Space exploration games

Our world, known as Earth, is just a small & tiny speck of dust compared to the vastness of the surrounding unknown. Thus, space exploration games allow our imagination to run rampant and visualize how this unknown could possibly look like. But visualizing is just part of the deal, thanks to these magnificent creations, we can also visit and explore literal billions of the yet untamed worlds without ever leaving our household. Partaking in such exploratory processes through digital means of travel may not involve your physical participation, though what we're certain of is this: your mind will get expanded and you'll definitely come back for more. That's just the thing with travels - of any kind really. Cosmic travels included.

Space exploration games presented in this collection can be divided into the following categories:

• Space simulator games;
• Science fiction RPGs;
• Action-adventure games;
• Science fiction horror games;
• Space strategy.

What is a space simulator?

Among the offers in this collection, you will discover a multitude of games that meet the definition of a space simulator. These types of games attempt to recreate the environment of outer space and challenge the player to abide by its laws. Sometimes these in-game rules mirror the actual laws of physics but they may also include the use of fictional, exotic materials unknown to contemporary science. Space exploration games that fit this category also feature elaborate spaceship maintenance and resource management. Examples of these would be Elite: Dangerous, FTL: Faster Than Light, Kerbal Space Program, Spore and Genesis Alpha One among others.

Embark on an epic space odyssey!

Some of these games are a bit more romantic. They have less emphasis on the scientific accuracy or intricacies of space travel. This does not mean that they are not realistic but the main goal of these games is to focus on epic story-telling, large-scale dramatic narrative and sense of adventure. Space exploration games include sci-fi RPGs BioWare’s Mass Effect trilogy or The Outer Worlds from Obsidian Entertainment, while the examples space-themed action-adventure games would be Respawn Entertainment’s Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order or Journey to the Savage Planet from Typhoon studios. Very often these games present rich world-building, a variety of alien species, futuristic weapons, different spaceship classes and an abundance of planets for the player to visit.

Fear of the unknown

Not everything is light-hearted, though. When space explorers venture into the unknown, they might encounter beings and phenomena that may be extremely hostile to human life. That’s why some Space exploration games have horror elements. Examples of such titles would be Alien: Isolation or the Dead Space series. They capture both the Lovecraftian terror on elusive, inhuman threats and the sense of claustrophobia. Playing these games very often you’ll find yourself trapped in tight corridors of a derelict ship or space station. The failing life support systems will be the least of your worries when you’ll be playing a cat and mouse game with a bloodthirsty alien force.