Space: the final frontier. Space often finds itself as the landscape of various media properties. In many ways, space and space flight are equal parts fantastical and realistic in a way. This is especially true in sci-fi games; some games lean into the fantastical, like Mass Effect, while others like Elite: Dangerous capitalize on the wonders of space travel itself.
Over the years, many companies have created their own takes on space flight simulations. It’s risky, considering how easy it is to botch a simulation game. There are many different varieties and all game players have their preferences, but which ones are the best of the best? This list will serve to highlight the best space flight simulation games, according to Metacritic.
Updated January 06, 2021 by Thomas Bowen: Despite huge advancements in technology allowing for state of the art graphics and endless sandbox environments, modern space-based games like No Man’s Sky and Star Wars: Squadrons have struggled to make the same impact as some of the games that came before them. While it’s certainly true that it can be difficult to be innovative in a crowded marketplace, there’s perhaps an argument to be made that the simplistic graphics of yesteryear were just far better suited to capturing the desolate nature of the great unknown. Whatever the reason, those looking for an enthralling space flight simulation experience may be better served looking backwards rather than up into the sky.
15 FTL: Faster Than Light (2012) – 84
FTL: Faster Than Light offers a fairly unique approach to space travel. Rather than placing players at the wheel, they are instead expected to manage every aspect associated with the operation of the ship. It might sound a little dry when compared to weaving between asteroids and the like, but it’s actually a lot of fun and can lead to some incredibly tense and exciting moments.
Every decision matters and there are plenty of variables that players will need to take into account. Some things, like crew members getting sick, are out of the player’s hands but nearly every other mishap can usually be traced back to a bad decision somewhere throughout the journey. It’s a game that can be replayed multiple times and one that really manages to stand out in a crowded sky that’s filled with plenty of brightly shining stars.
14 EVERSPACE (2017) – 84
EVERSPACE, like most of the games that are on this list, aren’t going to be considered pure “space flight simulations.” As it turns out, there aren’t too many pure space flight simulations. However, EVERSPACE definitely qualifies. The game is a 3D space-shooter with roguelike elements, loaded with gorgeous sights and fun combat.
The Xbox One version holds the 84, while the other versions hold scores close enough that it counts. Many critics praised the game for its fresh take on the roguelike genre, and as a sequel was successfully funded on Kickstarter, the fun won’t stop with the first one.
13 Star Wars: Starfighter (2001) – 84
The Star Wars franchise, unsurprisingly, holds many space-flight games under its belt. And unlike most games based on movies, Star Wars is consistently a solid brand. The first on this list is Star Wars: Star Fighter for the PlayStation 2. The game takes place before the Battle of Naboo, and the player will have to navigate a number of harrowing missions with the three fighter pilots to stop the invasion.
The game jumps between multiple perspectives as the story unfolds. While not as iconic as other Star Wars titles on the PS2, Star Fighter still remains in the top caliber of space flight shooters.
12 Outer Wilds (2019) – 85
Outer Wilds is a game about exploration and discovery and does a fantastic job of capturing the isolation of space. It looks great and slowly uncovering more information about the enigmatic Nomai species provides more than enough reason for players to keep coming back. Each planet is home to its own mysteries and each mystery has an explanation that’s just waiting to be uncovered.
Where the game differs from other space sim games (and the vast majority of games in general, for that matter) is through its innovative gameplay loop. Rather than one long slog, players are given twenty minutes to explore before their progress is partially reset. This may sound frustrating, but it actually works incredibly well and really helps with the game’s pacing while also encouraging players to really think about how they are going to use their allotted time.
11 Star Wars: Rogue Squadron (1998) – 85
One of the definitive great Star Wars titles according to many fans, Rogue Squadron is also in the top ten of the genre on Metacritic. The game puts players in the shoes of Luke Skywalker as they play through a number of missions based on events from the movie.
Some critics consider this title to be a quintessential Nintendo 64 game, right up there with Nintendo’s catalog. It spawned its own series of critically acclaimed space flight games as well. For any game player and Star Wars fan, Rogue Squadron is a classic title that earns its spot near the top.
10 Freelancer (2003) – 85
Freelancer was originally the brainchild of Chris Roberts, creator of the Wing Commander series. However, production problems led the game to be delayed and eventually picked up by a new team. This didn’t harm the game’s reputation entirely, as it still met critical acclaim from the top gaming websites.
The concept for the game was to create a true virtual galaxy, and that dream is still reflected in the systems of trading and combat within the world. It’s ambition may have harmed it in the long-run but it still remains a classic. At the very least, the game can say it released, unlike Roberts’s latest project and cash cow Star Citizen.
