Top Science Fiction Video Games in Gaming History

XCOM 2 redefines turn-based strategy with its deep tactical gameplay and an immersive narrative that plunges you into a desperate fight against an alien occupation. Its focus on resource management, squad customization, and the permanent consequences of soldier deaths make it a cornerstone of the sci-fi and strategy genre.

• Tense and challenging

• Deep and full of options

• Very satisfying

• Good unit modeling

Half-Life 2 revolutionized gameplay and storytelling in science fiction video games with its advanced physics engine and immersive narrative. Its level design, enemy artificial intelligence, and seamless integration of plot set a precedent for future titles in the genre.

• Dynamic environments

• Innovative first-person shooter with an enduring impact

• Profound impact on the gaming industry

• Highly acclaimed video game

Halo: Combat Evolved revolutionized the first-person shooter genre on consoles with its innovative controls, advanced enemy AI, and an engaging campaign. Its level design, epic narrative, and multiplayer introduced mechanics that became standard and defined a generation of science fiction games.

• Drove sales of the Xbox console

• Major exclusive title for the Xbox console

Dead Space 2 solidified the franchise as a benchmark for sci-fi horror, delivering an intense narrative and polished gameplay that expanded upon its predecessor's innovations. Its oppressive atmosphere and terrifying creature design established it as a milestone in the genre.

• Satisfying, heart-racing trip through a hellish environment

• Gameplay, audio, and level design praised

• Horrifying atmosphere

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic revolutionized sci-fi RPGs with its deep narrative, memorable characters, and a morality system that significantly impacted player choices. Its ambitious story and gameplay set a precedent for future titles in the genre, solidifying its place as a milestone in gaming history.

• Original excellence endures.

• Very familiar gameplay.

• The best Star Wars game.

BioShock stands out in this ranking for its innovative dystopian setting in the underwater city of Rapture, which masterfully fused deep narrative with unique gameplay mechanics. Its exploration of complex philosophical themes and immersive atmosphere set a precedent for subsequent science fiction games.

• Enhanced and updated version of the classic BioShock

System Shock 2 is a cornerstone of the science fiction genre for its innovative immersive narrative and oppressive atmosphere. The game set a precedent for how stories are told within video games, integrating the plot organically with gameplay and world design.

• Sci-fi horror immersive sim genre

• Character customization system based on Traveller's methodology

• Authentic to the original dungeon crawler

• Creates a completely enveloping world

Portal revolutionized puzzle games with its innovative portal mechanic, offering a unique and challenging science fiction experience. Its ingenious level design and dark yet humorous narrative solidified its status as a milestone in the genre.

• Offers hours of never-before-seen puzzles

• Narrative adventure based on logic puzzles

Deus Ex revolutionized science fiction video games by offering a deep, branching narrative that allowed for multiple approaches to overcoming challenges. Its innovative level design and player choice freedom set a precedent for immersion and non-linear gameplay in the genre.

• World rich in detail

• Helped lay the foundation for the immersive simulation subgenre

• Promotes realism and freedom

Mass Effect stands out in this ranking for its innovative interactive narrative and deep character development within a richly detailed science fiction universe. The trilogy set a new standard for world-building and meaningful choices that impact the story, solidifying its place as a genre milestone.

• Allows the player to step into the shoes of Commander Shepard