10 Best Video Games For Doctor Who Fans

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For many years, Doctor Who has captivated and left fans heartbroken. It’s quite possible that at some point, each spectator wished fervently for a magical time-traveling telephone booth to show up in their garden, with the Doctor inviting them on an exhilarating journey through time and space.

Just have a brief look at the Archive of Our Own fan-fiction community, and it becomes quite clear.

Despite the sad reality that it’s extremely unlikely for you to encounter the Doctor in person, some video games manage to capture a comparable sense of adventure. Although we might not journey through space and time alongside the Doctor, these games strive to replicate that thrilling experience as closely as they can.

To discover top-tier video games for enthusiasts of Doctor Who, I paid particular attention to several aspects: Games within the Science Fiction or Fantasy genre, those that allow for exploration, ones with a touch of whimsy, and titles that involve puzzle-solving or mystery. After all, every Doctor Who episode revolves around an intriguing enigma or riddle that the Doctor and his Companion must unravel!

10.
Doctor Who: The Edge Of Reality

Live Out Your Doctor Who Dreams

To put it simply, no matter what project he’s involved in, David Tennant is bound to make it shine brighter than ever before. In the context of Doctor Who: The Edge of Reality, it will undoubtedly reach new heights of excellence.

If you’re a Doctor Who enthusiast yearning for a fleeting opportunity to be the Doctor’s companion, this game offers exactly that! Here, you’ll assume the role of an original character who interacts with the 13th Doctor and finds yourself inexorably drawn into the task of saving the universe alongside her.

In a refreshing continuation, Jodie Whittaker once again assumes the role of the 13th Doctor, lending a sense of genuine authenticity to the series. And indeed, for ardent Doctor Who enthusiasts, Edge of Reality delivers an experience tailor-made to their desires.

In this version, David Tennant once again takes on his character as the 10th Doctor, making a brief appearance that adds to the excitement of Edge of Reality. Despite its challenges, this game is packed with everything a Doctor Who enthusiast desires: time-traveling adventures in the TARDIS, encounters with fan favorites like The Weeping Angels and Daleks, and saving the universe.

But let’s be real here—y’all really just want to interact with Tennant.

9.
The Stanley Parable

Defying Fate At Its Best

The Stanley Parable seems as if it was directly created for a fan of Doctor Who. It embodies the eccentricity, whimsy, and life-changing choices that one would typically associate with such a show.

Similarly to numerous Doctor Who episodes, the game prompts players to ponder ideas such as fate and destiny. Throughout the gameplay, players encounter various decisions that must be made.

In The Stanley Parable, the narrator guides the player, who stands in for Stanley, to perform a specific action. However, the player has the freedom to act contrary to these instructions. What makes The Stanley Parable entertaining is that the narrator will adapt their commentary and respond differently according to the choices the player makes.

It’s quite plausible that the Doctor could assume the role of the Storyteller, guiding the Assistant through an intricate labyrinth while a timer for the universe’s end ticks in the distance. The game’s playful nature, with just the right amount of whimsy, seems tailor-made for an episode within the Doctor Who series.

In the game “The Stanley Parable,” there are more than ten different conclusions, and most of these alternate endings can be quite tricky to access if you don’t strictly adhere to a precise pathway. Good luck in your exploration!

8.
No Man’s Sky

Tons Of Travel And Evil Robots

One common thread running throughout Doctor Who is traversing space and experiencing thrilling exploits on peculiar, extraterrestrial worlds. Although numerous captivating space gaming options exist, nothing quite compares to the unique experience offered by No Man’s Sky.

I remember the initial time I entered the game upon its release, and I was astonished by the vast number of star systems I could potentially discover. To this day, No Man’s Sky still boasts an immense universe that remains largely unexplored.

It evokes the spirit of the free-roaming exploration that the Doctor embodies. In a sense, he selects a destination spontaneously and ventures off to discover whatever lies ahead.

In No Man’s Sky, players can embark on an identical type of open-ended and exploratory journey, all they have to do is climb aboard their spacecraft, pick a solar system, and uncover the unknown perils and treasures that lie ahead.

