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Top 20 sci-fi game stories that will blow your mind

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Ignacio Weil

Gaming - November 5th 2024, 18:00 GMT+1

About this gallery:

For this list, we decided to focus on sci-fi games with amazing stories, even if the gameplay isn't the greatest. So, get ready to see some titles that, let’s be real, won’t win any awards for controls, but whose plots totally hooked us! As always, we included only one game per franchise (though a few entries cover entire trilogies).

Think we missed a sci-fi game with a wonderful story? Why not mention it in the comments? | © BioWare

Cropped Omikron The Nomad Soul — 20. Omikron: The Nomad Soul (1999)

Get ready for a trip through Omikron, a city where technology, mysticism, and David Bowie unite to create one of the most bizarre yet captivating sci-fi adventures. As a soul-hopping protagonist, you’re tasked with unearthing a deadly conspiracy that grips this surreal cyberworld. It’s ambitious, wild, and occasionally chaotic, but there’s an undeniable charm that makes it unforgettable. This game practically screams "90s," in the best way possible, delivering a story that’s a blend of cyberpunk noir and existential wonder. | © Quantic Dream

19. Dead Space (2008)

Imagine yourself alone on a derelict spaceship, and every sound could be the last thing you hear. Dead Space masterfully blends horror with sci-fi, dropping you into the boots of engineer Isaac Clarke as he unravels the twisted secrets of the USG Ishimura. This isn't just about jump scares; it's about the psychological terror of facing the unknown. It’s claustrophobic, intense, and beautifully terrifying in a way that only great sci-fi can be. | © EA Redwood Shores

Observer System Redux — 18. Observer: System Redux (2020)

In a dystopian future where hacking into minds is just another day on the job, Observer: System Redux delivers a neon-lit nightmare worth every glitchy second. You play as a neural detective, diving into others’ memories to solve mysteries that get darker with each case. This story captures the essence of cyberpunk with a psychological edge that’ll make you question what’s real. Trust me, once you start “observing,” there’s no going back. | © Bloober Team

17. Beneath a Steel Sky & Beyond a Steel Sky (1994 & 2020)

This cult classic duo takes you on an unforgettable journey across a dystopian, tech-dominated city. From Beneath’s pixel art charm to Beyond’s more modern polish, the narrative remains rich with quirky characters and surprisingly profound themes. It's a throwback to when sci-fi was both gritty and hopeful, blending humor with dark undertones. Each game manages to be both retro and refreshingly clever. | © Revolution Software

16. Quantum Break (2016)

Combining a sci-fi thriller with a television-style drama, Quantum Break explores the slippery nature of time with a mind-bending story that’s part game, part show. Protagonist Jack Joyce finds himself tangled in an experiment gone wrong, battling his former best friend across fractured realities. With its ambitious structure and cinematic style, this game is a thrill ride through and through. Just remember: time is never on your side. | © Remedy Entertainment

15. Outer Worlds (2019)

Take the corporate greed of today, crank it up to eleven, and sprinkle it across the galaxy—welcome to The Outer Worlds! This game doesn’t take itself too seriously, giving you a darkly funny yet surprisingly insightful narrative. As you hop between planets, making morally questionable choices, you’re bound to find yourself laughing one moment and contemplating the universe the next. It’s the perfect blend of humor and sci-fi. | © Obsidian Entertainment

Nie R Automata — 14. Nier: Automata (2017)

In this hauntingly beautiful post-apocalyptic world, androids and alien machines fight a seemingly endless war. But Nier: Automata isn’t your average sci-fi action RPG—its existential musings hit deep, with twists that will leave you questioning everything. Each character, from 2B to 9S, brings their own blend of melancholy and rebellion to the plot. With an emotional soundtrack and a story that demands multiple playthroughs, this game’s narrative is pure philosophical poetry. | © PlatinumGames

SIGNALIS — 13. Signalis (2022)

Retro-inspired and rich in atmosphere, Signalis pulls you into a cold, unforgiving world that’s both a psychological horror and a sci-fi mystery. You play as Elster, an android on a desperate quest for a lost partner, facing unspeakable horrors along the way. This story is as much about survival as it is about identity and loss, all wrapped up in haunting visuals that’ll stick with you. Prepare for a beautifully eerie experience. | © rose-engine

12. SOMA (2015)

SOMA digs deep into what it means to be human by blending science fiction with existential horror. Set in an underwater facility, you’ll navigate ethical dilemmas and shocking twists as you uncover disturbing truths. This is sci-fi storytelling at its finest, challenging players to confront philosophical questions while dodging mechanical terrors. It’s the kind of story that lingers, long after you’ve turned off the console. | © Frictional Games

11. The Red Strings Club (2018)

A cyberpunk bartender sim? Yes, please! The Red Strings Club is as much about making cocktails as it is about shaping human emotions and hacking the very essence of morality. You’ll find yourself mixing drinks to manipulate minds and uncovering secrets that reveal a surprisingly heartfelt narrative. It’s gritty, clever, and stylishly unique, showing that sometimes, sci-fi stories are best served with a twist. | © Deconstructeam

