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1. EVE Online

• Platforms: PC, macOS
• Developer: CCP Games

We’re positioning EVE Online at the tenth spot of our ‘best space RPGs’ ranking because, while exceptional, it’s challenging to suggest to casual gamers. Fundamentally, CCP Games’ 2003 masterpiece is an MMORPG, offering interaction with countless players across over 7,000 star systems. However, expect a steep learning curve. This one’s for the dedicated enthusiasts.

Your mission is to establish your legacy within this living universe through whatever means you choose. Available pursuits include resource extraction, space piracy, goods production, commerce, exploration, and combat. EVE Online’s reputation stems from its intricate systems, encompassing organic economic competition, warfare, and political machinations that impact both players and real-world currencies. A notable instance was the Bloodbath of B-R5RB, involving thousands of participants in a conflict spanning approximately 21 actual hours.

Yahtzee Croshaw famously described it as an “employment position you pay to maintain” and while that’s accurate, it’s employment as a starship commander, and that’s precisely the experience we cherish.

2. System Shock Remake

• Platforms: PC, Linux, macOS, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S
• Developer: Nightdive Studios

System Shock stands as a towering achievement among both space RPGs and space horror games, and the 2023 reimagining of the classic title introduces such substantial quality-of-life improvements and sophisticated enhancements that it arguably represents the franchise at its pinnacle.

For those seeking to explore the haunting corridors of Citadel Station and confront SHODAN – one of gaming’s most formidable and memorable science fiction antagonists – there couldn’t be a more opportune moment.

This fresh interpretation of the 1994 masterpiece, originally crafted by Looking Glass Studios, comes from the restoration specialists at Nightdive Studios. Despite experiencing some development turbulence, the extended wait has proven worthwhile. While the game primarily embodies a first-person immersive sim design, it incorporates sufficient RPG elements to merit its inclusion in our carefully curated selection.

3. Star Trek Online

• Platforms: PC, macOS, PS4, Xbox One
• Developer: Cryptic Studios

Star Trek Online has earned its reputation as the definitive Star Trek gaming experience, and we must acknowledge its excellence as a comprehensive RPG that delivers abundantly for those who occupy the sweet spot between Star Trek enthusiasm and MMORPG appreciation. Initially released as a premium product requiring both purchase and subscription fees, it later transitioned to a free-to-play model while maintaining premium access options for additional content and items.

Even without monetary investment, Star Trek Online continues to evolve impressively, delivering both ground-based away missions and engaging starship combat while masterfully capturing the narrative essence of the Trek universe through varied quests, PvP encounters, and beyond. It’s particularly suited for those who’ve recently completed the best Star Trek movies and seek endless cosmic adventures.

4. Starsector

• Platforms: PC, Linux, macOS
• Developer: Fractal Softworks

Starsector remains the hidden gem within this compilation. Though in development as an ‘early access’ project since 2013, it has remained relatively unknown due to its absence from prominent digital distribution platforms like Steam and GOG. Fractal Softworks currently distributes the game exclusively through their own site while development continues.

Despite its top-down perspective and visual constraints, Starsector boasts some of the most sophisticated RPG mechanics in science fiction gaming. The title seamlessly combines meaningful exploration with complex combat scenarios, offering deeper complexity than typical mainstream releases. This depth stems from Starsector’s procedurally generated universe and simulation systems designed to harmonize with complete player autonomy.

5. Warframe

• Platforms: PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
• Developer: Digital Extremes

Warframe has undergone a remarkable evolution since its initial release in 2013. What began as a pioneering free-to-play experience that predated Destiny’s formula has transformed dramatically throughout its lifespan, continuously expanding with innovative mechanics and engaging gameplay elements.

In this expansive universe, players embody the Tenno, an ancient warrior civilization awakening from cryogenic stasis in Earth’s distant future, thrust into an ongoing conflict between various malevolent factions. These Tenno warriors, essentially cosmic ninjas, utilize sophisticated combat suits known as Warframes, each endowing them with distinct combat capabilities and tactical advantages.

While surface-level screenshots might suggest a conventional cooperative third-person shooter, Warframe transcends such simple categorization. The game weaves together intricate melee combat systems, fluid parkour-style movement mechanics, supernatural abilities reminiscent of mystical powers, and even comprehensive space warfare elements. Recent updates have introduced expansive, open-world environments and rich narrative content that weaves an intricate, ongoing saga.

6. The Outer Worlds

• Platforms: PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
• Developer: Obsidian Entertainment

For those who’ve dreamed of experiencing Fallout’s charm in a cosmic setting, The Outer Worlds delivers precisely that captivating fusion.

