The best planetary romance games

Role-playing games are some of the most popular explorations of the gaming medium on shelves today. Among these, there is no shortage of science fiction-focused titles that allow players to expand their horizons beyond the terrain and material, into the great unknown of space. But the space itself is so large that it makes sense that there would be a number of subgenres in the setting, from gritty hard-sci-fi dramas to whimsical, adventurous tales of planetary romance.

The planetary novel is a subgenre of science fiction involving tales of adventure and courage set on other planets. The sci-fi components are present, but unlike hard-sci-fi, the emphasis here is not on the technology, but more on the settings that this technology creates. Planetary romance titles are not interested in the details of space technology, but only in the fact that, through this technology, the potential for a great story in an otherworldly setting has developed.

7 Elex2

An excellent RPG set on a strange planet

While not meeting all of Piranha Bytes' expectations regarding sales, the legendary Elex duology takes a bold and fascinating approach to the science-fantasy series, featuring a number of sci-fi clichés, such as an alien and surreal planet for its setting, without getting bogged down in hard science verbiage.

This is what it does Elex2 such a beautiful title. Similar to the first game, the science fiction is really just a chrome aesthetic on some classic fantasy ideas, and the overall result is refreshingly unique and a sure hit among fans of Ancient scrolls OR Fall titles.

6 Star Trader: Frontiers

Courtly intrigue on a space background

People who like drama and schemes of Dune OR game of Thrones will be comfortable in this vast space travel simulator where the player takes on the role of a freelancer who trades between systems and works for nobles among various noble houses.

The technology displayed with ships and weapons is secondary to the central focus of this game, which is building a reputation among noble houses as a merchant, bounty hunter, spy, or any other profession that satisfies players' needs for fame and popularity . fortune.

5 Technomancer

Mars hosts a great adventure

Another “AA” classic in the same vein as Elex, Technomancer nails the atmosphere and setting of a dystopian civilization on Mars, where the protagonist's gift as a fighter with unique electrical powers is essential to the plot.

The Planetary Romance genre is defined by short stories like the one in Technomancerin which a lone protagonist forms a small band of followers and faces 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 in both narrative design and setting, Star Ocean: Second Story R is a fantastic JRPG that uses a singular and mysterious planet with many secrets as its central setting.

All the elements that make a JRPG worthwhile are present in this highly imaginative story, and there is also a series of different endings to achieve based on the choices made in the game, the companions recruited and which of the two protagonists was selected in l start of the game.

3 Kotor 1

A great romantic space opera

Among some of the best Star Wars games of all time is BioWare's smash hit space opera, Knights of the Ancient Republic. Debates over whether this title or its sequel are the better of the two continue to rage even decades after their release, but the grand adventure, which takes friends to the stars, fits more into the Planetary Romance genre than the nihilistic exploration of morality in the Obsidian title.

Star Wars as a franchise could easily fit into the Planetary Romance genre, with very little emphasis on the machinations of how technology works. This game, in line with the films, best represents the Star Wars stories.

2 Mass Effects Trilogy

A fantastic sci-fi adventure from Pulp

Riding on the success of Knights of the Ancient Republic and other role-playing games that defined BioWare, Mass effect brought a unique and vibrant sci-fi world to the gaming scene, and the Legendary Edition is a stunning revitalization of this pulpy sci-fi soap opera.

Each planet and setting has a unique theme and style, with a fantastical atmosphere, and the mystery that unfolds across the three games, along with Commander Shepard's role in the overall story, is indicative of the “main role focus” of the genre Planetary Romance.

1 The external worlds

Obsidian's retro-futuristic planetary novel

In terms of unique, otherworldly settings centered on the trials and tribulations of a protagonist far from Earth, it's very difficult to find a title that matches The external worlds. With a long-awaited sequel in the works, now is the best time to fully experience this planetary love story.

The retro-futuristic style of The external worlds borrows from the period when planetary romances were most popular, and the wit of the narrative, along with specific characteristics of the protagonist such as the flaw system, make it one of the greats of the genre.