The Best Sci-Fi Dungeon Crawlers

Key Takeaways

Dungeon crawling spans multiple genres with gameplay that involves exploring loot-filled environments with different themed dungeons.
Science fiction games can offer unique dungeon-crawling experiences, mixing cyberpunk or cosmic horror with challenging gameplay.
Many franchises experiment with dungeon crawlers, providing fans with varied experiences like space station horrors or superhero dungeon delves.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that these games have taken me on some wild rides through galaxies far and wide. From the gritty streets of Pandora to the cosmic landscapes of EverSpace 2, these dungeon crawlers have managed to keep me hooked with their unique blend of action, adventure, and loot.

The idea of dungeon crawling is broad, and the concept can be implemented into multiple genres and gameplay styles. They can be action RPGs in the same vein as the Diablo franchise, or a first-person shooters like Destiny, but as long as it features one or more players being able to plunge through dungeons, it counts as a dungeon crawler.

Typically, dungeon crawling can be found in fantasy games, but occasionally, game developers swap genres and create science fiction games that allow players to experience new types of dungeons. They can be in cyberpunk facilities or the derelict ruins of an alien civilization on another planet, while still providing dungeon-crawling gameplay that’s fun and challenging.

11 Justice League Heroes

Makes The Player Feel Like A Member Of The Justice League

At the peak of the Justice League animated series’ fame, DC challenged Marvel by developing an action RPG where superheroes engage in battles against villains within various settings resembling dungeons. In the game called Justice League Heroes, players can select from a variety of characters belonging to the Justice League, such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and others.

In the video game titled “Justice League Heroes“, DC’s iconic characters confront a variety of adversaries, ranging from Brainiac to Gorilla Grodd. Each villain possesses a distinct high-tech lair designed for the heroes to navigate. Although it may not be as famous as other Justice League games, it offers enjoyable comic book experiences by ensuring that each character showcases their typical abilities and characteristics that fans have come to expect.

10 Hellpoint

What If Bloodborne Took Place On A Space Station

A space station taken over by an alien organism is nothing new, with games like Dead Space and Alien: Isolation already using that concept. However, rather than a traditional survival horror, Hellpoint puts a twist on it by making the gameplay into a Soulslike experience akin to Elden Ring, Bloodborne, or Dark Souls, which may not be traditional dungeon crawlers, but all carry the dungeon crawler formula in their veins.

In the game Hellpoint, the alien monsters become noticeably more frightening as the main character has limited health and can be defeated if they’re not cautious while exploring the various zones of the spaceship. As each new boss is encountered, the game dives deeper into gruesome cosmic terror reminiscent of Event Horizon or tales penned by H.P. Lovecraft.

9 Aliens: Dark Descent

Xenomorphs Make Dungeon Crawling Much Scarier

As a devoted fan, I’d describe Aliens: Dark Descent as an exhilarating blend of horror and action. It’s a strategy-driven dungeon crawler that has you leading colonial marines through the darkest colonies and other treacherous locations, where Xenomorphs are hiding in every shadow. Unlike traditional games where you just attack recklessly, this game demands strategic thinking to keep your Fireteam safe. The combat mechanics resemble those in XCOM games, but with a more immersive, hands-on approach.

The game “Aliens: Dark Descent” demonstrates the franchise’s willingness to explore diverse genres by offering a fresh and distinctive take on all other games within the Alien universe. Fans of the Alien series will appreciate this innovative approach, as it further enriches the lore by introducing humans who revere the Xenomorphs.

8 Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order

Underrated Marvel Adventure On The Nintendo Switch

After a considerable break, I was thrilled to jump back into the action RPG world with Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order! As a dedicated fan, it was fantastic to see the return of this franchise, now boasting an expanded roster of characters and a fresh visual aesthetic. True to its name, the game centers around Marvel’s superheroes squaring off against Thanos’ brood, colloquially known as The Black Order, in a thrilling journey that takes us from the X-Mansion to the eccentric outpost of Knowhere – each location transformed into an engaging dungeon for exploration.

Among all the Marvel Ultimate Alliance series, only the third one, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3, is still available for purchase. It’s a Nintendo Switch exclusive, and despite some claiming it has the least compelling story among the trilogy, its vast roster of characters from teams like the Avengers, X-Men, Guardians of the Galaxy, and more make it an engaging choice to explore.

7 Warframe

It’s Impossible Not To Enjoy Superpowered Ninjas In Space

Warframe, famously recognized for its procedurally created levels, allows up to four players to delve into expansive, open-ended environments as Tenno. They engage in combat against enemies, level up, and gather loot throughout their journey through visually stunning and challenging futuristic alien worlds. The game’s enduring appeal, even after over a decade, is a testament to its dedicated fanbase who continue to appreciate it.

