GAMERS DECIDE - best sci-fi RPGs

[Top 15] Best Sci-Fi RPGs To Play Right Now (Ranked Fun To Most Fun)

DylanShearer — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 18:45:23 +0000

Sci-fi RPGs are one of the hottest genres of video games right now. It makes sense. Who doesn’t want to gallivant around the galaxy, discovering new planets, aliens, and the like?

There are a lot of sci-fi RPGs out there though. So we’ve gone through them all and picked the best 15 of them. Here they are, for your gaming pleasure.

15. Borderlands 3 (PC/ PS / XBOX)

These guys seem like they know how to party.

Borderlands 3 trailer

Guns that talk back, guns that blow stuff up, guns that shoot bees, guns that can melt metal, guns that, well, you get the picture. Borderlands 3 has it all. There’s also, a robot named Claptrap. One of the best looter-shooters to ever loot and shoot, Borderlands 3 is a must-play RPG for any sci-fi fan. Traverse the universe, save the galaxy from the clutches of two social media-obsessed twins, upgrade your skills, and laugh your butt off while you doing it. Fantastic art and a wonderful sense of play really make this game sing.

14. Fallout 4 (PC/ PS / XBOX)

Free chems are never free chems if you know what I mean.

Fallout 4 trailer

Do you have several hundred hours to spare? Then pick up Fallout 4 immediately. This sci-fi RPG will have you exploring a radiated Boston, dodging mad scientists, mutated creatures, and a hundred other enemies. You’ll also collect tons of useful supplies, and guns. Talk your way out of jams, sneak past guards, or just shoot everyone in sight. The world is yours. Deep character-building mechanics, and some wonderful base construction tools, let you play in whatever way best suits you.

13. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (PC/ PS / XBOX)

Why have one lightsaber when you can have two?

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic trailer

Recently remastered, KOTR is the perfect game for people dipping their toes into the world of sci-fi RPGs. Based in the Star Wars universe, you’ll do everything from swing lightsabers, to shoot blasters across the galaxies. You’ll also get to traverse beautiful sci-fi worlds along the way. KOTR allows you to build up a team of companions while developing your own character. A truly fantastic story undergirds the whole game, making for an immersive sci-fi RPG experience.

12. Control (PC/ PS / XBOX)

Excuse me Miss? Your gun? It appears to be broken?

Control trailer

This is the first sci-fi RPG to really get Brutalist architecture. Set in the future, Control is all about exploring The Oldest House, a building that is, in part, a conduit of power for far-advanced beings. It also houses a rubber ducky with some rather nefarious powers. Full of spooky enemies, upgradable powers, and some absolutely gorgeous levels, Control is all about understanding your strengths. As you advance in the game you gain better guns, more telekinetic powers, and uncover a whole host of secrets. A game of the decade contender.

11. Outriders (PC/ PS / XBOX)

I bet that guy has some really bad breath.

Outriders trailer

Survival on an inhospitable alien planet is no joke. Especially when you know the rest of humanity has gone extinct. Outriders makes sure you experience all that pain and loss. One of the first great games of 2021, Outriders forces you to survive, and perhaps thrive, as one of the last humans in the universe. Set in a last-ditch effort at a space colony, you gain mysterious powers as you fight your way through hordes of humans and aliens alike. The co-op nature of this game makes survival in this sci-fi RPG a little less lonely.

10. Xenogears (PS)

When you and the gang all have the same hairstyle.

Xenogears trailer

Any game that has a title starting with an “X” is a guaranteed sci-fi RPG hit. Xenogears is no exception. Fans of the genre consider it to be one of the greatest games of all time, full stop. Its beautiful imagery and moving thematic content are two of its best qualities. Its turn-based combat revolves around controlling various mechs and using their special abilities to destroy your enemies. A vast amount of lore is available for those who love world-building as well. Truly an epic game, one that will keep players enrapt for hours.

9. Far Cry 6 (PC/ PS / XBOX)

I'm not sure if that's how you're supposed to hold a gun.