Discussing potential hazards, similar to the character Doctor Who, there exist malevolent robots called Sentinels that will harass and bother players as they journey across the cosmos. Consequently, much like an engaging episode of the series, you should prepare yourself for battle.

7.
Return Of The Obra Dinn

Magic Pocket Watch Instead Of Sonic Screwdriver

I thoroughly enjoyed Papers, Please, so learning that the creators had developed another game, titled Return of the Obra Dinn, instantly grabbed my interest. For fellow Doctor Who enthusiasts, I believe they too will find this new game quite entertaining.

In the game “Return of the Obra Dinn,” you assume the position of an investigator employed by the East India Trading Company. Suddenly, a ship that had vanished for several years reappears, leaving its crew either deceased or vanished.

Players, armed with a handy pocket watch, should work to unravel the mystery behind each character’s demise, or locate them if they are still alive. The unique charm of this game is its connection to Doctor Who, which is subtly incorporated through the use of the pocket watch.

The Doctor carries his Sonic Screwdriver which has numerous entertaining and practical uses, yet it cannot replay the final moments of a person’s life. Your pocket watch can do that. It is capable of reproducing the last few utterances or events experienced by each deceased passenger on the ship, helping you reconstruct what happened to them.

In essence, this game manipulates time, leaving each character suspended at the instant of their demise. It’s a blend of enigma, hinting at a time loop, and incorporating a mystical artifact. Could there be anything more alluring to a Doctor Who enthusiast?

6.
BioShock Infinite

Time Loops And Lots Of Timey-Wimey Stuff

Experience the most expansive version of the time loop from The Return of the Obra Dinn, and you’ll find yourself embarking on an extraordinary time-bending journey in BioShock Infinite. Given my insatiable appetite for all things BioShock, this seems like a perfect fit for a Doctor Who enthusiast such as myself.

Doctor Who frequently visits visually striking locales during time travel, and that’s why the unique charm and atmosphere of BioShock Infinite align perfectly. The city of Columbia appears to be a picture-perfect paradise with lavish decorations and propaganda, but upon closer inspection, players as Booker soon uncover a hidden decay beneath its polished surface.

It’s not dissimilar to the artificial cheerfulness and deception found in some Doctor Who episodes, concealing the fact that the affluent are engaging in cannibalism or some other sinister secret is being kept hidden behind locked doors. Additionally, BioShock Infinite shares a fascinating aspect with Doctor Who enthusiasts—time paradoxes.

In the game, Elizabeth – the one Booker is initially accused of murdering but eventually safeguards – possesses the ability to create fissures in the fabric of spacetime. This peculiar talent offers players numerous engaging methods to engage with the environment and vanquish adversaries.

Messing with space and time? A Doctor Who classic.

5.
Control

All The Confusing Things The Doctor Says

You recognize the feeling when during an episode, the Doctor tends to use many complex terms and specialized language, leaving you only able to give a casual nod in response. This experience is somewhat similar to playing Control.

To start off, the storyline appears straightforward at first glance. In this game, you assume the role of Jesse, who has been unexpectedly chosen for the position of Director at the Federal Bureau of Control. Congratulations!

As I stride into the ancient halls of the Oldest House, an eerie sense of unease sets in. Strange figures float around, seemingly under the control of some ominous force known as the Hiss. Suddenly, I find myself acquiring peculiar powers and abilities that I can’t explain. All this while, my mind is preoccupied with the mystery of my long-lost brother, taken away by the FBC years ago.

The game offers plenty of action that can twist reality and bend time, and it doesn’t provide much guidance. It’s similar to when the Doctor speaks in riddles to his companion, then vanishes, leaving them to figure out what they were supposed to do on their own.

Control is wildly fun, incredibly weird, and worth any Doctor Who fan’s time.

4.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition

End Of Galaxy Stakes

Mass Effect caters exceptionally well to a broad range of Doctor Who enthusiasts, yet it particularly satisfies a specific segment of the fandom by offering an engaging feature: the opportunity for romantic interactions with alien species. Known for their immersive romance elements, Bioware didn’t shy away from exploring some exotic interspecies relationships.

