Space flight simulators may be niche games, but Metacritic knows which ones are the best in the genre.
Space: the last frontier. Space often turns out to be a landscape of various media objects. In many ways, space and space travel are equally fantastic and realistic. This is especially true in sci-fi games; some games lean towards science fiction, like Mass Effect, while others, like Elite: Dangerous, rely on the wonders of space travel as such.
Over the years, many companies have created their own space flight simulators. This is risky considering how easy it is to mess up a simulation game. There are many varieties and all players have their own preferences, but which are the best of the best? This list contains the best space flight simulation games by Metacritic.
Updated January 06, 2021 by Thomas Bowen: Despite tremendous advances in technology allowing for modern graphics and endless sandboxes, modern space games such as No Man's Sky and Star Wars: Squadrons have not been able to make the same impression as some of the games released. before them. It is certainly true that it is difficult to be innovative in a crowded market, but there is perhaps an argument that the simplistic graphics of yesteryear better conveyed the desolate nature of the great unknown. Regardless of the reason, those looking for an immersive space flight simulation experience are better off looking back rather than skyward.
15.FTL: Faster Than Light (2012) - 84
FTL: Faster Than Light offers a rather unique approach to space travel. Instead of putting the players at the helm, they should be in control of all aspects of the ship. It might sound a little dry compared to weaving between asteroids and the like, but it's actually a lot of fun and can lead to incredibly stressful and exciting moments.
Every decision counts, and there are many variables that players will have to take into account. Some things, for example, the illness of the crew members, do not depend on the player, but almost every other incident can be associated with a wrong decision throughout the entire journey. This is a game that can be replayed many times and that really stands out against a crowded sky dotted with bright stars.
14. EVERSPACE (2017) - 84
EVERSPACE, like most of the games on this list, are not pure "space flight simulators". As it turned out, there are not so many pure space flight simulators. However, EVERSPACE definitely fits that definition. The game is a 3D space shooter with roguelike elements, great views and fun battles.
The Xbox One version holds 84, while the other versions are close enough for that to matter. Many critics have praised the game for its fresh take on the roguelike genre, and since the sequel was successfully funded on Kickstarter, the fun won't end with the first game.
13. Star Wars: Starfighter (2001) - 84
The Star Wars franchise, unsurprisingly, has plenty of space travel games to its credit. And unlike most movie-based games, Star Wars is a consistently reliable brand. First on this list is Star Wars: Star Fighter on PlayStation 2. Set before the Battle of Naboo, the player will have to go through a series of challenging missions with three fighter pilots to stop the invasion.
The game jumps between multiple perspectives as the story unfolds. While not as iconic as the other Star Wars games on PS2, Star Fighter is still in the top class of space flight shooters.
12. Outer Wilds (2019) - 85
Outer Wilds is a game about exploration and discovery, and it does a fantastic job of conveying the isolation of space. The game looks great, and the slow disclosure of the Nomai's mysterious species gives players more than enough reason to return. Each planet is home to its secrets, and each secret has an explanation that is just waiting to be revealed.
The game differs from other space simulators (and from the vast majority of games in general, for that matter) in its innovative gameplay. Instead of one long run, players are given twenty minutes to research, after which their progress is partially reset. It may sound frustrating, but it actually works incredibly well and really helps maintain the pace of the game and also encourages players to really think about how they're going to use their time allotted to them.
11. Star Wars: Rogue Squadron (1998) - 85
Rogue Squadron is ranked among the top 10 Star Wars games on Metacritic by many fans. In the game, players find themselves in the shoes of Luke Skywalker, completing a series of missions based on events from the film.
Some critics consider this game to be the quintessential Nintendo 64, on a par with the Nintendo catalog. It also spawned its own critically acclaimed spaceflight series. For any Star Wars gamer and fan, Rogue Squadron is a classic game that rightfully takes its place on the list of the best.
10. Freelancer (2003) - 85
Freelancer was originally the brainchild of Chris Roberts, creator of the Wing Commander series. However, due to production issues, the game was postponed and eventually a new team took over. This did not damage the reputation of the game, as it still received critical acclaim on the leading gaming sites.
9. Allegiance (2000) - 86
When it comes to multiplayer space, few space sims can rival Allegiance, which was released for PC in 2000. The game combines two popular genres: first-person shooter and real-time strategy. Players work in teams to capture enemy bases or force them to surrender.
In many ways, the game was incredibly ambitious in terms of gameplay and managed to create an incredible multiplayer experience. However, despite a loyal player base, it suffered from low sales. The community continues to support the community to this day, which is certainly impressive. It's safe to say that Allegiance deserves the accolades it has received.
