and in space. By giving players little to go on and complete freedom of exploration,Outer Wildsis able to provide a decidedly adventurous experience in a unique science-fiction world.
Taking place ina unique sci-fi westernlandscape populated by odd critters and quirky characters,Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrathprovides a truly distinctive sci-fi adventure. In the game, players take on the role of the Stranger, a mysterious bounty hunter attempting to cover the cost of an important operation.
The combination of Wild West cliches and sci-fi elements makes for an unusual setting, butStranger’s Wrathalso excels with its gameplay. The Stranger is equipped with a crossbow that fires live ammunition, with each critter the player collects offering their own strengths in combat.Stranger’s Wrathcombines this unique FPS gameplay with traditional 3D platforming, offering a diverse adventure supported by a genuinely memorable setting.
The underwater cityof Rapture remains an overwhelmingly immersive place to explore thanks to detailed environments, creative art direction, and an excellent atmosphere. Supporting this unique sci-fi setting is a mysterious narrative and frequent environmental storytelling that helps to provide context to exploration.
The lightweight immersive-sim elements also help to deepenBioShock’sotherwise straightforward action, simultaneously encouraging players to more deeply explore its various environments. For fans of linear action adventures and lightweight horror,BioShockis a tried-and-true classic that still holds up well today thanks to its evocative setting.
Fans of Malcolm Reynolds' adventures inthe cult-classicFireflyand the first-person exploration of open-world RPGs such asFallout: New Vegasare more than likely to enjoyThe Outer Worlds. This spacefaring adventure from the minds ofFalloutcreators Tim Cain and Leonard Boyarsky is a charming and at-times satirical journey bolstered by fantastic location design and memorable companions.
These companions are the bread and butter ofThe Outer Worlds, providing warmth and familiarity with each return to the player’s ship. Furthermore, players can get to know them better over the course of the adventure by pursuing their personal quest-lines, offering meaningful side activities that strengthen the overall experience. The game might not have the same level of depth in its narrative as other entries on this list, but it makes up for it with its adventurous spirit.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apartis an experience that is both nostalgic and modern, offering an accessible spacefaring adventure through vibrant locales packed withtremendous set pieces. Simple controls and fast-paced action result in non-stop engagement, backed by a simple but heartfelt narrative that’s perfect for both newcomers and existing fans of the series.
In keeping with previous entries in the series,Rift Apartexcels with its chaotic variety of quirky weapons. Exploring its sci-fi world, however, is particularly fun thanks to diverse environments and a multitude of collectibles.
Halomay play like a fairly straightforward FPS by today’s standards, but its combat encounters remain riveting thanks to clever enemies and dynamic environments. The game’s diverse locations also remain awe-inspiring, evoking an impressive sense of scale that sets the stage for a bombastic narrative.
Its narrative may be simple, but the exaggerated tone and cinematic presentation offer a fast-paced adventure that’s perfect for fans of military sci-fi. Furthermore, the game received several sequels, with the second and third game rounding off the adventure in a neat and satisfying way.
