Science fiction video games happen to be some of the most anticipated and yearned-for titles every year. Between the big AAA blockbuster releases from industry-defining studios and publishers to the smaller indie games looking to leave their mark on the genre, there are plenty of sci-fi games worth diving into.
As with most years in the modern era of gaming 2023 is set to see the release of dozens of sci-fi games ranging from horror and 2D platformers to narrative-driven and roguelike experiences. Sure it's hard to deny how excited people are for Bethesda's Starfield, but there's also more than a handful of sci-fi games flying a bit under the radar worthy of everyone's time and attention in 2023.
8 Nine Sols
It's hard to grow tired of hand-drawn aesthetics in the world of indie games and RedCandleGames manages to prove that sentiment once more. Their upcoming Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice-inspired platformer Nine Sols brings together aspects of Eastern fantasy and sci-fi elements to create a world worth exploring and overcoming.
It's looking to provide fans of the Souls-like genre with a 2D platformer offering rewarding difficulty, engaging combat, and a world players will want to learn more about. There is currently a demo on Steam for those interested in it, as well as the ability to wishlist it to be notified as soon as it has been specifically dated for 2023.
7 Routine
People seek out sci-fi experiences for various reasons, but the world of horror and sci-fi often finds themselves mixing throughout the history of video games. At Summer Game Fest 2022, a studio by the name of Lunar Software introduced their game, Routine.
Very much inspired by System Shock and the like, players have to explore a space station filled with corrupted and violent A.I. that serves as a looming danger for anyone in their vicinity. The game's graphical fidelity and sound design stood out most during its reveal, which are two aspects that greatly affect how immersive and rewarding a horror-focused game can be.
6 System Shock Remake
Every gamer over a certain age likely has fond memories of the original System Shock, for most these days it's simply known as the series that inspired Bioshock. Developers Night Dive Studios and Looking Glass Studios are hoping to bring the iconic sci-fi series back into the mainstream with their 2023 remake.
There was a demo available on Steam for people to try that gave a taste of what to expect with the full release. Players take on the role of a hacker who must explore and survive a space station known as Citadel. The game's main antagonist is a rogue A.I., which someone remains rather relevant in 2023 despite the original game releasing in 1994.
5 The Invincible
Though sci-fi is a major genre of entertainment, it also has many sub-genres that help better define specific intricacies between two different projects. The Invincible for instance is pitched by developer Starward Industries as a game set in a hard sci-fi world. What this means is that the logic and futuristic elements of this universe are based strongly on real science.
It's a story-driven game that is said to have the player making difficult philosophical decisions. Regis III is the name of the planet players are stranded on and the driving goal is to find the missing crew with the aid of atompunk tools and one's own wits.
4 The Expanse: A Telltale Series
The Expanse television series did a lot in terms of introducing non-book readers to Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck's sci-fi world. Telltale is a developer who saw incredible success delivering episodic narrative licensed games, but due to poor project management and resource allocation was forced to shut down. It was reopened in 2018 with the goal of delivering the experiences Telltale was known for.
The Expanse: A Telltale Series has the players take on the role of Camina Drummer as they explore The Belt. It will follow the assumed release of an episode dropping periodically over the course of weeks or months and is currently slated for a Summer 2023 release.
3 Luna Abyss
Housemarque's Returnal not only showcased the studio's talent to a wider audience, but it also showcased how sci-fi horror in the roguelike genre can deliver a satisfying and addictive experience. Bonsai Collective's Luna Abyss is looking to follow in its footsteps while also providing a weird and eccentric narrative similar to something like Nier: Automata.
The game recently had its first live demo during GDC23 during a developer showcase stream by gaming industry entertainers Kinda Funny. Developer Bonsai Collective has yet to give a firm date on the game, but are passionate and confident that what they're crafting will speak to gamers looking for a fast and fluid gameplay experience that also offers interesting mysteries and characters for those seeking to know more about what exactly is going on.
2 Replaced
Russia's war in Ukraine has done a lot of unnecessary harm, the very least of which is the numerous game development teams affected by the foreign occupation of their homeland. Games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart Of Chornobyl and the upcoming sci-fi title Replaced have had their development delayed or halted at points, with the latter's team Sad Cat Studios having teams in Ukraine and Belarus.
Trailers for Replaced showcases a beautifully rendered dystopia that feels inspired by classic sci-fi properties like Blade Runner or Judge Dredd. The game is described as a 2.5D platformer set in an alternate 1980s where players take on the role of an A.I. trapped in a human body.
1 Planet Of Lana
Indie games have come a long way since the days of Xbox Live Arcade, and every year there are dozens of experiences made by smaller studios that capture the attention and imagination of gamers. Wishfully's Planet of Lana is looking to deliver what feels like a spiritual successor to the 2D platformer Ori titles from Moon Studios. The game delivers a science fiction adventure via a painterly art style that feels heartwarmingly reminiscent of Studio Ghibli projects.
Its initial trailer focused on a young kid befriending what seems to be an alien species of some sort. It is said to be an epic sci-fi saga that not only focuses on this one individual, but spans different galaxies in terms of location, and over the course of centuries in terms of time periods.
