Sci-Fi Games With Microgravity Mechanics

Key Takeaways

Hard science fiction emphasizes scientific accuracy in space portrayal.
Disregard for microgravity in sci-fi often comes down to practical filming reasons.
Games like
Dead Space
and
Deliver Us the Moon
incorporate microgravity realistically, adding challenges.

As a seasoned astronaut with over two decades of space exploration under my belt, I must say that these games offer a unique and fascinating glimpse into the world of microgravity. They’ve captured the essence of weightlessness beautifully, each in their own way.

Despite being called science fiction, a lot of writers in the genre are selective in how much science actually goes into their fiction, especially when it comes to portraying outer space. This is such a common tendency that there is a sub-genre, hard science fiction, that is specifically characterized by an emphasis on scientific accuracy, at least as it is best understood by the author at the time of writing. This leads to a lot of common mistakes and liberties when it comes to showing outer space. A common example is disregard for microgravity. This is the physical process that allows objects to seemingly float in space. It is commonly referred to as “zero-g” although this is a grossly inaccurate description. Contrary to popular belief, gravity does in fact exist in space, and it is actually gravitational forces that allow astronauts to float on the International Space Station. Learning to navigate microgravity is an essential part of being an astronaut.

Neglecting the effects of microgravity in entertainment productions often boils down to practical considerations. Since sci-fi films and shows are typically produced on Earth, they must adhere to the physical laws applicable to our planet rather than those in orbit. It’s more feasible and economical to let actors move freely without worrying about weightlessness—and sometimes even invent an “artificial gravity” plot point—than to invest heavily in complex special effects. Video games, however, enjoy a bit more flexibility as virtual realms. While programming microgravity isn’t easy, it can add an engaging aspect when handled skillfully. The freedom of movement outside fixed surfaces presents unique problems, which many sci-fi video games capitalize on.

12 Call Of Duty Ghosts

Battle Enemies In Earth’s Orbit

While not necessarily the most acclaimed title in the series, Call of Duty: Ghosts did introduce an intriguing novelty that caught gamers’ interest: space combat! This feature is showcased in two stages throughout the campaign. The initial encounter unfolds during the opening level, “Ghost Stories”, where players control astronaut Baker within a space station under attack by the game’s villains. The second instance occurs near the end of the game, in the level “Loki”, where a U.S. military unit reclaims the rebuilt ODIN weapons platform. Although brief and absent of the main character, these segments were particularly captivating for many players. A key factor contributing to their impact was the integration of microgravity effects.

As a gamer, I found these sequences to be a refreshing change from the standard combat mechanics. They allowed me, as well as my in-game foes, greater mobility, making use of the weightless environment to create a dynamic and more engaging battlefield experience.

11 Call Of Duty: Infinite Warfare

Weightless Combat Is The Name Of The Game

In an early attempt at exploring microgravity in video games, Ghosts may have paved the way for some innovative concepts. However, Infinite Warfare, with its bold vision to center space combat, represented a significant leap forward. Despite not achieving the critical or commercial success that Activision desired, it effectively expanded upon its precursor’s endeavors.

Given that most battles occur within or near spaceships, the main character Nick Reyes frequently encounters weightless combat situations. To manage these challenges effectively, he is equipped with several tools such as weapons specifically designed for zero-gravity environments, including grenades that target enemies directly. Additionally, he uses a grappling hook for swift movement and magnetic boots to maintain his position when needed.

10 Dead Space

Traverse a Dangerous Ship Full of Deadly Secrets

The thrilling science fiction horror game, often referred to as Dead Space, offers a variety of experiences within its gameplay – puzzle-solving, exploration, confronting grotesque human remains that pursue the main character, Isaac Clarke, to halt their pursuit. Occasionally, this game amps up the tension by incorporating microgravity environments. Certain areas simulate the authenticity of being stranded on a spaceship by necessitating Isaac’s movement adhering only to Newtonian physics. These moments can occur within the ship, but at times he must navigate through the emptiness of space itself. These segments of the game can prove quite difficult.

Floating without gravity does offer benefits like evading necromorphs more easily, but it also presents its own difficulties. Let’s face it; moving freely in the vertical and horizontal directions within the maze-like corridors of the USG Ishimura can be quite confusing.

9 Deliver Us The Moon

Getting to the Moon Wasn’t As Easy as Expected

Given the title “Deliver Us the Moon“, it’s reasonable to infer that a significant portion of the game occurs on the moon. However, before reaching the lunar surface, players must embark on a journey via a rocket to Pearson Space Station. During this initial phase of the game, the protagonist, Rolf, experiences the profound impact of microgravity. To start, there’s a brief segment where he meticulously aligns his rocket with the station’s docking port. Upon gaining access, he must traverse the station, a network of corridors that seamlessly merge horizontal and vertical dimensions.

In the peak moment of the level, the station detonates, sending Rolf drifting into space. To get back, he must find something to decelerate, then navigate through the flying debris. For added suspense, some of the larger chunks are too massive to avoid directly, forcing him to either pass through or cut open. Additionally, there’s a scarcity of oxygen, making it crucial for Rolf to locate air tanks regularly to prevent suffocation.

8 Elite Dangerous

Real-Life Physics Creates A Uniquely Immersive World

In this expansive multiplayer game, the action unfolds within an authentic replica of our own galaxy, the Milky Way, featuring realistic planetary orbits. Ignoring the effects of microgravity in such an environment would certainly be a poor choice.

Weightlessness is a common experience in the world of Elite Dangerous, whether that be weightless combat or performing everyday tasks. The game even portrays a more scientifically accurate means of generating artificial gravity than most sci-fi games of its ilk—most space stations use centrifugal force, something real-world scientists believe could help simulate Earth-like gravity on long space journeys.