8. Sins Of A Solar Empire (2008) - 87
Space skirmishes have been happening in video games for decades, but few games boast all-out war. The scale of some of the battles that players will lead in Sins of a Solar Empire can be a bit overwhelming at times, but it can also be quite exciting to watch your master plan unfold on a legion of unsuspecting AI enemies.
Trying to blend elements from multiple genres doesn't always pay off, and some purists are likely to be a little disappointed with some of the compromises made for this fusion. For the most part, however, the game does a fantastic job of combining these contrasting ideas and mechanics and is able to provide players with a one-of-a-kind experience as a result.
7. EVE Online: Special Edition (2009) - 88
In terms of MMOs, they are not much more than EVE Online. At least, if we talk about the scale of the game's universe, then this is not the case. There are endless planets to explore and many activities to take part in. It may not be the most accessible game (especially for newcomers to the world of MMO games), but getting into the game shouldn't take long.
While interacting with other players can be a fun way to pass the time, some of the best moments in the game can be found by flying around and exploring empty space. You never know who or what to meet. From time to time, the game features epic record-breaking space battles that can be a sight to behold, not to mention a reminder to always be on the lookout!
6.Kerbal Space Program (2015) - 88
Kerbal Space Program is by far one of the most unique games on this list. This extravagant simulation game focuses on building the ultimate spaceship. The player is faced with the task of building a spaceship that can really take off into space. It's a long process of trial and error with a quirky physics engine and adorable little creatures.
Few things are as satisfying as a successful launch. Unsurprisingly, the game is one of the best space flight simulators out there, although "space flight" is putting it mildly. However, it's no surprise that Kerbal Space Program is one of the best space flight simulators out there.
5. Galaxy On Fire 2 (2010) - 90
Of course, it came as a shock to me to see Galaxy On Fire 2 at the top of the list. After all, most mobile games have low expectations. However, judging by the critics' reviews on Metacritic, this game is worth paying attention to. Many reviews say this game shows that mobile games can be as good as games for consoles or PC.
It's a game that pushes the boundaries of the platform it came out on and creates something completely new. She definitely looks like she stands head and shoulders above other popular mobile games. For the price it offers, Galaxy On Fire 2 could be the perfect mobile game to try.
4. Star Wars Rogue Leader: Rogue Squadron II (2001) - 90
The sequel to the classic N64 game, Rogue Leader, puts Factor5 in its best light in terms of game design. This is not just an incredible space flight game, it is an incredible overall game. The game contains the same locations as in the previous game, as well as many new elements. Nintendo Power even gave the game a score of 100 in its day, a significant achievement for a game not made by Nintendo itself.
The best feature of the game is its visual effects, which still retain their relevance to some extent in the modern world. This is just one of the many incredible GameCube games out there. It's not for nothing that fans have been clamoring for the return of Rogue Squadron for years.
3. Colony Wars (1997) - 91
This classic PlayStation 1 game has had both critical and commercial success since its first release. Critics of the time were amazed at how detailed the world was, as well as how enjoyable the game was. It has been voted one of the best space combat games on the console.
In addition, the game was successful enough to receive two sequels, although the series died after that. Considering the resurgence of space flight and space combat games, it's surprising that Sony didn't dig into their memory and choose this game. Perhaps Sony could consider adding it to its upcoming PS5 lineup.
2. FreeSpace 2 (1999) - 91
FreeSpace 2, like other games on this list, suffered a huge commercial flop despite critical success. That said, it's only fitting that a real space flight simulator is at the top of this list.
She received many awards "Game of the Year" and even today does not lose its relevance. The game has a strong modding community using the original engine to create incredible re-creations of other popular sci-fi franchises. It may be a game forgotten by time, but with great graphics and gameplay that were years ahead of its time, FreeSpace 2 ranks first among all other space flight games.
1. Homeworld (1999) - 93
The original Homeworld and its add-ons remain some of the best space sims ever, despite being first released over two decades ago. Watching the game's countless ships fly unwittingly through space is like poetry in motion, and the rest of the game is just as well done.
The visuals and gameplay are equally impressive, but perhaps what stands out the most is the game's soundtrack. It does a great job of immersing the player in the game and contributes to the game's status as one of the best RTS games ever made. Anyone looking to get to know the game can do it fairly easily thanks to the 2015 Remastered Collection, and with the third Homeworld game expected in 2022, there's a lot to expect.
