Best Games For Fans Of Starship Troopers

As a die-hard fan of the 1997 classic “Starship Troopers“, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement when it comes to games that capture the essence of this iconic film. And, boy, do these games deliver!

Although Robert A. Heinlein’s 1959 novel “Starship Troopers” is often viewed as a glorification of military themes, director Paul Verhoeven’s 1997 film adaptation, which many believe masterfully satirizes the source material, has become a cult classic and is now widely recognized as the definitive version in popular culture.

Renowned for its biting satire, grandiose sci-fi action sequences, and distinctive imagery, Verhoeven’s interpretation of Starship Troopers lends itself perfectly to video game adaptation. Regrettably, there aren’t many games that have tackled this iconic intellectual property, but the ones that have generally prove impressive. Furthermore, numerous original games have drawn significant inspiration from it.

8 StarCraft 2

Pulpy Action Across The Stars

Instead of two factions, StarCraft 2 boasts three and embodies a unique blend of sci-fi and Western themes, making it appealing to enthusiasts of Starship Troopers due to its recurring scenes of traditional marines battling alien creatures and energetic ambiance. Although it lacks satire, StarCraft 2 remains an exhilarating sci-fi adventure that’s sure to please fans of the 1997 cult classic by Paul Verhoeven.

As a dedicated fan of StarCraft 2, I’ve found that diving into its competitive multiplayer can be quite challenging for those seeking a more relaxed gaming experience. The fast-paced nature of the game demands quick reflexes and strategic thinking to excel. However, fear not! For fans like me, the single-player mode offers an abundance of action-packed, pulpy entertainment that’s sure to keep you engaged.

7 RoboCop: Rogue City

A Faithful Recreation Of 80s Action In Line With Verhoeven’s Original

In contrast to the game where players shoot down criminals instead of insects, titled “Rogue City“, fans of director Paul Verhoeven, particularly those who enjoyed his work on “Starship Troopers“, might find themselves drawn to the 1987 film “RoboCop“. Much like “Starship Troopers“, “RoboCop” offers a satirical take on genre conventions, yet it thrives as a standalone action movie. Notably, “Rogue City” mirrors the aesthetic and atmosphere of “RoboCop“, offering players an experience that comes closest to stepping into the titular character’s footsteps.

Without a doubt, the movie “RoboCop: Rogue City” is devoid of aliens and space marines, making it not everyone’s cup of tea if they are die-hard Starship Troopers fans. However, there’s likely to be a substantial overlap in interest for enthusiasts who appreciate the style of Verhoeven and 80s action films.

6 Aliens: Fireteam Elite

Explosive Combat Against Alien Bugs In Online Co-Op

In addition to “Starship Troopers”, James Cameron’s “Aliens” significantly contributed to the rise of human-versus-alien themes in movies, TV shows, and video games. The game “Aliens: Fireteam Elite” offers thrilling, team-based action that is most fun when played with friends, as you engage in intense battles against legions of the famous Xenomorphs in adrenaline-pumping confrontations, viewed from a third-person perspective.

Engaging in intense battles against swarms of swift Xenomorphs, either with real friends or assisted by AI companions, offers a frequently thrilling experience that caters well to fans of both Starship Troopers and Aliens. It’s true that the dark humor found in Paul Verhoven’s iconic sci-fi film Starship Troopers is absent from Aliens: Fireteam Elite, but its fast-paced action and swarms of alien creatures should appeal to many fans of Starship Troopers.

5 Deep Rock Galactic

A Tongue-In-Cheek Tone, Satire, And Swarms Of Bugs

Despite the fact that Deep Rock Galactic leans more towards a satire about workplaces rather than military settings, fans of Starship Troopers will likely find its humorous tone and throngs of alien creatures appealing. This multiplayer game (up to 4 players) truly excels when played with friends, allowing you to explore its randomly generated caves, fight off waves of aliens together, and share the fun.

In essence, Deep Rock Galactic offers multiple mission types, yet it primarily revolves around a blend of mining activities and first-person combat. The key to triumph lies in strong collaboration among players. This game shares the exhilarating cooperative experience found in games like Left 4 Dead 2, but its humorous tone, skillful application of procedural generation, and distinctive mining mechanics make it distinct.

4 Earth Defense Force 5

Large-Scale Bug-Slaying Action With An Exaggerated Tone

In the spirit of classic B-movies like “Starship Troopers,” Earth Defense Force 5 is primarily focused on delivering unbridled fun through its third-person shooter gameplay, prioritizing massive scale and relentless, high-stakes action above all else. This title also offers both online and local cooperative play, enabling players to team up with a friend for some bug-exterminating mayhem together.

Individuals seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure primarily centered around intense gameplay are bound to have a great time with Earth Defense Force 5. This game is particularly enjoyable when played with friends, and its explosive action and over-the-top style are reminiscent of the vibe found in Starship Troopers. The variety of classes available and the game’s colossal scale guarantee that Earth Defense Force 5 maintains its appeal for quite some time.

3 Helldivers 2

A Highly-Polished And Wholly Ambitious Multiplayer Homage

The initial and sequel games titled “Helldivers” are fantastic picks for enthusiasts of “Starship Troopers,” delivering thrilling encounters brimming with action, aliens, satire, and humor. The original game, however, had a more confined focus as a cooperative top-down shooter, whereas “Helldivers 2” expands its horizons significantly as an engaging, chaotic third-person shooter.

In the creation process of Helldivers 2, it’s evident that Starship Troopers has left a significant impact, as demonstrated by its mock propaganda, over-the-top atmosphere, and emphasis on grand-scale conflicts spanning diverse landscapes. The theme, humorous undertone, and insect combat in Helldivers 2 share striking similarities with Starship Troopers, making it an entertaining choice for fans of the 1997 film.

2 Starship Troopers: Extermination

A Visceral First-Person Shooter That Recaptures The World Of The Film

After facing performance problems following its 1.0 launch, it seems that Starship Troopers: Extermination might not have been fully prepared to depart from Early Access. It shares some similarities with Helldivers 2, but for dedicated fans of the franchise, this first-person adaptation of the 1997 Starship Troopers game could be worth a try. If subsequent updates manage to address the existing issues that have contributed to lowering its Steam review score, it may prove to be an enjoyable experience.

As a fan who craves diverse gameplay and prefers third-person action, I might lean towards Helldivers 2. But for those who yearn for an experience more in line with the movie’s tone, Starship Troopers: Extermination, being a faithful adaptation, could be the perfect choice.

1 Starship Troopers: Terran Command

Classic Starship Troopers Meets Old-School Real-Time Tactics

In terms of recreating Verhoeven’s version of Starship Troopers, nothing quite compares to drawing from the original source. Terran Command achieves this with a refined touch, offering enthusiasts massive battles against the Arachnid threat. For aficionados of real-time strategy games, there’s plenty to sink their teeth into here. However, those seeking a more challenging experience might find it somewhat lacking.

Terran Command”, puts you in charge of the renowned Mobile Infantry, offering a single-player campaign that, while not suitable for all gamers, provides a distinctly nostalgic feel for strategy enthusiasts.

2024-10-26 20:07