Far Cry 6 official trailer

Drugs, pet best friends, and rocket launcher backpacks are everywhere in Far Cry 6. All the ingredients needed for a great sci-fi RPG. The latest in the Far Cry series, this one leans heavily into the sci-fi aspects, allowing you to pilot souped-up planes, shoot all types of futuristic guns, and even construct all manner of high-tech tools with scavenged material. As you progress in the story you’ll topple a dictator, try to save your family, and perhaps change the fate of the world. Just don’t let it go to your head.

8. Horizon Zero Dawn (PS)

Good doggy. Please be a good doggy.

Horizon: Zero Dawn trailer

Horizon Zero Dawn is the rare sci-fi RPG where a bow and arrow is your best weapon option. Set long after an apocalypse, Horizon Zero Dawn imagines a future United States that is full of robot dinosaurs and other high-tech creatures. You play as Aloy, a woman hoping to discover some of the secrets of her past. The game’s great setting, imaginative storyline and inventive combat systems, all work together to make this a new classic in the genre. Just make sure you explore as much of the map as possible, you don’t want to miss any of the surprises the developers included.

7. System Shock 2 (PS)

Seems a little silly to have writing on the side of the gun that you can't read.

System Shock 2 trailer

Who hasn’t thought about what they would do if they were trapped aboard a spaceship controlled by a rogue A.I.? Another long-standing entry in the sci-fi RPG genre, System Shock 2 has you play as a soldier working to destroy a very powerful artificial intelligence. You upgrade your guns and your psionic powers as the story progresses, using them to defeat any and all enemies. Known for its fantastic graphics and genius level design, System Shock 2 became a cult hit that quickly grew into a regular hit. This multiple Game of the Year award winner needs to be played by all sci-fi RPG fans.

6. Cyberpunk 2077 (PC/ PS / XBOX)

You have to make sure you have good hair when the world is burning.

Cyberpunk 2077 trailer

Ever wanted to play a game so big you’d need about three lifetimes to discover everything in it? Then Cyberpunk is the game for you. Set in a world inspired by the science-fiction of the 80s and 90s, Cyberpunk is a newer entry into the world of sci-fi RPGs. A plethora of options for upgrading and developing your character, multiple story paths, and a huge number of weapons means you’ll never be bored. The world of the game is lovingly crafted and painstakingly detailed, offering a great experience for gamers both old and new.

5. Final Fantasy VII Remastered (PC/PS)

That sword is just too big!

Final Fantasy VII Remastered trailer

While many people still fight over this question, most gamers consider this the best Final Fantasy ever made. Whether you think that’s the case or not, if you’re a sci-fi RPG fan, you have to play this. The soundtrack is great, and the remastered version adds new content and changes the narrative in drastic, but wonderful ways. As an added bonus, the locations are beautiful. Slick gameplay, and one of the all-time greatest RPG stories ever, make this a fantastic game. The cyberpunk world of Midgar is a joy to explore. You won’t want to put this game done once you’ve picked it up.

4. Deus Ex: Human Revolution (PC/ PS / XBOX)

Adam Jensen makes smoking cool again.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution trailer

Adam Jensen has lived a hard life, his body has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. The least you can do is help him upgrade his robotic parts so that he can save the world, again. Human Revolution, the most recent in the Deus Ex series, has you play as the cyborg Adam Jensen, a former detective and now special agent, as he tries to uncover the leader of a terrorist network centered in Prague. Along the way, you’ll sneak through slums, banks, and religious cults. Tricky enemies, fun powers, and secrets around every corner make this a game worth playing.

3. Biomutant (PC/ PS / XBOX)

Who decided that racoon's should have swords and guns? Seems like they just need one or the other.

Biomutant trailer

It’s not every game where you get to play as a raccoon who can do kung-fu and shoot guns. Based in a far-future world, Biomutant is a huge open-world sci-fi RPG where you play as a mutated animal who can speak, think, and most importantly, fight. That’s important because you’ll be doing a lot of fighting. You’ll wield all sorts of fun weapons, and gain your own personal powers as well. Biomutant’s inventive story system has branching paths, each of which depends on where the player spends the most time and what groups they interact with. A fun new game that is very much worth your time.

2. The Outer Worlds (PC/ PS / XBOX)

I never knew that there were pine trees in space.

