We can all agree that 2020 was a strange year. The coronavirus pandemic even affected the video game industry, forcing some developers to delay their games and release them in 2021. As a result, we received great titles this year, including sci-fi games of 2021 many of us couldn’t wait to try out.
Right now, reality seems a bit weirder than science fiction. So, a chance to escape to a different world or galaxy is an offer players are rushing to embrace. We all want to forget about the current horrors of life for a few hours and visit the future or alternate past. In those settings, we can help to save humanity or enable humans to reach beyond our blue marble. Science fiction games allow us to leave an impact on the world!
We bet that sounds awesome. That is why we’ve decided to draw your attention to four sci-fi games of 2021 you need to check. As we wait for Ripout to launch, you can play these titles and get in good shape to fight alien mutants aboard spaceships in 2022, courtesy of our game devs.
Prepare for the best of what science fiction has to offer to players this year!
Mass Effect Legendary Edition
The Mass Effect trilogy brings back so many fond memories to true sci-fi fans. The team behind the game decided to make our 2021 even better by enabling us to revisit the trilogy and the world we have all grown to love over the years. As a result, we got Mass Effect Legendary Edition, a compilation of all three games in the trilogy!
This compilation will have players visit the Milky Way galaxy during the 22nd century where they will explore an alternate universe. The trilogy includes action role-playing games where the main protagonist is the person die-hard fans love — Commander Shepard. Shepard is an elite human soldier whose task is to unite the community so they can pose a threat to an advanced race known as Reapers.
Every choice players make during the journey can impact the story in various ways. As soon as you start playing, you’ll see why the compilation is one of the sci-fi games of 2021 you must try!
Mass Effect Legendary Edition comes with all downloadable content (DLC) that was released for each game in the trilogy. This includes promotional weapons, armory, and so much more! So, if you want to visit news planets, enjoy numerous twists, and revisit this memorable story, the compilation is waiting for you!
Scarlet Nexus
If you don’t want to revisit certain worlds, but want to try out something new, then Scarlet Nexus is a great choice. The game received positive reviews from critics who recommended it to players looking for some new sci-fi games of 2021 to explore. Let’s find out more about this action role-playing title!
Scarlet Nexus is set in the near future and an alternate reality where players assume control of either Yuito Sumeragi or Kasane Randall, both of whom are members of the Other Suppression Force (OSF). Their mission is to defend New Himuka from creatures known as the Others. These creatures are mindless mutants which descend from the Extinction Belt and can wreak havoc in the universe. It is on you to stop them, using short-range weapons and psychokinesis.
That’s right — the future in Scarlet Nexus is so advanced that humans have extrasensory superpowers. This allows them to hurl objects and debris at dangerous enemies. Of course, you can upgrade the protagonist’s powers throughout the game!
If you’re not only after a future where there are flying cars and evil megacorporations, check out this title and see how psychokinesis can be an awesome addition!
Let’s check out other sci-fi games of 2021.Â
Returnal
Finnish video game developer, Housemarque, has developed various shoot ‘em up games over the years. Their love of this game type showed no sign of declining when their latest title, Returnal, was released for the PlayStation 5 this year. The game includes many of the hallmarks of classic Housemarque titles, but it is clear that Returnal is their most ambitious project ever.
In the game, players assume the role of Selene, an Astra scout who’s stuck on a hostile alien planet. During the search for the mysterious white shadow signal, Selene gets trapped in a time loop that changes every time Selene dies. The title features roguelike elements, which is interesting if you haven’t come across them in a while. This is one of the reasons why we had to include Returnal with other sci-fi games of 2021.
After every death, Selene is resurrected. Players then travel to foreign environments and fight against extraterrestrial entities who want to destroy Selene’s universe. Help Selene go through time loops and each battle!
Outriders
No other sci-fi theme is more enduring than the one in which humans have to leave Earth because of some disaster and find a new planet to inhabit. The reason for this might be our fear that our blue marble won’t be inhabitable in years to come due to various climate disasters. This scenario is the backbone for Outriders, our recommendation for sci-fi games of 2021 you need to try out!
Outriders explores a scenario in which Earth has passed the point of no return because climate disasters have become more frequent and dangerous. Leaving the blue marble might be the only solution that will preserve humanity. Two colony ships are built and their destination is Enoch, a distant Earth-like planet. The first humans to set foot on this planet are the Outriders, elite soldiers who need to scout the area and prepare everything for the colonists.
However, the new planet isn’t as friendly as they all thought. There is the Anomaly, a deadly energy storm that is a serious risk to humans. But, the government doesn’t abort colonization, risking what is left of humanity. Players assume the roles of members of the Outriders.Â
Outriders has every potential to be the breakout co-op shooter of 2021. As players can choose from a variety of classes and weapons, you might not be able to stop playing the game!
Did you like our choices for the best sci-fi games of 2021? Have you played any of them? Tell us in the comments section!