Starfield
Bethesda's first new IP in 25 years plants its flag firmly in the cosmos. With over 1,000 procedurally generated planets, a dense main questline, and the studio's signature open-world freedom, Starfield is a monumental achievement — even if the sheer scale occasionally works against it.
The character creation and skill systems are among the deepest Bethesda has produced, and the faction storylines — particularly the Crimson Fleet arc — rival anything in Skyrim. Ship-building is genuinely addictive. However, the loading screens between locations break immersion, and the empty planets can feel like padding rather than exploration.
Strengths
- Deep RPG systems
- Excellent ship customisation
- Strong faction quests
Weaknesses
- Excessive loading screens
- Many planets feel barren
- Weak main story
No Man's Sky
Few games have undergone a transformation as dramatic as No Man's Sky. What launched in 2016 as a disappointment has become one of the most content-rich space exploration games ever made — and Hello Games continues to release free updates years later.
The procedurally generated universe is genuinely awe-inspiring. Base building, multiplayer, expeditions, and narrative missions all layer on top of the core loop of exploration and survival. The Aussie gaming community has embraced it wholeheartedly, and for good reason — it's the closest thing to living in a sci-fi novel.
Strengths
- Infinite exploration
- Constant free updates
- Relaxing and rewarding
Weaknesses
- Early game can feel slow
- Combat is shallow
- Repetitive planet types
Elite Dangerous
Elite Dangerous maps the entire Milky Way at a 1:1 scale — all 400 billion star systems. It is the most technically ambitious space simulator available, and its flight model remains unmatched. Dogfights near asteroid belts feel genuinely cinematic, and the sense of scale is humbling.
The community is particularly active in Australia, with player groups organising regular wing missions and exploration expeditions. The learning curve is steep, but the reward for mastering the controls and economy is a uniquely immersive experience that no other game can replicate.
Strengths
- Unmatched flight model
- True-scale galaxy
- Active community
Weaknesses
- Very steep learning curve
- Grind-heavy progression
- Limited on-foot content
Kerbal Space Program
Kerbal Space Program is one of the most educational and entertaining games ever made. Building rockets, calculating orbital mechanics, and watching your little green astronauts either triumph or spectacularly explode is an experience unlike any other.
The physics simulation is genuinely accurate enough to have inspired real aerospace engineers. Whether you're a casual player who just wants to reach orbit or a hardcore mission planner recreating the Apollo programme, KSP delivers. The modding community extends its lifespan indefinitely.
Strengths
- Authentic physics
- Hugely educational
- Massive mod community
Weaknesses
- Intimidating for newcomers
- Dated visuals
- Performance issues with mods
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
The Legendary Edition bundles all three Mass Effect games with their DLC into a single, remastered package. BioWare's space opera remains the gold standard for narrative-driven RPGs — the choices you make in the first game ripple through to the trilogy's conclusion in ways that still feel remarkable.
The visual upgrades are tasteful rather than intrusive, and the unified launcher makes transitioning between games seamless. Commander Shepard's journey — from stopping the Reapers to forging alliances across the galaxy — is one of gaming's finest stories. This is the definitive way to experience it.
Strengths
- Outstanding narrative
- Meaningful choices
- All DLC included
Weaknesses
- ME3 ending still divisive
- ME1 combat feels dated
- Some textures still rough