Summary
Science fiction and fantasy are some of the most used settings in fiction, and video games are no exception. From the fantasy worlds ofThe Elder ScrollsandDark Soulsto the sci-fi universes ofStarCraft 2andDestiny 2, fans of science fiction and fantasy alike are far from short on high-quality experiences.
The genre of sci-fi fantasy is somewhat less common. However, there are a variety of games that blend elements of science fiction and fantasy, offering unique worlds to explore and experiences to have. From the dark-fantasy tone ofthe sci-fi shooter,Quake, all the way to the mutated world ofCaves Of Qud, sci-fi fantasy is a playground for creative world-building.
6ELEX
A Third-Person RPG In A Post-Apocalyptic World
This third-person action RPG,developed by Piranha Bytes(the same studio behind theGothicgames), takes place in a science fiction fantasy world, set during the post-apocalypse.ELEXfeatures guns, monsters, magic, and ruined environments that make for a creative combination of sci-fi and fantasy elements.
Despite being somewhat rough around the edges,ELEXremains a worthwhile experience thanks to its intriguing world and rewarding exploration. For fans of third-person RPGs, dangerous open worlds, and post-apocalyptic settings, Piranha Bytes’ELEXis worth playing. Furthermore, for players that enjoyed the first game, a sequel, released in 2022, is currently available.
Featuringbeautiful pixel art graphics,Hyper Light Drifteris a consistent joy to look at, frequently giving players impressive vistas to enjoy along their journey. As a result of its well-crafted art style, sound design, and music,Hyper Light Drifteroffers an atmospheric experience that takes full advantage of its science fiction fantasy setting.
Taking clear inspiration from games such asThe Legend of Zelda,Hyper Light Drifteris an action-adventure game that centers around thoughtful exploration and hack-and-slash combat. Its intriguing, colorful world is likely to pique the curiosity of many players, managing a careful balance of engaging combat and rewarding exploration.
Based onthe tabletop RPGof the same name,Shadowrun Returnsis a combination of cyberpunk, science fiction, and fantasy tropes that offers a one-of-a-kind setting. Developed by the talented Harebrained Schemes,Shadowrun Returnsis the first in a trilogy of turn-based RPGs. Furthermore,Shadowrun Returnsis relatively friendly to newcomers, making it a great RPG for beginners.
The world ofShadowrunfeatures classic cyberpunk tropes such as evil corporations and hacking but blends this with fantasy races such as elves and orcs.Shadowrunalso features magical abilities, furthering its fantasy elements and deepening its tactical combat. For fans of both fantasy and the cyberpunk sub-genre,Shadowrun Returnsis a great place to start.
Set in the titular sci-fi fantasy world ofWarhammer 40,000,Rogue Traderis a classic RPG that takes its name from theWarhammer 40,000tabletop RPG of the same name. The universe ofWarhammer 40,000is bleak and frequently horrifying, often credited as a pioneer ofthe grim-dark genre. Despite an evocative setting, games set in the iconic universe are a mixed bag, butRogue Trader- developed by Owlcat Games (the team behindPathfinder: Wrath Of The Righteous) - is a tactical and immersive experience throughout.
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Traderfeatures tactical turn-based combat encounters, centered around party-based RPG mechanics. However,Rogue Traderis also a narrative experience that focuses on player choice, offering a meaningful adventure to players who stay with its multiple acts.
Arguably one of themost innovative first-person shooters(in terms of technology),Quakehas stood the test of time thanks to its intuitive and expressive movement controls, an iconic combination of dark fantasy and science fiction, and dedicated mapping scene.
From battling against horrific interdimensional creatures in Gothic castles to engaging soldiers in hectic gunfights,Quakeconstantly treads the line between science fiction and fantasy. Narratively,Quakeloosely explains this with “slipgates,” a form of teleporter in the game’s universe. The Lovecraft-inspired monsters, combined with the military sci-fi theme of certain levels, keepQuake’senvironments interesting despite the often dull tones of its color palette.
Sporting old-school graphics and the classic turn-based gameplay of traditional roguelikes,Caves Of Qudcan be fairly inaccessible to newcomers. However, it makes up for this with its deep, expansive open world that perfectly blends procedural and hand-crafted content. The world ofCaves Of Qud, both above and below, is a consistent joy to explore, and players are frequently rewarded for exploring with memorable NPC interactions and powerful loot.
Caves Of Qudmay play similarly toa traditional roguelike, but its developers have made the game more accessible by allowing players to switch off permanent death and play the game like an RPG. This allows players to enjoy the game’s rich sci-fi fantasy setting without the fear of losing all their progress. For fans of science-fiction fantasy settings and tactical turn-based combat that can look past (or even enjoy) the old-school graphics,Caves Of Qudis one of the best.