The trilogy is packed with plenty of action, allowing players to take on the role of Commander Shepard, a character tasked with safeguarding the galaxy from an imminent Reaper attack (and much more). Mass Effect is one of those timeless games that continues to resonate strongly in today’s pop culture, just as it did when the first installment hit shelves in 2007.

In addition to the allure of encountering extraterrestrial beings (for those still unconvinced), fans of Doctor Who seeking a dose of action will be treated like royalty. While you can certainly employ firearms and weapons, Mass Effect offers a unique twist with its own type of cosmic powers known as biotics. These abilities allow certain individuals to manipulate mass effect fields in order to execute extraordinary skills.

Doctor Who possesses a unique enchantment, and Mass Effect offers an appropriate dose of wit and humor that would make Doctor Who enthusiasts feel instantly comfortable.

3.
The Talos Principle

Puzzles And Riddles And Mysteries

The core of each Doctor Who adventure involves a conundrum, enigma, or secret that the Doctor and their companion must unravel. Essentially, he’s the Doctor, always finding solutions to problems.

Occasionally, you might encounter an episode that delves into philosophical themes. These episodes encourage viewers to contemplate the implications or the ideas they present.

As a passionate fan, I can’t help but marvel at the captivating episode titled “Into the Dalek.” In this installment, the 12th Doctor seems to grapple with his own moral compass, questioning whether he’s inherently good or not. This storyline is rich in symbolism, drawing parallels to the human struggle with morality and the Fall of Man, making it an absolutely riveting watch.

In The Talos Principle, the tale intertwines puzzles and philosophy in an engaging, albeit occasionally exasperating, fashion, offering you a captivating narrative puzzle game experience. You assume the role of a sentient robot tasked with resolving more than 120 brain-teasers to reach the tower at the heart of this world.

As you work through puzzles, you might encounter tales shared by those who’ve tried before, along with their insights about life. In essence, you become an observer in this realm, offering the gamer a valuable chance for introspection as they ponder the questions posed.

2.
Life Is Strange

Time Loops Packed With Emotion

As a gamer, let me confess: there have been moments when Doctor Who has left me shedding tears like a newborn, throughout its incredible journey. It’s no wonder it’s managed to keep going for such a long time and captured the hearts of millions – it’s a master at delivering emotional impact that resonates deeply.

In the case of Life Is Strange, just like other exceptional games I’ve encountered, it stands out. You assume the role of Max, who returns to Arcadia Bay following a long absence from childhood, only to uncover that she possesses a remarkable power – the power to manipulate time.

In our world, the Butterfly Effect is clearly evident, which means that whenever Max employs her power of rewinding time, it appears that other issues arise instead. By saving one life, she seems to be inadvertently sacrificing numerous others.

In a high school setting, you’re bound to encounter typical teenage dramas. However, things take a serious turn as you delve deeper, revealing a sinister and mature danger that subtly lingers within the school corridors.

Life Is Strange centers around emotion, and it presents difficult decisions that might make you cry as much as when a new Doctor takes over.

1.
Outer Wilds

Space Exploration And A Time Loop

In simpler terms, Outer Wilds encapsulates the entire Doctor Who adventure within a single captivating video game. It offers space exploration across diverse and intriguing planets, alien life forms, a puzzle revolving around the ancient civilization of Nomai, and a time loop that restarts whenever the star goes supernova, resulting in everyone’s demise.

In this game, your character is referred to as ‘The Hatchling’. Your task is to unravel the mystery behind the time loop. Here’s a twist: The game clock ticks down rapidly, giving you only 22 minutes before a star goes supernova. Importantly, whenever the game restarts, nothing you take with you survives the reset.

During gameplay, any previously acquired knowledge remains with you, but none of the resources return from one session to the next. Furthermore, the blast opens up fresh territories, ensuring that the adventure remains exciting and dynamic.

In this ranking, The Outer Wilds takes the top position since it resembles an engaging journey reminiscent of a Doctor Who episode from beginning to end. The climax is particularly suitable, making it an ideal finale that could serve as a fitting farewell for the current actor assuming the role.

With just a ship and a curious mind, you’d do the Doctor proud by experiencing this game.

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2025-05-04 16:11