Best Sci-Fi Games with a Story
Are you science fiction fan who loves video games with a rich story? There are a gazillion sci-fi themed games out there, but few of them actually deliver a decent tale. However, if you are craving a good sci-fi sci-fi game that actually entertains with the plot, then you will most definitely want to check out the following games -- these are the top sci-fi games with a good story. We're talking a bite-on-your-nails-stay-up-all-night sort of story.
#1. Dues Ex (PC)
Perhaps my favorite game of all time. What can I say about Dues Ex other than it did everything right. This game is old, like mega-over-a-decade-old, but its’ still one of the “greats” of any game. Dues Ex really pioneer the RPG FPS genre – mixing booth worlds seamlessly, creating something new in the process. The story was also top notch, a tale of a world controlled by conspiracy and on the brink of collapse. This game really has you on the edge the whole way through.
The gameplay is also something special .You have to wonder why after 10 years people still mention Dues Ex as one of the great games. That should be a clue for you to PLAY it if you haven’t. Not everything is about the newest pixel shaders and video cards. Dues Ex can take on most modern games and win, hands down.
Typical of most RPG’s, you can upgrade yourself over the course of the game – strength, stamina, many other (even Sci-Fi abilities). However, what separates this game from other RPG’s with a First Person Shooter face, is that it’s also a fully functional First Person Shooter. Your Stats and Augmentations enhance your fighting abilities, but it still functions like a real FPS (unlike say Mass Effect).
Deus ex is one of the most open ended games you will play. There are always multiple ways around a situation. For example, if you need to get into a locked apartment, you could take the head on approach and blast your way in. If you have decent hacking skill, you could hack your way into the security systems to let you in. You could also do some searching around and perhaps find a back way. And so on. The point is that there are always multiple solutions – even unique solutions – to a problem.
If you like Dues Ex, you will want to definitely play System Shock 2 and Bioshock – games that are similar in some regards. If you REALLY like Dues Ex for the RPG aspect, play Dues Ex 2. For everyone else, ignore Dues Ex 2 – it’s a shame on the memory of the first game.
The good news as of 2011 is that Dues Ex Revolution (Dues Ex 3) is being released. It looks good, but let's hope it does not go the way of Dues Ex 2!
#2. Fallout 2 (PC)
This is a cult classic that has been heralded time and time as one of the greatest RPG’s ever created. There is no other game out there that is as open ended as Fallout 2. There are literally countless ways to solve a problem. The dark, adult humor and post apocalyptic setting create something special. The story, while not say as character rich as Baulder’s Gate or Neverwinter Nights, is interesting enough. The gameplay is top notch, once again proving that a good game doesn't’t need fancy graphics to appeal. This game always comes up in the Top 5 RPG discussions you find around the web – and with good reason. If you are into RPG game play, you will want to check this game out.
Fallout 3 is often tossed on the people's Top 10 Games list, but Fallout 2 is so much better in everything but graphics. There is a reason why people say Fallout 2 is one of the best pc games ever. That's not saying Fallout 3 is NOT good, but it doesn't have the depth that Fallout 2 had.
#3. Mass Effect 2
One of the best science fiction games out there. In fact, one of the best rpg games EVER, regardless of genre. Heck, I'll even say it belongs on the top 10 games of all time list. Mass Effect 2 combines great characters, great voice acting, a fantastic and immersive plot, and really good gameplay. It's BETTER than the first one.
#4. Knights of the Old Republic (PC , XBOX )
Forget about George Lucas’s recent Star Wars travesty, Knights of the Old Republic IS everything star wars can and should be. “Knights” is through and through an epic RPG set in the star wars universe. Your choices, be they good or evil, will affect the outcome of the game. And who doesn't want to be an evil Dark Jedi? Gamers across the world were blown away with the incredible story and intense action. The game takes place thousands of years before the star wars trilogies and features a new cast of characters. One of the things that so annoy me about the Star Wars franchise is that all the storylines are forced – we all know exactly what’s going to happen. But Knights of the Old Republic is a completely new setting. Whether you like good RPG’s or spend your free time cosplaying as Chewbacca on the weekends, you’ll love this game. This game a few years old, but if you haven’t had the pleasure of spending several days without sleep, make sure you play this game. As Yoda would say, “Kick ass this game is.”
If you like Knights of the Old Republic 1, it’s a no brainier to play Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords. The story is great and the gameplay improved. I think KOTOR2 lacks some of the magic of the first one, but it’s well worth playing. You can play KOTOR on the PC or Xbox.
#5. The Dig
Lucas Art's classic sci-fi adventure game. I still remember playing this one nearly two decades ago. It was a blast then and it's still a blast today, if you are willing to hunt around for an old copy of the game. An AMAZING epic story and some unforgettable characters. This game was made in the heyday of Lucas Arts adventure games -- don't let the age of the game scare you away. This one is a classic.
#6. Fahrenheit (PC , XBOX,PS2 )
Also called Indigo Prophecy -- some marketing mishap between the US and UK versions. This is, along with The Longest Journey, Full Throttle, and Grim Fadango, is one of the best adventure games ever made. The game is good, very good. The game has a cinematic feeling to it -- the feeling is that you are involved with an interactive cinematic movie.
For a portion of the game, you have no idea just what the hell is going on, but once things fall into place, you get swept along for the ride. If there was an adventure game version of the Matrix (the original one, not those cursed sequels), then this game is that. If you want to immerse yourself in a good sci fi story (and it’s good folks, novel good), play this game.
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#7. System Shock 2 (PC)
How can you describe system shock 2? Take a First Person Shooter, throw in a cup of horror, a few tablespoons of SCI-FI, half-a-cup of RPG, and mix it all together. System Shock 2 is formed. Let me be frank, this game is scary. Adults-wetting-their-bed kind of scary. SO be warned.