10. Primordia (2012)

In a barren, post-apocalyptic landscape, Primordia tells the tale of Horatio, a robot with a sense of curiosity and plenty of snark. This point-and-click gem captures the desolation and beauty of a world forgotten by humans, focusing on questions of purpose, legacy, and identity. It’s got wit, charm, and a story that balances hope and melancholy with every line of dialogue. An underappreciated classic, truly. | © Wormwood Studios

9. Cyberpunk 2077 (2020)

Despite a rocky start, Cyberpunk 2077 delivers a gripping story once you get under the neon skin of Night City. From corporate betrayals to virtual souls, every twist feels like a page from the ultimate cyberpunk novel. Playing as V, you’re thrown into a world where tech and humanity collide, and your choices actually matter. It's the dark, flawed gem of modern sci-fi RPGs. | © CD Projekt Red

8. Control (2019)

Step into the mind-bending world of the Federal Bureau of Control, where reality itself is up for grabs. As you navigate this twisted labyrinth of paranormal phenomena, Control presents a story that’s both bizarre and utterly captivating. The more you dig, the more questions arise, and the weirder things get. It’s like an episode of *The Twilight Zone* you never want to end. | © Remedy Entertainment

7. The Invincible (2024)

A recent gem, *The Invincible* serves up a gripping narrative about space exploration gone wrong, leaving you stranded on an alien planet with more questions than answers. This sci-fi thriller’s retro-futuristic visuals and slow-burn story build up to an unforgettable experience. With every new discovery, you’re forced to rethink survival, technology, and even humanity itself. It’s haunting in all the best ways. | © Starward Industries

Cropped Katana Zero — 6. Katana Zero (2019)

Who knew neon-soaked, samurai action could pack such a punch in the storytelling department? In Katana Zero, you slice through foes while unraveling a surprisingly dark, layered narrative about memory and mind control. Its stylish combat is addictive, but it’s the plot that sticks with you—a perfect blend of mystery, sci-fi, and raw adrenaline. Prepare for one intense ride. | © Askiisoft

Bio Shock Infinite — 5. Bioshock Trilogy (2007-2013)

Whether under the sea or high above the clouds, Bioshock’s tale of dystopia, philosophy, and identity has captivated players for years. Each game builds on its predecessor with themes that challenge what we believe about freedom, control, and human nature. The plot twists are legendary, and the settings are as much characters as the people you meet. It’s immersive storytelling at its finest. | © 2K Games

4. Mass Effect Trilogy (2007-2012)

The Mass Effect trilogy is the space opera to end all space operas, with characters so memorable they feel real. You, as Commander Shepard, navigate politics, alliances, and a universe on the brink of extinction, making choices that shape your story. It's a blend of thrilling action and heartfelt moments that’ll make you laugh, cry, and question everything. Truly the epitome of sci-fi storytelling. | © BioWare

Cropped Deus Ex — 3. Deus Ex (2000)

A classic in the genre, Deus Ex set the standard for player choice in a cyberpunk world filled with conspiracy and intrigue. With themes about AI, augmentation, and freedom, this game’s story remains surprisingly relevant. As J.C. Denton, you unravel a plot that goes deeper with each choice, and there’s always a twist waiting. Deus Ex didn’t just tell a story—it made you live it. | © Ion Storm

Cropped Fallout New Vegas — 2. Fallout: New Vegas (2010)

Set in a post-apocalyptic world where factions vie for control, New Vegas takes the sci-fi genre to a gritty, dusty frontier. As the Courier, you carve your own path through moral choices, alliances, and betrayals. The storytelling is as wild as it is thought-provoking, making it one of the most immersive wasteland adventures ever. It’s Mad Max meets *The Twilight Zone.* | © Obsidian Entertainment

1. Outer Wilds (2019)

Outer Wilds is the tale of an endless time loop in space that unravels the mysteries of a long-lost civilization. You’re an explorer, piecing together fragments of history, and each loop reveals something new. It’s sci-fi storytelling done in the most captivating way, blending exploration with existential awe. This game’s narrative is truly cosmic and leaves you reflecting on life, the universe, and everything in between. | © Mobius Digital

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In a genre known for exploring distant worlds, futuristic tech, and complex themes, a well-crafted story can make a sci-fi game unforgettable. From mind-bending plots to emotionally charged journeys, these 20 games have narratives that pull you in and won’t let go.

Whether you're into dystopian futures, alien encounters, or time-travel mysteries, each title on this list promises a story worth experiencing. So buckle up, because these are the science-fiction adventures that every gamer needs to dive into!

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In a genre known for exploring distant worlds, futuristic tech, and complex themes, a well-crafted story can make a sci-fi game unforgettable. From mind-bending plots to emotionally charged journeys, these 20 games have narratives that pull you in and won’t let go.

Whether you're into dystopian futures, alien encounters, or time-travel mysteries, each title on this list promises a story worth experiencing. So buckle up, because these are the science-fiction adventures that every gamer needs to dive into!