10 Most Iconic Space Stations In Video Games

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As a gamer peering into the vast cosmos from my humble abode on Earth, I’ve always dreamed of venturing beyond this tiny celestial speck we call home. Alas, interplanetary travel remains elusive for now. But here’s something exciting: we can simulate life in the great void by harnessing technology to create a space station! It’s like stepping into an interactive video game where I can explore the cosmos without leaving my chair.

Just as the actual International Space Station is found across reality, various space stations have been featured in video games, often set in science fiction scenarios. On occasion, you might find them appearing outside these usual genres too.

Among these cosmic hubs, some bustle with interstellar trade, a beacon for space-faring souls, while others bear the scars of abandonment, uninhabitable even by sentient beings. The fate of these stations often hinges on their initial ethical intentions. As an admirer of this vast cosmic marketplace, I’ve noticed this pattern.

10. Space Colony ARK

Sonic Adventure 2

In Sonic Adventure 2, most of the narrative unfolds within the Space Colony ARK. Initially, it appeared unremarkable as an ordinary meteorite, but when Shadow and Eggman exposed it, people worldwide got a glimpse of its true form.

Originally designed as a research center, the ARK was where Dr. Gerald Robotnik pursued a remedy for his granddaughter Maria’s ailment through the initiative known as Project Shadow.

Under the influence of G.U.N., the Ark too started investigating and constructing weaponry, including the formidable Eclipse Cannon.

Or, more colloquially:

With G.U.N breathing down their necks, the Ark joined in on the action, developing powerful weapons like the Eclipse Cannon.

After the achievement of developing two entities, Shadow and the Biolizard, G.U.N. stormed the ARK, terminated its scientists, and shuttered the entire establishment.

9. The Citadel

Mass Effect

In the initial Mass Effect game, the Citadel serves as a colossal interstellar settlement, acting as the unofficial headquarters for the Citadel Council and the capital of Citadel Space. Essentially, it functions like the Space White House.

Apart from the central Citadel Tower, which serves as the hub for significant activities, the station also houses numerous settlements akin to cities, known as Wards, where residents carry out their lives and work.

Thanks to simulated gravity and atmosphere, it’s about the same as living on Earth.

It’s intriguing that humans didn’t construct the Citadel; instead, it was found drifting through deep space by the Asari. They later established settlements there. The question of who built it and its age are still unknown mysteries.

8. Citadel Station

System Shock

In the game System Shock, there’s a colossal research facility named Citadel Station, which orbits around Saturn, unrelated to any other Citadels. This station is solely managed and controlled by the TriOptimum Corporation.

At Citadel Station, multiple research initiatives were underway simultaneously, encompassing a wide array of subjects such as drug advancements and advanced robotics, as well as some less transparent studies focusing on the development of viral agents.

All the station’s systems were overseen by the artificial intelligence SHODAN.

Initially, SHODAN maintained an organized environment; however, it was after the Hacker tampered with her moral limitations that she began to misuse the station’s technology for more sinister objectives.

7. Biologic Space Laboratories

Metroid Fusion

Before the occurrences of Metroid Fusion, Samus Aran was scouring the planet SR388. During this expedition, she encountered an attack from an X Parasite, which subsequently infected her.

Instead, she was transported to the Galactic Federation’s neighboring Biological Space Labs, often abbreviated as BSL, where they aimed to heal her.

The Biological Specimen Laboratory (BSL) accommodates a variety of biological research experiments, each sector customized to house specimens from various ecosystems worldwide.

Regrettably, an overabundance of fresh biomass facilitated the rapid propagation of the X following its resurrection from Samus’ surgically extracted armor.

To eliminate the X, Samus found herself with no other choice but to crash the entire space station into SR388. This catastrophic impact not only destroyed the station but also the planet. However, subsequent games reveal that the situation was more complex than initially assumed.

6. Sun Station

Outer Wilds

In the game Outer Wilds, remnants of the vanished Nomai civilization can be found in the form of numerous research stations and satellites strategically placed on and around the solar system’s celestial objects.