The Outer Worlds trailer

In The Outer Worlds, everyone wants to sell you something. Or sell you to someone. Set in a few far-off space colonies, The Outer Worlds is a sci-fi RPG that is all about finding a way to defeat the corporations. You, and a group of misfits you pick up along the way, explore towns, cities, and abandoned factories. Along the way, you’ll fight all manner of humans, aliens, and mutants. You’ll need to solve problems, create compromises, and maybe even condemn some places to death. Cool art, fun combat, and great stories all make this game shine.

1. Mass Effect 3 (PC/ PS / XBOX)

This guy better do something about all those comets hitting Earth. Don't just stand there.

Mass Effect 3 trailer

As with any good sci-fi RPG, this game is all about saving the galaxy from an existential threat. A threat that you might not be able to beat. The third in the main Mass Effect trilogy, this game picks up where the last one left off, allowing you to import all your information from the earlier games. You meet new friends along the way and interact with old ones as well. You’ll fight in all kinds of battles, and hopefully win most of them. Some of your friends may die, but only because of the choices you make. A truly sprawling game with hundreds of options and choices to make, you’ll be enraptured with the world of Mass Effect in no time. Get playing now!

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Mass Effect 3: Is It Good or Bad?

Tyler Beckett — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 00:29:54 +0000

The Mass Effect Trilogy is beloved by fans, but does the final chapter cap it off well?

Nothing like a space warrior about to face off against robo-squids!

I'm enough of a fan to say that Mass Effect is one of the most impactful games ever made. They have shaped many of our preferences in gameplay, role-playing elements, as well as storytelling within the videogame industry. Of which I find to be the pillars that make or break these games for gamers. Because as idolized as these games are, no game is perfect.

About Mass Effect 3

For the uninitiated, Mass Effect is a Sci-Fi Action RPG that allows players to explore the galaxy in an effort to protect it from an ancient evil known as The Reapers. However, you aren’t expected to do this alone. Because the game allows you to assemble an elite team of the galaxy’s finest that will accompany you on missions to uncover hidden secrets of The Reapers and unite the galaxy in wake of their arrival. In a three-part saga, Mass Effect 3 picks up the tail end of a long and emotional journey that concludes the survival or the destruction of the galaxy as known.

Initially set to be released in 2011, EA decided to push back BioWare’s anticipated final addition to the Mass Effect trilogy to March 6, 2012, in order to remain competitive. This, of course, left fans disgruntled as they anxiously awaited for the most anticipated ending of a Sci-Fi fantasy since Star Wars. This may be an exaggeration, but numbers suggest otherwise.

Within the first 24 hours of release, the game sold 890,000 copies and 3.5 million in its first month. This resulted in Mass Effect 3, with a budget of $40 million, becoming Bioware's best-selling game to date with a total of 7 million copies sold. Even outshining Mass Effect 2’s performance selling 5 million copies. With that said, did the games perform as well as they sold?

Mass Effect 3’s Story

Concept Art of Commander Shepard finally witnessing the arrival of The Reapers.

First let’s assess possibly the most notable aspect of the Mass Effect games: The Story. Throughout these games, players venture on the journey of Commander Shepard. A human soldier who is chosen to represent the Human Race, as well as the galaxy, as a Spectre. Spectres are chosen for qualities as efficient soldiers and leaders to keep order in the galaxy, but for Shepard, the journey is far more challenging than for any other.

In the previous two games, Shepard gathers unlikely allies and fights an assortment of adversaries in preparation for the return of an ancient alien race known as The Reapers. Every 50,000 years The Reapers return to the galaxy to wipe out all intelligent life, and none before have been able to stop them. Still, if the galaxy is to survive, it is your task as Commander Shepard to fight against this unstoppable foe and venture to unearth a way to defeat them.

So for the final chapter of this suspenseful adventure, how does it compare? Well, to be fair the overall story and journey to gather allies and solutions to fight against The Reapers is quite thrilling. The game does a fantastic job of giving you an engaging last hurrah as you go through an emotional rollercoaster of claiming victories while all together suffering terrible losses. As it should be, the game certainly feels like the end of a hectic epic to survive a seemingly unwinnable war.

Yet, what most players, including myself, dislike about the game is the ending. Unlike the first two games, this game is not just ending this particular chapter because it also has the responsibility of concluding everything that came before it. Therefore, everything at this point has to pay off.

