Summary
Konamiis a gaming companyknown for theirsci-fi-inspired games, especially those with the famous Hideo Kojima at the helm. Whether it’s through the legendaryMetal Gearseries, or the popular and well-receivedContraseries, there are many games that have been produced by Konami that create an elaborate sci-fi universe for players to enjoy.
Many OG fans of the company might be looking for a new title to play, or curious to know which games will give them the overall sci-fi vibe they are looking for. There are many options available, and some have flown under the radar despite their deep lore and fantastic gameplay. This list will go overthe best sci-fi games made by Konami, and their overall popularity and reception from players.
Most gamers are aware of theMetal Gear Solidseries, as it is one of the most popular franchises in the gaming world, and especially in the genres of Stealth and Adventure games. However, there are many other games that Hideo Kojima has created over the years, with quite a few different sci-fi titles that came not too long after the firstMetal Geartitle in 1987. One of these games isSnatcher, a Cyberpunk game set in a futuristic world whererobots known as Snatchershave begun to take over.
Despite its low-profile status, major fans of Hideo Kojima will tell players just how great this game is. Its extensive story follows Gillian Seed, who attempts to stop the Snatchers after joining an agency. Fans can work through the game by exploring different locations and uncovering clues, as well as solving puzzles and taking down enemies through first-person shooting sequences. Many gamers will be surprised at just how engaging and fun the game is once they give it a try.
MassiveMetal Gear Solidfans are probably already aware ofPolicenauts, even if they haven’t played it. The game is frequently mentioned, and often appears as a poster or figurine in Otacon’s room throughout theMGSseries. Meryl Silverburgh is a character originally fromPolicenautsas well, who was brought over to theMetal Gearuniverse. Its story follows Jonathan Ingram, a Policenaut who works together with his ex-wife, Lorraine, to help uncover the mystery of her missing husband, Kenzo Hojo. The plot is intricate and engaging, much like many other Kojima titles.
Similar toSnatcher, players will use asimple and easy point-and-click methodto examine areas and uncover clues to solve each mystery. The game resembles avisual novelas well, focusing heavily on the story as Jonathan Ingram uncovers an underground world of organ trafficking. For those looking for a bit of action, there are some sequences involving shooting to add more gameplay elements to keep things interesting. The story is much more engaging than that ofSnatcher, however, giving it a higher ranking on this list due to Kojima’s improved story building.
Contra: Hard Corpsis one of the many popular titles in theContraseries, originally released on the Sega Genesis and re-released for more modern platforms in 2019. The game allows players to choose from a few different characters, including Ray Poward, Sheena Etranzi, Brad Fang, and Browny. Following the story fromContra 3, The Hard Corps must work together to put an end to a terrorist group run by Colonel Bahamut, who steals an alien cell from a secret lab.
What sets this title apart from the previous entries is its engaging action sequences, keeping players on their toes as they fight their way through large quantities of enemies and bosses. There’s also the chance toengage in some cooperative play, so gamers can work together with their friends. There are many branching paths here as well, giving players a lot of variety in the story and the opportunity to choose their own ending to the game. There’s so much to uncover inContra: Hard Corps, making it a fantastic sci-fi game worth checking out.
Originally released on the PlayStation 2 in 2003,Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runneris a fantastic game to play for those looking for one of the most visually appealing sci-fi games of its era. The atmosphere is sure to take any player’s breath away, and has improved graphicsin the remaster,Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner Mars. What will really keep players engaged here is not only the intricate gameplay, but the story, following Dingo Egret, a former member of BAHRAM. This group then turns against him, and he must stop them to prevent the cration of Aumaan, a large superweapon that could threaten the whole solar system.
The gameplay is heavily sci-fi focused, as players must control Dingo once he is plugged intoJehuty, an Orbital Frame similar to a mecha suit. There are many weapons that can be utilized, such as energy swords, lasers, sub-weapons, and even some shields to protect from damage. Players will find themselves being truly challenged inZone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner, making it an incredibly enjoyable sci-fi title to play.
3Contra 4
Black Viper Returns
Another title in theContraseries,Contra 4features enhanced gameplaythat offers engaging side-scrolling combat, allowing players to run through levels and unleash their bullets on enemies. As a Nintendo DS title as well, players can utilize a Grappling Hook to swap between the two screens and progress further through the story. Gamers won’t find themselves losing interest while playing through this difficult game, as each level becomes more and more challenging, and also offers a variety of weapons, such as Spread Guns, Lasers, and more.
The story has much to offer as well, taking place in the year 2638 after the events ofContra 3. Players must work to defeat the Black Viper, an alien faction that has returned despite their supposed extinction. This game reaches its spot on this list due to its engaging storyline and gameplay that is sure to excite. Players will infiltrate alien bases, take on enemies in engaging shootouts, and defeat the Black Viper’s leader as the final boss in an intense and difficult battle.
As the first entry into the 3D world in theMetal Gearseries,Metal Gear Solidis a classicthat every gamer needs to play. As Solid Snake returns to working as a mercenary, he uncovers a lot of hidden information about the group FOXHOUND and their attempts to take control of a nuclear weapons disposal facility. The sci-fi elements really come into play in the game with the inclusion ofMetal Gear REX, a bipedal tank created by Otacon that can launch nuclear missiles in battle. The unveiling of Solid Snake as a clone of Big Boss brings about another twist to the plot that is sure to keep players' interest.
The game allows players toeither take a stealthy approach, or go in with lethal weapons. There are so many different methods that can be used to avoid combat, however, adding more interesting gameplay elements to test out. The intricate story is what really places this game towards the top of the list, with many twists, turns, and unexpected revelations about Solid Snake and the world he lives in.
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Libertytakes the series’storytelling to another levelcompared toMetal Gear Solid. There are a lot of hidden messages in this game, and different interpretations that can come out of it. Though the story can be quite confusing at first, once players become more familiar with it, they will see all the references to AI and its ability to manipulate people’s perception of the world around them, including Raiden. As the game was originally released in 2001, it seems to have predicted the future quite well with the world’s current use of AI.
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Libertyalso allows players to first assume the role of Solid Snake,and eventually Raidenas the story progresses. Similar toMetal Gear Solid, Raiden and Snake will infiltrate a tanker and plant, and use stealthy methods to make their way through each facility. The boss fights are incredibly challenging as well, such as Vamp and Fatman, adding another engaging gameplay element. What really gives this game the top spot is the advanced story, and the reveal that shakes everything Raiden has perceived to be real, including his own memories. It feels much more like a movie than a video game, and is sure to bring an intense wave of emotions to players.
