Summary
- Space setting adds intrigue to RPGs, leading to memorable experiences with aliens and exploration.
- The Outer Worlds provides impactful choices, Starfield excels despite flaws, Citizen Sleeper offers unique gameplay.
- Prey's immersive sim is underrated, Mass Effect 2 is a standout with memorable plot and party members.
Role-playing games usually feature wild and interesting settings that keep fans coming back for more. Sci-fi RPGs are especially interesting, with a ton of these amazing games taking place in space. Exploring the great unknown and interacting with people and aliens of all types makes for a grand experience in these games.
With its endless mystery and wonder, space will always be an intriguing setting for any video game, RPGs or otherwise. These are some of the best RPGs that have put that out-of-this-world setting to good use.
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8 The Outer Worlds
A Gread Sci-fi Epic, Despite Its Short Length
The Outer Worlds
- Released
- October 25, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Obsidian Entertainment is one of the biggest players in the modern RPG scene, and fans had high hopes for The Outer Worlds when it was launched. Although it failed to reach the heights of Fallout: New Vegas, The Outer Worlds was still worth checking out. Players loved the focus on player choices and stats, which had a meaningful impact on how certain gameplay scenarios played out. As long as players don't mind this title's shortcomings, they'll have a great time and join the many people hyped for the sequel.
7 Starfield
Despite Its Faults, The Adventure Hits When Things Click Into Place
Starfield
- Released
- September 6, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
The idea of Bethesda crafting a new IP wowed many fans, but some elements of Starfield prevented it from being a world-beater. The focus on loading screens and procedurally generated planets diluted the sense of immersive exploration, which was executed brilliantly in past Bethesda titles.
However, even if the game is stretched too thin, that shouldn't be a huge problem for players who enjoy the Bethesda formula. As long as they don't waste too much of their time exploring inconsequential planets, players should have a great time with what Starfield brings to the table.
6 EVE Online
One Of The Most Popular MMORPGs Set In Space
EVE Online
- Released
- May 6, 2003
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Violence
- Genre(s)
- MMORPG
A notorious MMORPG that needs no introduction, EVE Online's legend has stretched by leaps and bounds. Stories of gargantuan sums of money and the losses incurred in space battles enhance the reputation of a complex yet engaging RPG that can be a blast to play if players are willing to put in the effort.
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EVE Online is a huge time sink, and it's not uncommon for players to lose hours upon hours in a single sitting of this game. The sheer number of gameplay loops players can interact with is staggering, allowing them to live out a virtual life in a futuristic world where the possibilities are endless.
5 Citizen Sleeper
A Thought-Provoking, Story-Driven RPG
Citizen Sleeper
- Released
- May 5, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
Players seeking out a laid-back RPG with philosophical writing and a unique sci-fi setting will have a great time with Citizen Sleeper and its sequel. The game uses a unique dice system, which governs the effectiveness of tasks that the player can carry out.
Players must be economical about how they spend time every day as they work on one of multiple goals, which helps Citizen Sleeper stand out as a fun title that fans will have a great time with. The writing is introspective, and the game's calming vibes will let players unwind as they soak themselves in a dystopian sci-fi world.
4 Prey
An Underrated RPG With Immersive Sim Elements
Prey
- Released
- May 5, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Language, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Genre(s)
- FPS
Prey is one of the best immersive sims, with Morgan Yu's adventures aboard the Talos I Space Station being a treat for fans to experience. The Typhon could have done with more variety, but that's a small complaint in the grand scheme of this underrated game.
The game can be pretty scary, especially in the early going when the protagonist is weak and unable to deal with the threat of a single Phantom. Eventually, as more abilities and weapons are unlocked, players will brave the toughest dangers of this game and be rewarded for their efforts.
3 Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic
Arguably The Best Game To Use The Star Wars IP
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
- Released
- July 15, 2003
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Knights of the Old Republic is a legendary BioWare game that fans are very nostalgic about. It boasts one of the best narratives told in a piece of Star Wars media, with the legendary plot twist blowing people's minds. While the gameplay may not have aged well, the narrative and faithfulness to the Star Wars universe still shine. Hopefully, a remake will modernize the combat and let a new generation of fans experience one of the best Star Wars games of all time.
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2 System Shock 2
Survival Horror In A Claustrophobic Spaceship
System Shock 2
- Released
- August 11, 1999
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- m
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, FPS
System Shock 2 is one of the greatest immersive sims ever made. Players explore the desolate halls of UNN Von Braun, which is full of twisted and nightmarish enemies, as they try to understand what's going on.
The tense gameplay is hard to deal with in the early game, but players will eventually figure out how to overcome enemies as they get stronger. The RPG elements of this title are brilliant and ensure that players can enjoy a unique build on multiple playthroughs, giving them an excuse to spend more time on this amazing survival horror game.
1 Mass Effect 2
Considered The Best Mass Effect Game
Mass Effect 2
- Released
- January 26, 2010
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Language, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Third-Person Shooter
To this day, there's something magical about Mass Effect 2 that makes this experience a blast to play even now. After uncovering the threat of the Reapers, a reconstructed Shepard must fulfill their obligations to Cerberus while also trying to fight back against the threat of the Collectors. The high-stakes plotline, memorable party members, and improved combat all combined to help Mass Effect 2 stand out as a sci-fi RPG for the ages. Even now, the Suicide Mission is tense and unforgiving as players try to make the best decisions to help save their crew.
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