All the choices made by the players that shape the story have to lead to a satisfying end. Because their progression in the game’s story is a significant part of what made Mass Effect 3’s predecessor, Mass Effect 2, memorable. How you choose to play the game will determine your level of success.

However, Mass Effect 3 gives an engaging continuation of the overarching story that eventually falls short once the player reaches the end. Unlike the previous Mass Effect games, this game does not provide the player the same level of impact of their choices once they reach the endgame. Instead, the resulting climax leaves the player stuck with the task of picking the lesser between three evils rather than succeeding in the mission.

So, instead of the player finding reward for their commitment, they are given choices that lead to dissatisfaction. This doesn’t necessarily degrade the overall experience of the game’s story, but it leaves a bad taste in your mouth. Because no matter how much you dedicate yourself to a roleplaying experience that’s shaped by your choices, the endgame is not affected by it. This leaves players, including me, neglected of the satisfying ending that we wanted.

Mass Effect 3’s Gameplay

In-game footage of Commander Shepard using their combat abilities against Reaper minions.

Mass Effect 3: Part 3 *No Commentary*

Players may only have the one choice to play as Commander Shepard, but they certainly have the freedom to shape who this character is. Like the previous games, they have options to customize how Shepard looks, choose their gender, as well as their origins and backstory which will shape how the character fits into the story. However, most of these customization options are presets that are provided for the player.

The most desirable part of creating the character of Shepard is choosing their class which determines the players’ playstyle in combat. hat being is up close and personal as the Vanguard or striking from afar as the Infiltrator. Depending on which of the six classes the player chooses shapes their combat role as far as abilities and weaponry goes.

Outside of combat, the game is influenced by the roleplaying aspect of the game. Interacting with teammates, allies, regular NPCs, and key story characters will shape the outcome and enjoyment of the game. Choosing which dialogue to use, whether to act like a reckless rogue or even a levelheaded diplomat, will drastically affect what resources and allies you will gain or lose in this game. Even more, than the previous games, how you choose to interact with the world determines the level of success on a technical level.

The bulk of the gameplay may reside in combat or roleplay within main missions, yet side missions are available and limited. Additionally, exploration of a mission map or the Galaxy map is also limited in terms of scale. In other words, the most a player gets to explore in this vast galaxy is limited to what a player sees within a mission.

The most freedom that a player has to explore is at The Citadel and your ship, the Normandy. However, the side and main missions that the player has access to are still limited to traveling from point A to point B. Even when traveling on through the Galaxy Map, players can only land and explore confined areas of a dozen planets in the game. So as much as exploration is an active part of the first game, less can be said for the sequels, especially in this one.

Regardless, the game does provide players a plethora of intriguing NPCs to interact with during or outside of missions. While Mass Effect 2 has the best assortment of NPCs that you can interact with inside or outside combat, this game allows you to interact with those old favorites. Each former teammate adds a unique role to particular missions and story arcs, but some certainly shine brighter than others.

As for your teammates in this game, most are much more favorable than others. Mainly EDI & Vega fail to properly fill in the shoes of more attractive characters that the player may have interacted with in Mass Effect 1 or 2. Those that remain from the previous games allow players to feel immersed in this final chapter of the journey.

Allies and villains are also sort of mixed. Most, big and small, are engaging and a good part of the overall experience, but a few leave more to be desired. However, this difference doesn't degrade the enjoyment of the game.

As a whole, the gameplay varies from feeling very polished if not too much so. During development, BioWare had to make tough calls as they were building the game so that the game could be delivered within a limited time frame with limited resources. Resulting in particular sequences cut from the game and several aspects of the game that isn't satisfactory for players.

In other words, the inclusion of character customization would’ve given player’s a more hands-on relationship to the gameplay. Be it exploring vast planets and cities or even having more of a choice of who Shepard is as a character. However, what is polished and kept within the game still leaves an adequate smile on fan’s faces.

Mass Effect 3’s Combat

Mass Effect 3 Gameplay (PC HD)

More than the previous games, Mass Effect 3 has brought the fullest out of combat. Not that different from most third-person shooters, the game still offers the best combat experience from the trilogy. Cover mechanics, maneuverability around the map, and weapon/ability mechanics are at their peak.

