10 Incredible Games Where Strong Female Astronauts Take Center Stage!

Summary

Female astronauts in video games showcase resourcefulness and bravery in space exploration with unique narratives.
Games like Echo, Deliver Us Mars, and Returnal highlight diverse aspects of heroism and resilience in cosmic settings.
Character-driven games such as Tacoma, Observation, and Jett offer compelling narratives and exploration beyond traditional space themes.

Space has always been a vast, mysterious frontier, full of adventure and discovery. Over the years, the gaming industry has seen a growing trend in featuring strong, complex female astronauts who take on roles traditionally reserved for their male counterparts. These characters, often portrayed as brave, resourceful, and multidimensional, offer a fresh perspective on the world of space exploration.

Whether navigating the unknown reaches of space or overcoming personal challenges, these female astronauts highlight different aspects of heroism in the cosmos. Here are some games that center around female astronauts, showing that the stars are just as much theirs as anyone else’s.

10. Echo

A Clone Of Yourself

In Echo, players control En, a space traveler who awakens from cryosleep and explores a mysterious palace controlled by an adaptive AI. The game features a stealth mechanic where the environment learns from the player’s actions, forcing En to out-think her own clones.

Delving deeper into this intriguing tale as the protagonist, I’m unraveling a complex narrative that revolves around identity, technology, and the repercussions of human ambition. En’s resourcefulness and sharp intellect are pivotal in overcoming the palace’s obstacles, making her an engaging character in a realm sculpted by artificial intelligence.

9. Deliver Us Mars

A Poignant Exploration

As astronaut Kathy Johanson, players embark on a mission to recover stolen colony ships in Deliver Us Mars. The game’s sequel to Deliver Us The Moon combines exploration, platforming, and puzzle-solving with a deeply emotional narrative about family, survival, and sacrifice.

Kathy’s determination to complete her mission and save humanity adds a personal touch to the high-stakes adventure. The game’s atmospheric environments and detailed world-building draw players into its story, while Kathy’s journey is a poignant exploration of duty, loss, and hope.

8. Returnal

A Loop of Life And Death

Returnal follows astronaut Selene Vassos in a game featuring a mysterious time loop on the planet Atropos. As she struggles to survive, her journey uncovers hidden truths about the planet and her own past. The game features third-person shooter combat combined with roguelike mechanics, blending psychological horror with a gripping sci-fi story.

With its lightning-fast pace, remarkable visuals, and a strong emotional narrative, Returnal exhibits Selene’s resilience and determination, making her an interesting character in a unique planetary setting.

7. Metroid Prime Series

One Of The First

Samus Aran has been a notable character in the gaming world for decades. As a bounty hunter in the Metroid Prime series, Samus explores alien planets, battling powerful creatures and uncovering mysterious secrets.

As a very early female protagonist in a sci-fi setting, Samus’s character was groundbreaking when first introduced and has since become a significant figure in the gaming industry. Her bounty hunter skills and iconic power suit contribute to her role as the main character in an iconic, long-running series.

6. Tacoma

An Adventure in 2088

In Tacoma, players control Amy Ferrier, a contractor sent to investigate the sudden disappearance of a space station’s crew. Using augmented reality recordings, Amy pieces together the station’s final moments, uncovering the complex relationships between the crew members and the company that oversees them.

The game is heavily narrative-driven, focusing on themes of AI, corporate control, and human connection. Amy’s methodical, compassionate approach to solving the mystery gives her character a grounded presence in the midst of the station’s eerie silence. The game’s exploration of personal and professional relationships adds depth to the space station setting.

5. Observation

Play As An AI

In this game, you take on the role of SAM, an artificial intelligence system stationed aboard a spacecraft, aiding Dr. Emma Fisher, the sole astronaut left following a baffling incident. As Emma delves into the enigma surrounding her crew’s disappearance, you guide her through a puzzling and ominous setting, all from SAM’s perspective.

In this game, you’ll find yourself immersed in a fascinating blend of puzzle-solving challenges and an engrossing tale that generates an air of mystery and seclusion. The character of Dr. Fisher stands out as the main figure, with her grit and tenacity taking center stage. This makes her a relatable and captivating heroine in this nerve-wracking sci-fi adventure.

4. Jett: The Far Shore

A Calmer Take On Sci-fi

Jett: The Far Shore puts players in control of Mei, a scout sent to explore an uncharted ocean planet in hopes of securing humanity’s future. The game is less about combat and more about atmospheric exploration, focusing on a slow, methodical journey through alien landscapes.

Mei’s role as an astronaut is defined by her curiosity, determination, and connection to the natural world around her. The serene and meditative gameplay offers a refreshing contrast to more intense space-themed games, providing a unique perspective on space travel and discovery.

3. Prey

A Non-Traditional Astronaut

In Prey, players control Morgan Yu, a scientist aboard the Talos I space station who must survive a horrific alien outbreak. While Morgan is not a traditional astronaut, the game’s setting and themes of space exploration tie into the broader concept of space-bound survival. Players must use their wits and limited resources to uncover the secrets behind the alien threat.

The game’s deep environmental storytelling, combined with its action and horror elements, makes for a compelling narrative. Morgan’s role as both a scientist and a survivor adds an interesting dimension to the game’s exploration of identity and survival in space.

2. ADR1FT

Survive and Make It Home

In the game titled ADR1FT, players assume the role of Commander Alex Oshima, an astronaut who finds himself adrift in space following a devastating mishap. With his oxygen supply dwindling and the space station severely damaged, Alex embarks on a perilous journey through the debris to reach Earth. The game’s first-person viewpoint amplifies feelings of solitude and peril, offering an intense survival adventure.

As Alex battles to fix the station and flee, the emotional depth of his odyssey gives a personal feel to the game’s tense ambiance. The themes of resilience and survival turn ADR1FT into a potent examination of human tenacity in the boundless expanse of space.

1. Heaven’s Vault

A Linguistic Puzzle

Released: April 16, 2019
Developer: inkle Ltd
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4

In Heaven’s Vault, players take on the role of Aliya Elasra, an archaeologist traveling across space to uncover the secrets of an ancient civilization. The game’s unique mechanic involves deciphering an alien language, allowing players to piece together the history of the long-lost culture.

Aliya’s intelligence, persistence, and passion for uncovering the past drive the narrative forward. The game’s richly detailed world and complex characters make for an immersive experience that combines exploration, puzzle-solving, and storytelling in an engaging space setting.

2025-03-18 11:52