The Best Switch Games To Explore Space

Key Takeaways

Space exploration holds numerous mysteries including new planets, resources, and life forms.
Video games set in outer space offer creative world-building opportunities like unique rules and environments.
Space exploration poses significant dangers such as extreme terrain, hostile predators, and limited survival resources.

As a seasoned gamer with over three decades under my belt, I’ve seen galaxies far, far away and battled Cylons in the Colonial Fleet. But let me tell you, nothing quite compares to the thrill of taking command in the strategic grid-based combat of Battlestar Galactica Deadlock. It’s not just about winning battles, but maintaining the favor of the Twelve Colonies, a task that’ll keep even the most cunning admiral on their toes!

Delving into the thrill of space discovery offers an unparalleled sense of fulfillment as we unravel the enigmas hidden within the colossal cosmos. This immense expanse conceals a myriad of secrets, including undiscovered planets, valuable resources, and potential life forms. When gaming ventures beyond our home planet, it opens up vast opportunities for imaginative landscapes and unique game mechanics, such as varying gravitational forces and alien life cycles.

It’s true that space exploration can seem appealing at first glance, but it’s far more challenging than it appears due to numerous risks hidden in the vastness of space. As fragile beings, humans face a myriad of perils outside Earth: treacherous landscapes, inhospitable environments, scarce survival supplies, and potentially dangerous wildlife are just some examples. For individuals who prefer to experience the thrill of space exploration while staying safe on their home planet, these space exploration games available on Nintendo Switch can provide an engaging alternative.

11 Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic 2

Finding The Purpose Of The Force

In Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic 2, players have the chance to shape a character who wields the Force, whether for noble or malevolent ends. This game unfolds at the tail-end of the Jedi Purge, with only a small remnant surviving to uphold the cause. Characters can be individually tailored, allowing them to engage in various combat styles – from long-range blaster duels to intense melee battles using staves and lightsabers.

Adventurers traverse the galaxy and interact with various alien species in the Star Wars universe, where they can pick up quests and face crucial decisions that reveal their affinity for the light or dark side of the Force. The choices made by the player, whether leaning toward Jedi teachings or succumbing to Sith influence, will have profound consequences on the fate of the Star Wars universe.

10 Void Bastards

Convicts In Space

In Void Bastards, you play as a prisoner caught up in a pirate raid that disrupts your ship’s resources, leaving you stranded in space. Your only hope for survival and freedom lies in obeying the commands of an unknown voice that guides you through your journey.

The prisoners need to search every spaceship for vital resources and items to construct an escape plan. Crucial supplies like weapons and oxygen tanks are crucial for survival on perilous ships, particularly when dealing with pirates, automated turrets, mutated patients, and other potential horrors. If a current prisoner meets their end, another will step in to carry on the mission in the spirit of a traditional roguelike game.

9 Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

A Mario SRPG In The Galaxy

In “Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope,” Mario and his allies embark on a new adventure that finds them leaving their familiar planet. A menacing antagonist is spreading a destructive force known as Darkmess, posing a threat not just to the Mushroom Kingdom, but the entire galaxy. The villain’s scheme involves sapping the energy from the Sparks, a unique entity consisting of a Rabbid and Luma with immense power.

Mario must journey to every planet to purge the Darkmess, preventing it from spreading its wicked influence and causing destruction. As the corruption spreads, the planets become increasingly inhospitable, with harsh terrains like frozen wastelands or storm-ridden landscapes. The team needs to be vigilant when confronting enemies that inflict negative effects, such as poisonous slime and electric discharges. Wisely choosing a team can help by utilizing the Sparks for offensive strikes or positive abilities.

8 Outer Wilds

Exploring The Loop

Outer Wilds allows players to delve into an expansive Solar System, embarking on a quest for understanding. With time running out, as the sun is predicted to detonate, causing system-wide destruction, the story doesn’t end there. Instead, some enigmatic force periodically resets everything prior to the cataclysmic event, providing another chance to uncover secrets and continue the exploration.

In this game, players are free to journey to any celestial body to uncover mysteries and learn about the enigmatic circumstances surrounding the sun’s demise. Regardless of the impending doom, curiosity is actively fostered at one’s own pace. The cosmos regenerates periodically, but a player’s memories remain intact, much like in The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask. Each planet can be explored freely, with the condition that players effectively conserve their oxygen and jetpack energy.

7 Alien Isolation

How To Face An Outworldly Threat

In the game called Alien: Isolation, you’ll experience the chill of loneliness and terror as you confront a formidable alien threat aboard the abandoned Sevastopol space station. As Amanda Ripley, you must navigate through this foreboding station while an unseen predator lurks within its walls, waiting to strike. Your mission is twofold: unravel the mystery behind your missing mother and make it out of there alive.

During her expedition, Amanda will encounter various obstacles and adversaries, but what truly worries her is the Xenomorph. This creature employs its stealth and acute senses to locate its prey, whether it slithers through the corridors or travels via ventilation systems. To combat this unusual menace, Amanda must seek out tools and resources to construct weapons for defense.

The Alien’s deadliness stems from its ability to adapt quickly based on past encounters, enabling it to anticipate the player’s strategies. It has a knack for discovering hidden locations, bypassing laid traps, or disregarding decoy lures. This relentless creature cannot be permanently defeated and will persist in its pursuit of the player as its prey until it succeeds in capturing them for its meal.