9 Allegiance (2000) – 86
In terms of the multiplayer space, few space simulator games could compete with Allegiance, released for PC in 2000. The game mixed two popular PC genres: first-person shooter and real-time strategy. Players work in teams to capture the opponent’s bases or forcing them to surrender.
In many ways the game was incredibly ambitious in terms of gameplay, and it managed to create an incredible multiplayer experience. However, it suffered from low sales despite a dedicated playerbase. Players are still maintaining the community to this day, which is certainly impressive. It can definitely be said Allegiance deserves the praise it has received.
8 Sins Of A Solar Empire (2008) – 87
Space skirmishes have been around in video games for decades now, but there are few titles that have managed to incorporate all out war. The sheer size of some of the battles that players will preside over in Sins of a Solar Empire can be a little overwhelming at times, but it can also be quite exhilarating to watch one’s master plan unfold on a legion of unsuspecting AI enemies.
Trying to mix together elements from multiple genres doesn’t always pay off and some purists will likely be a little disappointed with some of the compromises made to accommodate this merger. 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
As far as MMOs go, they don’t come much bigger than EVE Online. At least not when it comes to the sheer scale of the game’s universe, that is. There are endless planets to explore and a plenty of activities in which to partake. It might not be the most accessible game out there (especially for those who are new to the world of MMO gaming) but it shouldn’t take too long to get into the swing of things.
While interacting with other players can be a fun way to spend time, some of the best moments in the game can be found flying around through empty space exploring. One never knows who or what they might encounter. There are also huge record-breaking space battles from time to time which can be a real sight to behold; not to mention a reminder to always remain alert!
6 Kerbal Space Program (2015) – 88
Kerbal Space Program is certainly one of the most unique titles on this list. This wacky simulation game takes a focus on crafting the perfect spacecraft. The player is tasked to build a spacecraft that can actually launch 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 finally achieving a successful launch. It’s no wonder that the game is one of the top space flight simulators, although the “space flight” part is a stretch. Still, it’s no surprise that Kerbal Space Program is one of the top space flight simulators.
5 Galaxy On Fire 2 (2010) – 90
It was certainly a shock to see Galaxy On Fire 2 near the top of the list. After all, most mobile titles have low expectations for them. However, according to the critic reviews on Metacritic, it’s a game to look out for. Many reviews cite that this is a game that shows that mobile games can be just as good as console or PC titles.
It’s a game that pushes the limits of the platform its on and creates something entirely new. It definitely looks like it stands head and shoulders above other popular mobile titles. For the price it is offered at, Galaxy On Fire 2 might be the perfect mobile game to give a shot.
4 Star Wars Rogue Leader: Rogue Squadron II (2001) – 90
The sequel to the N64 classic, Rogue Leader shows Factor5 at their best in terms of game design. It’s not just an incredible space flight game, it’s an incredible game overall. The game features similar locals to the previous game, along with a whole host of new bits of content to experience. Nintendo Power even gave the game a perfect 100 score back in the day, a significant achievement for a game not from Nintendo themselves.
Its best feature are the visuals, which still hold up to some degree in the modern landscape. It’s easily one of many incredible GameCube titles. There’s a reason fans have been demanding a return to Rogue Squadron for years now.
3 Colony Wars (1997) – 91
This PlayStation 1 classic was both a critical and commercial success back when it initially released. Critics at the time were amazed by just how detailed the world was, along with how great the game felt to play. It was ranked as one of the best space-combat games on the console.
Additionally, the game was successful enough to receive two sequels, although afterwards the series fizzled out. Considering the resurgence of space-flight and space-combat games, it’s a wonder that Sony hasn’t dug back to pick out this game. Perhaps Sony could consider adding it to their future PS5 lineup.
2 FreeSpace 2 (1999) – 91
FreeSpace 2, like other games on this list, was a huge commercial failure despite its critical success. However, it’s appropriate that at the top of this list is a true space-flight simulator.
It received a number of game-of-the-year awards, and it even stays relevant today. The game has a strong modding community, using the source engine to build some incredible recreations of other popular sci-fi franchises. It may be a game that time forgot, but with stellar graphics and gameplay light-years ahead of its time, FreeSpace 2 reigns supreme over any other space-flight game.
1 Homeworld (1999) – 93
The original Homeworld games and their expansions remain some of the best space sim games ever created despite having first released more than two decades ago. Watching the game’s countless ships fly around unsuspectingly through the vastness of space is like poetry in motion and the rest of the game’s components are equally well-versed.
Its visuals and gameplay are impressive in equal measures, but it’s perhaps the game’s sound design that really stands out the most. It does a wonderful job of immersing the player and contributes towards the game’s status as one of the best RTS games ever made. Anybody looking to experience the game for themselves can do so fairly easily too thanks to the Remastered Collection that released back in 2015 and with a third Homeworld game expected in 2022, there’s plenty to look forward to.
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