Arguably, the most important Nomai construct in the solar system is the Sun Station.

The name suggests that it’s an orbital outpost revolving around our system’s star. Due to this location, it can be challenging to reach using a spacecraft; instead, utilize the warp tower on Ash Twin for travel purposes.

The Sun Station played a crucial role in the Ash Twin Plan, as it aimed to artificially trigger a supernova explosion, and subsequently harness the resulting energy surge to transmit a signal backwards through time.

5. Talos I

Prey

2017’s game Prey primarily unfolds within Talos I, a sleek, art deco-inspired spaceship circling Earth high up in orbit.

This facility is now controlled and managed by TranStar; they transformed it into a space research hub following its abandonment by global administrations.

The advertisements boast that Talos I is “The Eighth Marvel of the Universe,” and rightfully so, as it’s a fully autonomous city floating in space, capable of sustaining itself independently.

The primary area of study at the station primarily revolves around Typhon, with associated subjects such as Neuromod evolution also under investigation.

It was this quasi-legal research that would end up bringing the Typhon to Earth’s doorstep.

4. Herta Space Station

Honkai: Star Rail

In the initial storyline of Honkai: Star Rail, the Herta Space Station serves as the backdrop, where the Trailblazer encounters the Astral Express Team for the very first time.

Member of the Genius Society, Herta established the station primarily as a centerpoint for her diverse space exploration projects.

As I, the station’s resident gamer, oversee this sprawling space filled with treasured artifacts and peculiar trinkets, it’s all mine – Herta’s personal domain. The folks who live and work here? They’re my crew, though Asta manages the payroll side of things.

The station functions as a museum and research center.

Anyone can drop by and explore at their leisure; however, it seems that securing a job there often necessitates having outstanding academic qualifications or presenting something that catches Herta’s personal interest.

3. Galaxy Galleria

Space Quest 4

In Space Quest 4, when Roger Wilco takes a spin through the time vortex, he lands himself at the drifting Galaxy Galleria retail center.

It seems that this specific mall was built during the time frame where the hypothetical Space Quest 10 would have been set.

Just as a hybrid shopping center and space station might suggest, it’s packed with the familiar elements of a shopping excursion, only on a grander level.

Movement within the shopping mall is effortlessly managed through an automated moving walkway system, and a spacious, gravity-defying ice skating rink graces its central area.

You can find all kinds of nifty stores for food, clothes, and what have you.

Not only is there an electronics shop offering a manual for the game Space Quest 4, but be mindful not to pilfer any items, or else you might find yourself in a rather unpleasant situation – turned into vapor!

2. Flying Fortress

Final Fantasy

If you’ve experienced one of the reimagined editions of the initial Final Fantasy game, it could come as a surprise to encounter the Flying Fortress in this context.

In certain interpretations, Tiamat’s dwelling is shown as a sky castle. However, contrastingly, the initial NES version presents her home as a technologically advanced space station circling the planet.

The Lufenians, who originally owned it, developed cutting-edge technology that was utilized in the construction of the Flying Fortress.

Regrettably, Tiamat compelled them to leave their dwelling place and settle on a planet beneath instead.

Remarkably, the Flying Fortress reappears in Stranger of Paradise, offering a clearer glimpse into its advanced, space-traveling architecture.

1. High Charity

Halo 2

Originally appearing in Halo 2, High Charity serves as the primary metropolis for the Covenant alliance. This colossal spacecraft accommodates all the distinct species that make up the Covenant.

For followers of the Covenant’s faith, High Charity holds great spiritual significance, being a destination that many aspire to visit at some point during their lifetime.

Indeed, it’s not every day an ordinary citizen like myself gets to step foot within those hallowed grounds. Residing there are the elite of the dominant power, shielded by the mightiest fleet the Covenant has to offer, and I can tell you, their vigilance is unwavering.

Regrettably, the city was eventually overrun by the Flood, compelling its inhabitants to abandon it.

High Charity transformed into a portable command center for the Gravemind of the Flood, serving as their main hub from which they orchestrated invasions of other planets.

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2025-01-23 19:39