Revisiting classic space-themed games from over the years

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The gaming sphere has been treated to some classic gaming genres over the years, from real-time strategy titles to action arcade wrestling releases. One such video game genre which has particularly won over the hearts and minds of the gaming community during its time has been space-themed titles.

Even today, space-themed games are pulling in big numbers. Popular options on PC include Star Conflict and No Man’s Sky, but we’re even being inundated with a variety of smartphone releases these days too. On mobile, space lovers have been enjoying the Starburst slot game, one of the most popular online slots of all time with a classic space theme. Other options on a modern-day mobile include Among Us, a title that has recorded massive success as players aim to rumble the killer on a spaceship. It’s the classic space games of old that we’re focussing on in this particular piece, though. Many of them helped shape some of the aforementioned titles of today and were fantastic in their own right. Let’s take a look at some of them below.

EVE Online (2003)

 For its sheer mayhem and warring aspects, EVE Online is hard to forget. A long-running multiplayer game, it became known for attracting ruthless operators who loved nothing more than waging war with their online rivals. The game’s community certainly separates it out from others, but so too does its all-around immersive action experience.

Star Wars: TIE Fighter (1994)

It came as no surprise to see the Star Wars movie franchise eventually take a leap into the world of gaming. A money-making exercise to many, Star Wars: TIE Fighter was actually an excellent title to tuck into on PC. The space sim from the mid-90s offered an unusually dark narrative, too, with players having to see off an agent of the Empire and not play the usual good guy in the battle.

Wing Commander (1990)

 A space shooter with so much to offer, Wing Commander inspired a new generation of space shooters and, for its time, served up some truly gorgeous 3D graphics. Wing Commander: Privateer and Wing Commander III: Heart of the Tiger deserve recognition also, but the original instalment of the game is hard to beat, especially when you factor in its fairly intriguing narrative.

Mass Effect (2007)

Mass Effect is a game well worth sampling. Taking the role-playing aspect of space games to a whole new level, Mass Effect was a truly memorable sci-fi masterpiece as players were challenged with saving the galaxy. Mass Effect 2 – the Empire Strikes Back is arguably the better game of the two, but the first instalment in the series helped shape its undoubted success.

Elite (1984)

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A much-loved open-ended space game from 1984, Elite is a classic example of a space game that contributed to the overall genre today. Its basic premise has been incorporated into numerous titles we see released these days, with the game starting players off in a ship as you aim to navigate your way through a path of stars. After its initial release on BBC Micro, the game eventually transitioned over to PC platforms, where it registered similar success.

Freelancer (2003)

A lot was expected given the man behind Freelancer, namely Chris Roberts, the creator of the aforementioned Wing Commander. Thankfully, Roberts didn’t disappoint either. The open galaxy product was a joy to play, especially with its mix of epic combat and trading options. Certainly similar to Elite – which was the aim, apparently – Freelancer is an unforgettable release in the space sim genre.

Special mention to FTL: Faster Than Light and Galaxy on Fire 2.