Games that are truly out of this world

Games that are truly out of this world
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Sep 04, 2025

The universe, a boundless source of inspiration, has always ignited our imagination. In recent years, video games have emerged as a captivating medium to explore the cosmos, offering experiences that are truly out of this world. From vast sandboxes that allow you to chart your own galactic course to heart-pounding survival experiences on derelict spacecraft, these games not only entertain but also provide a glimpse of the unknown. They remind us of the awe and wonder that the stars have always inspired in us.

For those who crave both scale and freedom, No Man's Sky remains a standout. Once infamous for its rocky launch, Hello Games has steadily transformed it into one of the most expansive and rewarding space simulations available. With procedurally generated galaxies, diverse ecosystems, and the chance to build colonies or explore alongside friends, it's a game that truly captures the infinite possibilities of interstellar travel. Every update expands the frontier, ensuring there's always something new to discover.

Not every space experience is about exploration, though. Some push players into tense, confined settings where survival is the only goal. The Dead Space remake exemplifies this with its claustrophobic corridors, horrifying creatures, and unrelenting atmosphere. Unlike open-world space games, this one thrives on making you feel small and fragile in the void, a reminder that space is as dangerous as it is beautiful.

At the other end of the spectrum sits Kerbal Space Program, a quirky yet surprisingly educational sandbox. It's not just about strapping rockets together and launching green Kerbals into orbit, often with explosive results. Beneath the humour lies a simulation deeply rooted in real physics. Players gradually learn orbital mechanics, flight stability, and mission planning, making each successful landing or space station build a genuine triumph. It's a game that not only entertains but also enlightens.

Then there are strategy gems like Stellaris, which let you guide entire civilisations through diplomacy, war, and galactic-scale challenges. Whether you envision your species as benevolent explorers or ruthless conquerors, the game gives you the tools to shape the fate of your empire. The unpredictability of alien encounters and emergent storylines ensures that no two play-throughs ever feel the same. It's a game that empowers you to make strategic decisions and shape the destiny of your empire.

Of course, space gaming isn't just limited to sprawling RPGs or detailed simulations. The cosmos has also found its way into the world of online slots, where cosmic visuals and extraterrestrial themes fuel a different kind of thrill. In fact, one of the most popular slots games online for anyone looking for great gameplay in deep space combines vibrant imagery with easy-to-pick-up mechanics, proving that even casual games can deliver a stellar sense of adventure.

For fans of narrative-driven experiences, Mass Effect 2 remains a timeless classic. Its compelling mix of character-driven storytelling, high-stakes decision-making, and interplanetary exploration set a standard few games have matched since. Similarly, Outer Wilds turns the genre on its head by offering a looping, 22-minute cycle of discovery. Each reset provides new clues, making the game as much about unravelling mysteries as it is about space travel itself.

What makes these games so compelling isn't just their settings but the sense of scale, danger, and possibility they offer. Whether you're constructing rockets, fighting alien hordes, or chasing jackpots among the stars, they reflect our timeless fascination with what lies beyond. After all, space may be cold and vast, but in gaming, it's never been more alive.