System Shock 2 plays a lot like Dues Ex – it’s a fairly open ended (not as much as Dues Ex) game where you can upgrade your stats and gain extra ordinary powers with multiple solutions to problems. It’s also a visceral game – it’s pretty much you against the monsters. The social interactions are few and far between. I would say this game is wholly a FPS with a bit of RPG thrown in. The game is (like most of the games listed) old, but it’s well worth playing.
If you like System Shock 2, you should enjoy Deep Space (another great horror game) or Bioshock, which is the spiritual successor.
#8. Bioshock (PC , XBOX360 , PS3 )
There are probably few who have not already played this game, but I’ll mention it anyways. Bioshock is a good game. It takes on the “original” game System Shock 2 and builds on it. No doubt about it, Bioshock is a creepy game. It also has a pretty good story too – you spend a good deal of your time trying to figure out what the hell’s going on. If you like horror RPG/FPS combos with a good story, do yourself a favor and play this game.
Bioshock 2 is also good and Bioshock 3 looks to be coming out pretty soon.
#9. DeadSpace (PC , XBOX360 , PS3 )
This is another Sci-Fi horror game that's a sort of a cross between Gears of War and Bioshock set in space. The game is piss your pants scary and the gameplay good. The story is strings you along as well. If you are in the mood for a thrilling space horror experience, you don't want to miss out on this one.
Note that the PC version is "haunted" with bugs and gameplay problems. If you want the full experience, I suggest playing it on the XBOX.
#10: Half Life 2
A cult hit and a commercial successs -- two things you often don't find in a video game. Half Life 2 is has some great action and a pretty intersting story. While the story is not as indepth as some of the other games listed here, it's still pretty good. If you haven't played this classic (and I doubt that you haven't), play it.
Runner Ups for the Top 10 Science Fiction Games with a Story
Bioware is known for crafting story-rich games, and Mass Effect is no exception. The actual FPS action was fairly simplistic – it can’t compete against the likes of Halo or Gears of War for example, but this game is essentially a modern RPG masking as a FPS in space. I would say the game play itself is the weak point --- the controls are simplistic. As long as you treat the game as what it is – an RPG – the controls are fine. But if you are looking an action rich First Person Shooter, you will be disappointed. But like any Bioware game, this game is all about the story. And the story is good, very good – everything you can ask for in an epic SCI-FI world. You take control of a newly fledged commander with a mission to keep peace in the galaxy. But as you find out, all is not as it seems. If you are a fan of Knights of the Old Republic, RPG’s, or story-rich games, you are going to want to give this game a whirl. Mass Effect is part of a trilogy of games with #2 already out (it's better than the first) and number three coming next year. The Mass Effect series are seriously one of the top rpg games out there.
Fallout 3 (PC , XBOX360 , PS3 )
Probably one of the best RPG's out there. Story is interesting and the game play is top notch. The amount of choices you can make is astounding. Fallout 3 is also a good one, but I don't think it can touch the Fallout 2 in terms of "story" or flexibility.
The experience is different – Fallout 3 pimps the storyline and brings The Wasteland to 3D. Fallout 3 is without a doubt one of the best RPG’s out there – and certainly one of the best RPG’s that’s come out in recent times. I feel Fallout 2 is, however, a better game – the adult humor and more open endedness game the game something that Fallout 3 lacks, but if you enjoy good RPG’s, you don’t want to miss out on Fallout 3.
Some More Great Story Driven Science Fiction Games (you'll LOVE them)
- Beyond Good & Evil
- Final Fantasy VII
- Anachronox
- Longest Journey
- Blade Runner
Games That Would Make a Broad Top Science Fiction Games List
- Tie Fighter
- Dune 2
- Command & Conquer
- StarCraft
- Doom 3
- Gears of War
- X-COM
- Alpha Centauri
- Master of Orion
Do you have your own Top Science Fiction Game recommendations? Share them by posting a comment below!
Why so PC centric? Maybe there isnt so many console games in this genre but I would think Metal Gear Solid should have a mention, epic story driven game and unique for its time.
Stalker series, Arcanum could go fantasy or scifi with its steampunk theme, Borderlands
The only explanation I can find for The Dig not being on the list is that you haven't played it yet. I find it impossible that somebody who has a taste so similar to mine wouldn't include it. My #2 game, after Grim Fandango.
I agree with the sentiments above. Without Freelancer, this list is just incomplete. I would also add Mass Effect 2 and Darkstar One. Of course, there is the Wing Commander series, and games like Privateer. I have been waiting for decent space exploration/adventure games since Freelancer and was pretty disappointed when they canceled the sequel. Maybe 2011 will see more space combat/exploration RPG's. It has been too long.
There have been a lot of good sci-fi games released the past year. As you suggest, Mass Effect 2 belongs on the list, as do a couple others. They will be added when I update the list.
wher's Free Lancer, if its story or revolucionary rpg thats the one...the only down is that the sequel was dropped.
I agree with the post below, Star Control 2 had one of the best storylines of any game that I've ever seen. This one should make the list.
What about StarControl 2? Probably the best story and writing of any sci-fi game ever!
Great list, mine would be very similar. You should check out The Dig from Lucas Arts. It would be my #1. We have similar tastes, so you're bound to like it.
Now Mass Effect 2 is out, it should rightfully take its place at the top of this list.
As far as I'm concerned, video games peaked with Deus Ex; since then nothing has impressed me much. I don't remember if anyone remembers an old PC game called Lightspeed, where you had to either make alliances with or destroy alien races while colonizing and mining planets. Old but very cool. Also the Space Quest series was good for silly fun.
You should probably put Half-life 2 and the expansions, it's one of the best games I have ever played, so I think it's worth mentioning.