In Warframe, players have created their own space ninjas over time using the Tennos characters. This game offers a unique blend of melee and third-person shooting combat that starts off appearing straightforward but gradually becomes increasingly complex as you delve deeper into it. The challenges within the dungeons also ramp up accordingly.

6 Marvel Ultimate Alliance

Marvel’s Rip-Off Of Gauntlet Was A Major Success

Initially, Marvel introduced their role-playing series based on dungeon exploration with the X-Men Legends games. However, Marvel Ultimate Alliance, serving as a sequel, allowed fans to design their preferred four-member superhero team. The storyline pitted these heroes against Doctor Doom, who served as the primary antagonist. Various locations were visited in this adventure, such as SHIELD bases, Atlantis, Planet Skrull, and Doctor Doom’s castle, among others.

In simpler terms, the Ultimate Alliance games are essentially refined versions of the classic game Gauntlet. Each character in these games offers a distinct role and sometimes even unique conversations with other characters based on who is part of the player’s team. This makes it an enjoyable experience whether you choose to play alone or with a partner.

5 Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr

Hack And Slash Through Thousands Of Enemies For The Emperor

The Warhammer 40K series has expanded into various action-oriented video game categories, including shooters, RPGs, and strategy games. In essence, Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr represents their interpretation of the Diablo franchise, a renowned dungeon crawler series known for its ominous and gritty atmosphere. The main character in this game is hardly a hero.

In Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr, players can select from various Inquisitor classes. This game thrusts you into battles against countless enemies in the name of the Emperor. It’s a thrilling intergalactic journey that seamlessly combines fantasy and sci-fi elements, delivering an abundance of exhilarating action. As such, it’s frequently lauded as the top choice for isometric hack-and-slash game enthusiasts among Warhammer fans.

4 Destiny 2

Bungie Created An MMO Looter Shooter Phenomenon

Destiny 2 now stands out as an exemplary first-person dungeon crawler, merging captivating looter shooter mechanics with MMORPG features similar to Warframe. Each season and expansion brings forth fresh dungeons for Guardians to delve into individually or challenge as raids.

In a world where technology has progressed to the point where science fiction and fantasy seem almost indistinguishable, you’ll find robots, aliens, and much more. For those who tire of the conventional MMORPG experience, Destiny 2 stands out as a compelling alternative. It offers players greater control over their characters, and its worlds provide a unique sci-fi take on traditional dungeons, scratching that specific itch.

3 Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2

Heroes And Villains Are Divided In This Darker Sequel

Since it follows the narrative of the Civil War, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 takes on a more somber tone compared to its original version. The game is divided into two separate campaigns, pitting Iron Man and Captain America’s groups against each other over the Superhuman Registration Act. Consequently, players who wish to control characters like Deadpool or Wolverine will need to replay the game with both factions.

Instead of just the gloomy narrative, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 offers a broader ensemble with an increased number of villain characters to control in a more Earth-focused journey, contrasting the initial game. With Iron Man, Reed Richards, and Black Panther taking leading roles, the science fiction elements are amplified as the heroes clash among themselves.

2 EverSpace 2

Proof That Space Flight Games Are Not A Dead Genre

EverSpace 2 and its predecessor feel like the spiritual successor to classic space combat games like Descent and Star Fox. The biggest difference is that EverSpace 2 adds more exploration across space, allowing the player to fly to dangerous planets, ships, and other galactic locations, each of which is the equivalent of a dungeon that tests their starfighting skills.

In every fresh setting within “EverSpace 2”, you’ll find scenes so stunning they could pass as high-quality desktop wallpapers, showcasing unique architectures enriched by vivid hues. The game truly excels in its starship mechanics, offering responsive controls that ensure the space combat remains engaging throughout, and catering to various playstyles with a variety of ships.

1 Borderlands 2

Pandora Is A Planet Filled With Wacky Dungeons

The Borderlands series revolutionized loot-based dungeon crawlers by introducing a first-person shooter that draws from Diablo’s mechanics but sets it within an expansive open-world filled with numerous dungeons on the alien planet Pandora. Borderlands 2, in particular, is frequently praised as the franchise’s finest, boasting engaging character classes and Handsome Jack as a formidable gaming antagonist.

In the vein of Destiny, Borderlands 2 emphasizes exploration, combat, and acquiring loot in an expansive open world. You’ll discover dungeons scattered across diverse landscapes such as snowy peaks, deserts, jungles, and bustling cities on Pandora. The game combines humor, excessive action, and a blend of cyberpunk and post-apocalyptic elements, creating an experience reminiscent of Deadpool and Mad Max set in outer space. Critics praised it as a standout sequel.

2024-11-12 19:34