Mass Effect is one of the most impressive Triple-A gaming achievements. BioWare not only crafted three games with a single storyline, but players’ choices have ramifications that ripple throughout the sequels. With Mass Effect: Legendary Edition set for a May 14th release, plenty of gamers are no doubt hyping themselves up for the remaster by playing through some other epic science fiction titles and franchises.
Some of the ten titles below are standalone entries, while others are the whole franchise, with several games coming together to create one massive saga. Many of these have plots on par with the greatest science fiction novels.
10 Death Stranding
After Hideo Kojima’s mysterious falling out with publisher Konami, the game designer founded a new studio and quickly went to work on Death Stranding. The gameplay polarized fans, with combat and stealth mainly replaced by the challenge of traversing barren and dangerous terrain. The plot was similarly puzzling for some, while others found it absolutely fascinating. One can definitely see it as an analog for modern times, but the scenario is also unique enough to feel timeless.
9 Knights Of The Old Republic
BioWare already had a long history before developing Mass Effect. Their biggest success before their original science fiction IP was probably Knights of the Old Republic. Taking place in the distant past of the Star Wars universe, BioWare had plenty of license to craft their own unique tale within it. Released in 2003, it was certainly one of the best things Star Wars fans had at the time, since in cinema the series was in between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith.
8 Outer Wilds
Not to be confused with The Outer Worlds, Outer Wilds is a significantly more unique gameplay experience. Players are dropped into a mysterious solar system in deep space and are forced to discover the secrets of an alien race.
Also, the gameplay is repeated in a 22 minute loop where the sun explodes. The focus on exploration and the enigmatic narrative is not for everyone, but it is definitely the right thing for people looking for a unique science-fiction game.
7 Nier: Automata
Nier: Automata is technically not the first game in the series, but you can still appreciate its reality-shattering narrative without having played the first Nier. The combat is admittedly easy, though still engaging. However, the story and characters are more than enough to compel you to finish the title. Do not stop after the credits roll, either, because there is significantly more content after what appears to be the ending.
6 Half-Life 2
Half-Life revolutionized the first-person shooter with its focus on story and organic implementation of gameplay mechanics into its world. The sequel, released six years later in 2004, similarly took the genre to another level with its advanced physics engine. With the first game, the sequel and its episodes, and Half-Life: Alyx, the franchise will take plenty of time to go through. The Portal games are also set within the same continuity.
5 Phantom Pain
There are a lot of problems with Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain, not the least of which is the incomplete story. However, what is there is a masterfully crafted open-world stealth game with some interesting science fiction ideas. Parasites that target specific languages, an Orwellian plan to control the world, and the idea of changing someone’s identity are all a part of the massive title set in 1984.
4 Final Fantasy 7
This one is a little bit different because the Final Fantasy series is not exactly known for science fiction. However, Final Fantasy 7’s world definitely walks the line between fantasy and sci-fi. Replacing an evil kingdom with a giant corporation sucking the planet dry for resources and engaging in dangerous experiments makes the world feel like it belongs in a cyberpunk novel. Several cosmic themes also come into play later on in the adventure.
3 BioShock
BioShock stands on its own without the sequels, and BioShock: Infinite is similarly great without having knowledge of the previous games. They ultimately make each other better for those who played both. The Burial at Sea expansion for BioShock: Infinite brings the whole series full circle in a beautiful way. A new BioShock is reportedly in the works, but if the series never continues, the original trilogy remains timeless. Creator Ken Levine went on to found Ghost Story Games, which is working on a still-unannounced project.
2 No Man’s Sky
No Man’s Sky is one of the greatest redemption stories in gaming. Upon release, many who purchased it complained about a lack of compelling motivation to explore the cosmos. The expanse was endlessly vast, but there was simply nothing to do. After years of updates and tweaks, many now consider it one of the most unique living games of the generation. While there is technically an ending, the amount of content is sure to keep gamers enthralled for many dozens of hours.
1 Deus Ex
The first Deus Ex took the first-person shooter to another level. Instead of linear levels, each mission in Deus Ex took place in an open area, allowing the player to approach objectives in a variety of ways. Future immersive sims like Dishonored and Prey owe a debt of gratitude to Deus Ex. The more recent prequels have their own pluses, but the original stands alone as one of the greatest science fiction first-person shooters of all time.