Set within a highly satirical and hyper-corporate galactic landscape, The Outer Worlds invites players to venture through the cosmos’s distant frontiers, engage with diverse factions, and navigate a deceptively complex narrative through combat or diplomacy. Your decisions carry significant weight, potentially reshaping the story’s conclusion. Its manageable scope makes it particularly appealing to casual players with limited gaming time.

As previously noted, the first-person gameplay mechanics strongly echo Bethesda’s Fallout series, which isn’t surprising given Obsidian’s history as co-developers of Fallout: New Vegas. Enthusiasts of choice-driven, narrative-rich RPGs should definitely experience this title before the sequel launches. Additionally, its inclusion as a permanent Game Pass offering provides excellent value for Xbox and PC users. The universe awaits your exploration!

7. Citizen Sleeper

• Platforms: PC, macOS, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
• Developer: Jump Over The Age

Citizen Sleeper represents an unconventional yet brilliant choice for those seeking a narrative-focused experience that cleverly incorporates tabletop RPG elements. Through carefully weighted decisions and probability-based dice mechanics, you’ll gradually uncover the mysteries of your stellar sanctuary. There’s considerably more depth to discover, but we’ll preserve the intrigue of this distinctive gaming experience.

The narrative centers around sleepers, individuals whose consciousness has been digitally transferred into robotic vessels owned by an imposing and formidable corporation. The protagonist manages to break free from their enforced servitude and finds their way to a space station known as the Eye, where various groups engage in concurrent struggles for both their continued existence and liberation. The game features multiple possible conclusions, and for those who resonate with its unique atmosphere, subsequent playthroughs remain engaging and concise.

The experience is predominantly text-based, bearing more resemblance to an interactive novel than the action-oriented titles in our collection, but for those who appreciate this style of storytelling, it proves to be an enchanting adventure… and its successor Citizen Sleeper 2 has now also been released.

8. Destiny 2

• Platforms: PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S
• Developer: Bungie

Entering the Light versus Darkness conflict at this advanced stage of Destiny 2’s ongoing saga might seem overwhelming, but we assure you, the experience justifies the initial learning curve. Despite occasional seasonal fluctuations and some challenging balance adjustments, Bungie’s multiplayer science fiction first-person shooter remains unparalleled in today’s gaming landscape.

Moreover, with the Light & Darkness narrative arc now concluded, players can experience this compelling science fiction journey from its modest beginnings through to its definitive conclusion. While the future appears somewhat ambiguous, fresh content and narrative elements continue to emerge regularly.

The core game has been available without charge for several years, but accessing post-year one campaigns, raids, Nightfall strikes, comprehensive endgame content, and numerous additional features requires investment in recent expansions. We recommend sampling the base game initially, and if Destiny’s unique combination of science fiction elements, superior gunplay mechanics, and rich lore resonates with you, consider exploring the additional content. Enthusiasts of cosmic space drama will particularly appreciate the scope of Bungie’s most extensive science fiction universe to date.

9. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 1 & 2

• Platforms: PC, macOS, Linux, Android, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
• Developer: BioWare, Obsidian Entertainment

The Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) duology stands among the finest Star Wars gaming experiences ever created, simultaneously earning their place among the greatest space-themed RPGs. Both titles excel in implementing party-based role-playing mechanics while masterfully capturing the essence of Star Wars world-building, establishing themselves as exceptional space adventures in their own right.

The narrative will captivate you as you navigate the complex dynamics between light and dark side decisions – your choices and dialogue carry genuine significance. KOTOR provides an authentic experience of the Jedi journey… and includes the particularly engaging feature of customizing your own lightsaber.

The enduring influence of the Knights of the Old Republic series resonates deeply throughout contemporary Star Wars narratives and independent role-playing game developments, establishing a legacy that continues to shape the gaming landscape.

The gaming community eagerly anticipates the forthcoming reimagining of BioWare’s groundbreaking masterwork. For those seeking additional content in this universe, we strongly suggest exploring their free-to-play MMORPG continuation — The Old Republic — which maintains a vibrant player base and regular content updates well into its second decade of operation.

10. Mass Effect Legendary Edition

• Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
• Developer: BioWare

While the frequent appearance of the original Mass Effect trilogy at the summit of gaming rankings might seem excessive, their consistent top placement is thoroughly justified. Though the original versions remain accessible, we strongly advocate for experiencing the 2021 Legendary Edition, which incorporates comprehensive downloadable content, substantial visual enhancements, and numerous gameplay refinements.

The Mass Effect series represents the pinnacle of action RPG design, seamlessly integrating strategic third-person combat mechanics with immersive elements of interpersonal relationships, complex political narratives, and extensive exploration across the Milky Way galaxy while confronting the formidable Reaper threat.

Furthermore, the games are specifically designed to encourage multiple playthroughs, allowing players to discover diverse narrative outcomes across three expansive chapters. With an anticipated sequel in development and a Mass Effect television adaptation currently in production, this series demands attention.