The recent introduction of high-profile commercial space flights involving Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos has reignited interest in the idea of going to space. The truth is that games with a space theme have always been popular, but the arrival of space tourism could help the following games to gain a new audience. With this in mind, we thought we’d take a look at some of the very best space-themed games currently available.
Star Trek Online
Released in 2010 by Atari on the Windows format and later for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, this game was initially received with mixed reviews but has since become highly-regarded as one of the best MMOs based in space.
In its descriptions on lists that cover the best video games set in space, it’s generally thought that the appeal of Star Trek Online is like being part of an online fan convention. The release of various expansion packs added new factions and settings, keeping the game relevant, and it is now available as a free-to-play version.
No Man’s Sky
Regarded as one of the most ambitious games ever made upon its release for Windows and the Xbox One in 2018, No Man’s Sky is set in an open-world universe. It was developed and published by Hello Games as a survival game where players need to explore, trade, and engage in combat as they travel to unique planets.
The presence of the mysterious Atlas is the key point in the plot, but for many players, the real pleasure in No Man’s Sky comes from setting out to explore the unknown. It was criticized upon release for its fairly repetitive gameplay, but a series of updates and fixes means that it is now a lot more enjoyable for players to explore the amazing, procedurally generated planets.
Starburst
The idea of heading out into space isn’t limited to video games, as we can also see the same theme when we look for free spins to play Starburst online. This game was launched by NetEnt in 2012 and it is classed as the most popular slot in the US right now. The fact that free spins on Starburst are offered in casinos like BetMGM and Hard Rock has helped bring it to more people’s attention.
The space theme on this game is relatively understated, with colored gems floating in the darkness of an unknown part of the universe. Other slots based on space adventures include Reactoonz from Play’n GO, which also has a slot called Sparky and Shortz that is based on intergalactic robots. Event Horizon by Betsoft and Supernova by Leandro are other examples of this immersive theme in a different format to the usual console and PC games.
“Star Trek Online Open Beta: Character/Sh” (CC BY 2.0) by brownpau
A Look Ahead to More Adventures in Space
2022 will see the long-awaited new game titled Starfield released by Bethesda Game Studios. It will be brought out for the Xbox Series X / S console and Windows PCs. Players will take on the role of a space explorer who travels the universe in the wake of the devastating Colony War.
Our interest in space exploration is likely to remain as keen as ever, especially if space tourism continues to make headlines. This should ensure that games based on space will carry on being among the most popular ways of playing.
