The best planetary romance games

Role-playing games are some of the most popular explorations of the video game medium on shelves today. Among them, there is no shortage of sci-fi focused titles that allow players to expand their horizons beyond the earthly and material, towards the great unknown of the universe. But the space itself is so broad that it only makes sense that the setting has plenty of sub-genres, from gritty hard sci-fi dramas to whimsical, adventurous tales of planetary romance.

Planetary Romance is a subgenre of science fiction that includes stories of adventure and bravery set on other planets. The sci-fi components are present, but unlike hard sci-fi, the emphasis is not on the technology, but rather on the setting that technology creates. Planetary romance titles aren't interested in the intricacies of space technology, only that the technology has developed the potential for a spectacular story in an otherworldly setting.

7 Elex 2

An excellent RPG set on a strange planet

Although it did not meet all the expectations of Piranha Bytes in terms of sales, legendary Elect duology takes a bold and fascinating take on the sci-fi series, with a variety of sci-fi tropes such as a surreal, alien planet for its setting, without getting bogged down in minutes of hard science.

That's what it does Elex 2 such a great title. Much like the first game, sci-fi is really just a chrome aesthetic over some classic fantasy ideas, and the overall result is refreshingly unique and sure to be a hit with fans of the game. The Elder Scrolls or Fallout titles.

6 Star Trader: Frontiers

Court Intrigue On Space Background

People who like drama and schemes Dune or game of thrones will be right at home in this expansive spaceship simulator, where the player takes on the role of an independent inter-system trader working for nobles among various noble families.

The technology displayed on the ships and weapons is secondary to the central focus of this game, which is building a reputation among noble families as a merchant, bounty hunter, spy, or simply any profession that suits the players' needs for fame and glory. luck.

5 Technomancer

Mars is the host of great adventure

Another “AA” classic in the same vein as Elect, Technomancer underlines the atmosphere of a dystopian civilization on Mars, where the main character's gift as a fighter with unique electrical abilities is crucial to the plot.

The planetary romance genre is defined by stories such as Technomancerwhere a lone protagonist forms a small group of followers and takes on challenges in a landscape unlike anything found on Earth.

4 Star Ocean: Second Story R

A unique synthesis of science fiction and fantasy

A fantastic blend of sci-fi and fantasy elements both in terms of narrative design and environment, Star Ocean: Second Story R is a fantastic JRPG that uses as its central setting a unique mysterious planet with many secrets.

All the elements that make a JRPG worthwhile are included in this story of high fantasy, and there are also a lot of different endings that can be achieved based on the decisions made in the game, the companions recruited and which of the two protagonists is chosen to start the game.

3 KOTOR 1

A great romantic space opera

Among the best Star Wars games of all time is BioWare's blockbuster space opera, Knights of the Old Republic. Debates over whether this title or the sequel is the better of the two rage decades after release, but a grand adventure that takes your friends to the stars is more suited to the Planetary Romance genre than Obsidian's nihilistic examination of morality.

Star Wars as a franchise could easily fit into the Planetary Romance genre, with very little emphasis on the machinations of how technology works. Broadly in keeping with the films, this game presents Star Wars stories at their best.

2 Mass Effect trilogy

Fantastic sci-fi adventure Pulp

Riding on success Knights of the Old Republic and other RPGs that defined BioWare, Mass Effect brought a unique, vibrant sci-fi world to the gaming scene, and Legendary Edition is a stunning revival of this pulp sci-fi soap opera.

Each planet and setting has a unique theme and style with a fantastical atmosphere, and the unfolding mysteries across the three games, along with Commander Shepard's role in the story overall, are indicative of the “protagonist focus” of the Planetary Romance genre.

1 Outer worlds

Obsidian's retro-futuristic planetary romance

When it comes to a unique otherworldly setting that focuses on the protagonist's trials and tribulations far from Earth, it's very hard to find a title to match Outer worlds. With a highly anticipated sequel in the works, now is the best time to experience this Planetary romance to the fullest.

Retro-futuristic style Outer worlds borrowed from when Planetary Romances were most popular, and the wit of the narrative, along with features specific to the main characters like the glitch system, make it one of the greats of the genre.