Our fascination with alien-themed games dates right back to the dawn of gaming and the coin-op arcades that started to appear in the 1970s. Almost half a century has gone by since then, and the games have certainly got more advanced. But have they really got any better?
Some would argue that they haven’t – retro games that hark back to days gone by certainly have a passionate following. Here, we take a look at four space games with a retro feel that you can play from your desktop or your phone – and unlike those long ago arcade games, it won’t cost you a thing to play them!
Endless Sky
This 2-D game brings to mind the original Grand Theft Auto – but set in space. There’s a great combination of missions, combat and trading to progress from lowly shuttle pilot to taking command of a starship.
The basic game has around 50 different space craft available and dozens of worlds to explore, but a particularly nice touch is the plugins that allow you to add even more as you push the limits of the known universe.
Space miners
Unibet is best known for its sport betting, but it has also branched into live casino and slots. This fabulous space-themed game from Relax Gaming was released earlier this year and can be played for real money or just for fun - in which case you don't even have to register.
Initially, it looks like an old fashioned retro slot with its 6x3 format. But as you hit winning combinations, more cells start to open up, which means more ways to win. It goes all the way up to a maximum size of 6x10, which equates to a million ways to win. Power ups, wilds and free spins add to the fun and the opportunities.
Moonbase Alpha
There’s something about this adventure game that brings to mind the pioneering spirit of the 8-bit classics. Thankfully, however, the gameplay is firmly in the 2020s. The backstory is you are on your maiden visit to earth’s moonbase. However, when you get there, a meteorite strike has caused havoc.
The sandbox format means there are multiple ways to succeed as you attempt to bring civilization back to the moon. We also love the fact that you can play a multi-player co-op form of the game, in which it is sometimes as fun to sabotage one another as it is to play the game properly!
Star Trek Online
For gamers of a certain age, Star Trek represented their first ever experience of home video gaming. Things have changed a lot in the past 40 odd years, but as is the case with the TV series, this game very much retains the spirit of the original.
Choose your own captain and crew from half a century of Star Trek lore and then boldly go. There are more than 160 adventurers to be had in space and on land, and how you fare in one will have a direct bearing on what happens in the next. It’s as much about great leadership skills as anything else, so channel your inner Picard!
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