6 Metroid Prime Remastered

First-Person Exploration In Its Prime

Metroid Prime Remastered gears players for an engaging first-person journey across planet Tallon IV, a world Samus finds herself stranded on following her investigation of a mysterious space station. In the process, the villain manages to slip away, leaving Samus with the task of scouring Tallon IV for essential resources and equipment, all while tracking down the source of the danger.

Even though she’s missing some equipment, Samus carries on with her trusty hand cannon and various visors for both exploration and combat. These visors serve multiple functions: they allow her to scrutinize enemies or mysterious materials for information, peer through walls, or detect the heat signatures of adversaries.

5 Opus: Echo Of Starsong

Dense Narrative Space Adventure

Released: May 11, 2022
Developer: SIGONO
Publisher: SIGONO

“Opus: Cosmic Harmony” – This new installment in the series brings together elements from previous games, making it the most inviting for players with an immersive, captivating narrative. You’ll accompany characters Jun and Eda on a cosmic voyage to explore an age-old legend hidden among distant stars. The team will touch down on various planets to gather resources and materials essential for enhancing their spaceship, enabling them to delve deeper into the colossal galaxy.

The primary group will engage various individuals, either allies or adversaries. Some characters might aid their journey, each having unique backgrounds and motivations that propel them across the cosmos. The pair must always remain vigilant as certain strangers harbor hidden corruption. The game narrates a rich, indelible tale unfolding in search of truth.

4 Battlestar Galactica Deadlock

An Inside Look At Battlestar Galactica’s Past

Battlestar Galactica Deadlock is a tactical game that reimagines the TV series, Battlestar Galactica, focusing on the First Cylon War. In this game, players assume the role of Admiral Lucinda Cain, commanding the Colonial Fleet to counter the Cylons – an advanced race of artificial lifeforms. The battles unfold in a grid-based strategy environment, enabling players to issue various offensive and defensive orders for their ships.

As a devoted follower of this intriguing saga, I can’t help but be captivated by the alliance of the Twelve Colonies – a united front of human survivors standing against the relentless Cylons. Throughout our journey, each colony’s influence may fluctuate based on strategic decisions we make as players. My role as the admiral demands that I keep the goodwill of every colony high to secure their backing. This can be achieved by successfully completing missions, which in turn rebuilds trust and unity among the colonies. If, however, a colony’s faith in me wanes too much, they may withhold their support – a setback that could slow our progress and weaken the Colonial Fleet as a whole.

3 Super Mario Galaxy

Addictive Pull Into Space

In Super Mario Galaxy, the conflict between Bowser and Mario expands beyond Earth, as Bowser seeks chaos across multiple galaxies. Along his voyage, Mario encounters diverse creatures such as bees, gearmos, and a penguin guide. These characters will reward Mario upon completion of tasks like tidying up messes or navigating through spooky realms. Lumas aid Mario in his quest by either propelling him to new planets or providing new galaxies to explore.

On various landscapes, the stages offer diverse terrains where Mario encounters ice, lava, deserts, machinery, and other elements. Unique power-ups such as Boo Mushrooms and Ice Flowers help Mario gain an edge in these environments. Each planet possesses its own gravitational force, enabling Mario to leap effortlessly from one side to another on smaller planets. However, he must exercise caution when jumping near black holes, particularly in later stages where multiple ones pose a threat.

2 Astroneer

Minecraft In Space

In the 25th Century’s Age of Intergalactic Discovery, Astroneer offers players a chance to design their dream homes in space. Players are encouraged to explore and unravel intriguing mysteries and discover unique treasures at their leisure. Each planet presents distinct landscapes, climates, and resources for an immersive experience. There’s no danger from enemies, but players must be mindful of harsh environments that can pose challenges.

The primary objective is to establish settlements on newly found planets, by creating tools, structures, and habitats suitable for living – much like in a game of Minecraft. Players are also able to manipulate the terrain to mold their surroundings into whatever shape or form they prefer, providing a tranquil and engaging experience as they explore various environments.

1 No Man’s Sky

The Grandest Size Of Video Game Universe

As a gamer, diving into No Man’s Sky feels like stepping into my very own cosmic adventure. With each playthrough, I embark on unique journeys through an infinite universe, shaped by procedural generation. Every discovery I make, every planet I land on, sets me apart from other explorers, creating moments that are mine alone to treasure and share. The celestial bodies abound with a variety of materials, essential for crafting, cooking up new recipes, or trading at bustling marketplaces.

During your voyage, you’ll encounter various travelers who might share valuable information or trade opportunities – these could be other human players as well. The gameplay becomes intricate and expansive when managing its systems, but solving the puzzle can lead to a rewarding experience. Your spaceship allows for flexible travel, enabling you to visit different planets at your leisure, provided you have enough fuel on board.

Navigating the universe comes with its own set of risks. On planets, one might encounter hostile alien creatures that could attack if you venture too near their territory. In space, rogue pirates may target your spaceship for any valuable items they find aboard. Therefore, it’s crucial to exercise caution while exploring the cosmos at large.

2024-09-15 22:05