Yet, more than in previous games, the character has less flexibility of changing the dynamic in upgrading their character’s abilities. The player has the benefit of feeling the reward of leveling up and upgrading their various combat abilities. Except, the skill system for each power limits itself to two branches that don’t differ much from another.

So while combat and leveling up is sharper, not much is added to stand out. Even with newer weaponry, the variety of inventory is almost a downgrade rather than an upgrade from the first. Furthermore, to fully experience the extent of this arsenal the player is limited to choose one class that is best suited for all weapons.

This may still be adequate but it leaves much to be desired for the final game in the trilogy. Because while it may be a precedent from the previous games, it keeps players from fully being able to get their preferred playstyle.

Lastly, the game features the first Multiplayer in any BioWare RPG. That might offer some rewards in progressing through the campaign. But it offers a singular mode that is not much unlike a “horde mode” side mission in the campaign.

Mass Effect 3’s Quest/Mission System

More than the previous games, Mass Effect 3 has the best adventure in the trilogy. The player feels the responsibility of overcoming overwhelming odds throughout the entire game. Especially during the final few missions of the game.

While the game could’ve delved deeper into the importance of allies and resources, the act of securing them in main missions more than makes up for it. More than any other game, players feel the importance of their choices and how it affects the flow of the adventure. Because the choices made could lead to dire consequences, and players catch on to that quickly.

However, despite how integral or satisfying the main story missions may feel, the side missions are incredibly weak Principally because of the design of the missions directory, navigating and tracking side missions is a real pain. Particularly when most mission descriptions of a side mission don’t provide any essential clues to search for an item via the galaxy map or a free roam location. This may not be the prime attraction of the game, but it certainly is a pitiful oversight in an RPG.

Mass Effect 3’s Graphics

In-game footage of Commander Shepard bringing solace to Rannoch, homeworld of the nomadic Quarians.

The Evolution of Graphics: Mass Effect (2007 -2017)

As of its 2012 release, Mass Effect 3’s graphics hold up better than its predecessors. In its time, Unreal Engine 3 performed exceptionally well, however, compared to modern standards and progression in technology the game, like most, slowly loses its fresh touch.

With that said, the game still has graphics and character models that feel just as good as they were after launch. With the inclusion that combat graphics still hold up as they did upon release. The same could also be said for most of the cutscenes.

Excluding the more “intimate” cutscenes between characters that don’t age well. Due to the models missing the fluidity to exclude awkward animation that doesn’t look quite right. So, while the game still performs well, it requires an upgrade.

Mass Effect 3’s Developer

As mentioned before, the Mass Effect trilogy was developed by Canadian-based developer BioWare. However, because of their partnership, the game was distributed by EA. It may not seem important, but EA has had a recent track record of inhibiting the development of AAA games, especially from BioWare, to live up to competitive marketing decisions.

While that has inhibited the performance of more recent titles, by comparison, Mass Effect 3 because of EA’s influence in cutting leadership and the number of staff in teams suffered in performance. Specifically in its story and gameplay development. In consequence of most of their resources being redirected to the development of Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Naturally, this also resulted in the game having several bugs. Including misleading waypoints, freezes, environment bugs, NPC bugs, etc. Which were thankfully patched by the developer, but minor bugs remain to this day. Except at this point, patches and support to the game aren’t as available as they once were.

Mass Effect 3’s Price

Initially, the game was priced at $60.Premium editions of the game as well as DLC the game maxes around $90. Currently, the game can be purchased through EA Play at $4.99.

During its initial launch, the game was supported by the PS3, PC, and the Wii U. Except the game was primarily marketed and designed to perform best on the Xbox 360. Despite how much the performance improved on the PC.

Additionally, like a typical game from EA, the game did have microtransactions through its multiplayer. It was designed to improve the progression in the single-player campaign by purchasing menial loadout packs that didn’t benefit the multiplayer experience.

Final Verdict: 8.75/10

Pros:

Interactive Roleplay
Improved Combat Mechanics
Thrilling Story
Interesting NPCs, New and Old
Great pay off from previous games for the most part

Cons:

Weak Ending
Lackluster Multiplayer
Weak Mission Navigation/Tracking
Present Bugs
Not much to be desired as an open-world RPG

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