7 The Expanse: A Telltale Series

Uncover Secrets And Battle Pirates In Jupiter’s Orbit

One distinctive feature setting The Expanse apart from other television space operas is its commitment to using scientific accuracy in its storytelling. Although not always flawless, the series strives to maintain a realistic portrayal of space based on current knowledge. This dedication extends to depicting microgravity accurately since much of the show’s action unfolds in weightless environments. Given this, it seems fitting that a game adaptation would also prioritize replicating these zero-gravity scenarios.

In The Expanse: A Telltale Series, character Camina Drummer navigates various areas under microgravity conditions, and these scenes sometimes uncover unsettling realities. For instance, while investigating a deserted spaceship, Camina encounters the grotesquely preserved corpses of the crew members suspended mid-air instead of falling to the ground.

6 Hardspace: Shipbreaker

Microgravity Is Part Of The Job

Hardspace: Shipbreaker primarily revolves around the challenge of working in zero gravity environments, which forms the core mechanic of the game. In a future where space travel has become routine, shipbreaking – analogous to dismantling and salvaging retired ships for reusable parts on Earth – has become an important industry. As a fresh recruit in this field, you find yourself working in space, requiring you to adapt to working without the familiar sensation of weight.

As a gamer, I’ve found that mastering microgravity mechanics can be quite beneficial in my space adventures. Once you get the hang of it, it becomes an effective tool for disassembling ships and sorting through their components. Pushing the dismantled debris lightly towards either the recycler or incinerator feels surprisingly relaxing, and watching the credits pile up makes it all worthwhile.

5 Heavenly Bodies

Turns Out, Microgravity Isn’t For Everyone

As a gamer, I’ve often marveled at the graceful moves of astronauts in microgravity, forgetting the rigorous training they’ve undergone to master such skills. In a game like Heavenly Bodies, it brings home the challenge and awkwardness of weightless maneuvering, making me appreciate the expertise that professional astronauts possess.

The game involves astronaut characters performing maintenance on a spacecraft, yet accomplishing tasks can be tricky due to the need for movement. Each body part is controlled by distinct button commands, so players must strategize the most effective method of navigation to attain their goal.

4 Kerbal Space Program

Chaos Ensues When Non-Rocket Scientists Attempt To Build Rockets

Despite its humor and playful appearance, Kerbal Space Program takes a serious approach to representing authentic orbital physics. Many aspects of the game’s science, such as designing and launching rockets, are based on actual NASA engineering principles. This is why it’s not surprising that the developers aimed for a somewhat realistic depiction of what happens when entering a planet’s orbit. A notable feature in this regard is the ability for Kerbal astronauts to perform spacewalks, allowing players to move them around freely in space, but they should be cautious not to stray too far from their spacecraft.

The less obvious role of microgravity is its impact on the actual rockets, which are also subject to the same forces. Just like in real life, understanding gravitational force is crucial to success. Also like in real life, it will probably take some trial and error to get a properly functioning rocket into orbit. Even once players do get into space, they will still need to make sure their rocket is capable of traversing a weightless environment if they don’t want to leave their astronauts stranded.

3 Observation

An AI Uncovers A Strange Mystery In A Space Station

In the game “Observation”, the player controls an AI character named SAM (Systems Administration & Maintenance), rather than a traditional human astronaut. Since SAM is a computer, he’s stationary and can’t move around in microgravity like other characters. However, he can observe how microgravity affects the human non-player characters (NPCs) and objects on the space station called the “Observation”. The Observation has been damaged by an unknown event, and it’s SAM’s job to find out what happened and fix what he can.

As the game unfolds, SAM acquires an expanded range of interactive possibilities, such as mobile probes. When he reaches this stage, being free from gravity provides him with unparalleled mobility, making it simpler to access difficult locations.

2 Outer Wilds

The Perfect Ground to Ignore Common Sense

In this unique game crafted by Mobius Digital, you journey through a solar system that mirrors real-life physics, though it’s presented in an amusingly miniature fashion. A significant aspect of Outer Wilds involves the player navigating between planets to unravel the mystery of the time loop they find themselves ensnared within. Since space is the central theme, it’s only fitting that they created a playable cosmic setting. What sets this game apart is the freedom you have to exit your spaceship not just on planets, but even in the void. Whether you’re investigating a cryptic space station or simply roaming aimlessly in the weightlessness of space, the joy of moving around freely in a zero-gravity environment is truly captivating.

Remarkably, this peculiar map in question offers players a level of casualness that real astronauts wouldn’t dare indulge in. With objects abnormally close together, players can easily exit their spacecraft and reach planets or even the sun. Should they exhaust their oxygen supply while too far from their ship, they can simply leap onto the nearest planet with trees. Essentially, it serves as a playful environment where one can experiment freely without fretting over minor concerns such as safety.

1 Prey

A Space Station In Ruin

The sequel to Bethesda’s 2006 game titled “Prey” unfolds the story of Morgan Yu, an astronaut who finds himself in a predicament – trapped aboard a space station called Talos I, overrun by an extraterrestrial species known as the Typhon. The majority of “Prey” transpires within the confines of Talos I’s artificial gravity environment, but there are instances where Morgan must venture outside to accomplish certain tasks. This, naturally, involves dealing with microgravity, a challenge made more daunting by the cluttered expanse of debris and occasional corpses or Typhon, all while battling limited oxygen supplies. However, the advantage is that encounters with aliens are less frequent outside the station, making it easier for players to traverse different sections of the spacecraft as they gain access to more airlocks.

Contrarily, unlike other systems, the Gravity Utility Tunnel System (GUTs) does encounter Morgan with microgravity conditions. While it offers somewhat simpler navigation due to its straight layout, there’s an increased likelihood of alien encounters that can pose issues in the limited space.

2024-11-19 19:34