"The ultimate game?" I hear you ask, unconvinced. "But Jay, there are so many science fiction games out there, all so vastly different from each other! How can you propose any one of them as 'the ultimate'?"
Just like this: most of them are not explicitly science fiction games.
At risk of ripping of the central thesis of an Extra Credits video (linked to reinforce my point), a great many of the sci-fi games we're all familiar with (Fallout, Bioshock, Warframe, etc) are closer to the realm of science fantasy. As you may recall from an earlier post, providing an exact definition of science fiction is... challenging, to say the least. While it could be extrapolated that a definition for science fantasy would therefore be equally challenging, by nature of being a mixed genre it is actually a bit easier. Science fantasy presents a world that draws upon both science fiction and fantasy; the world itself is plausible through science and technology, but contains fantastical elements that are not explained through science. Star Wars is the prime example of science fantasy, depicting a futuristic world (a long time ago) with aliens and robots, with mystical elements like The Force. These terms have also been referred to as "hard sci-fi" vs "soft sci-fi", but in researching them I found they are used too nebulously to come to any solid conclusion. Call them what you prefer, but games often rely on science fantasy/soft sci-fi to keep players in a state of awe in the world. "Hard" science fiction often lacks this sense of mystery in regards to the nature of its world since it almost always operates in a way very similar to our own, making science fantasy far more compelling for action and adventure. While these differences are really just quibbling over minor differences in sub-genre, it brings back to my initial point of what Stellaris is: a science fiction game.
Stellaris is a 4x strategy game set between the years 2200 and 2500, in which you create and customize a civilization through their history as a galactic nation. You get to select their appearance, the traits of their species, their ruling style and civics, and even design their flag. In-game, you send science vessels to survey planets, construct stations to claim territory, and build up a fleet to protect it. Additionally, you have to manage the population you rule over and external diplomacy with other species. Towards the end of the game, the galaxy begins to experience a galactic crisis, often in the form of invaders looking to purge all life from the galaxy. This game really provides a Star Trek feel (part of why one of the most popular mods is a total Star Trek overhaul), letting you play as empires resembling those you would even see in the show. Want to play a peaceful diplomat that welcomes all other species? Check. Want to play a race of militant xenophobes that conquer worlds and enslave the population? Check. Want to play as a species that relies on robots for everything and then eventually uploads their brains into machines to live forever? ABSOLUTELY CHECK. Stellaris draws deep inspiration from many works of science fiction, from Isaac Asimov's Foundation Series to Larry Niven's Ringworld, and uses them to allow the player to explore and shape the galaxy in whatever way they see fit.
The most enthralling thing about this game to me is the emergent nature of its narrative. Events occur that can have lasting impact on the story of your species and empire, as well as the leaders you have assigned to different tasks. One of your science vessels who you've watched for decades bravely search the galaxy may meet an untimely end investigating a simple anomaly. The first planet your species colonized may decide to leave your empire after a series of revolts. And don't get me started on... The Worm in Waiting (no spoilers, it's a fantastic short story that has a small chance of occurring in a game, just be sure to EMBRACE THE WORM)!! You feel a sense of responsibility for your people: pride when they flourish, remorse when they fail. Your leader's death is a great tragedy, and you may find yourself seeking a way to prolong their life for as long as possible. Allies turned to enemies will face the full extent of your wrath as the betrayal doesn't feel like just a decision by the game, but it feels almost personal. While after enough play-throughs the stories may begin to feel too familiar, changing the way your empire rules and your own style of play can always breathe life back into the game. You make your own science fiction story in Stellaris, one that is always different from the last, which is why I consider it to be the ultimate science fiction game to be released.
Of course that's just for me. What about your ultimate sci-fi game? Feel free to let me know over on Twitter, I promise not to quibble over the terminology. This post was of course not sponsored by Paradox, I just happen to really enjoy the game. Thanks for reading, and I'll see you next time!
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