One would think that gaming giant Nintendo and the popular sci-fi genre would a natural pairing. After all, both exude creativity, imagination, and adventure, with a slew of gripping, entertaining properties. Yet, the Big N hasn’t often ventured into the realm of science fiction, and that goes double for modern-era Nintendo.
Thankfully, there do exist a number of epic and imaginative sci-fi titles developed and published by the studio. These are gaming adventures rife with awesome tech, outer space odysseys, and alien creatures that are sure to satiate Star Wars and Star Trek fans who also fancy them some gaming. With that said, let’s explore 10 of the best Nintendo developed and published offerings for sci-fi fans.
Geist (GameCube)
One doesn’t often think of first-person shooters when it comes to Nintendo games, let alone dark and dynamic ones. Yet, n-Space and Nintendo’s Geist certainly fits the bill, shining as a rare bright spot for sci-fi fans on the GameCube. The game revolves around an inventive mechanic that has the player’s “spirit” shift from one body to another.
This injects a neat twist into the gameplay and cleverly ties in with the game’s conspiratorial sci-fi narrative. The multiplayer is even more captivating, featuring a trio of game modes that also incorporate this ghostly mechanic.
Super R-Type (SNES)
Space shooters may seem fairly overdone and overpopulated at this point. Still, when it comes to 16-bit offerings, Super R-Type soars as a particularly exciting effort in the genre. While developed by another studio by the name of Irem, the game can stand toe-to-toe with many Nintendo greats on the SNES, and it was even published by the Big N in Europe.
The game pummels players with an onslaught of unique and colorful foes while offering satisfying power-ups and powerful weapons. The one-and-done gameplay keeps players on the edge of their seats, as even hitting a wall will cause the ship to explode into nothingness.
Astral Chain (Switch)
PlatinumGames’ underrated romp, The Wonderful 101, didn’t see much attention on account of the Wii U’s small userbase. Years later, though, they made their presence truly known with this awesome sci-fi epic that seemed to come out of nowhere. The game takes a bit of anime, a bit of cyberpunk, and melds it with adrenaline-fueled hack and slash gameplay that balances action and strategy.
Astral Chain‘s combat remains thrilling and rewarding throughout, and this is strengthened by a surprisingly gripping plot and creative world-building.
Star Fox (SNES)
What’s not to love about Nintendo’s sci-fi classic, Star Fox, a Nintendo-esque twist on a science fiction space shooter? Though the polygonal aesthetic may look a bit dated today, it was certainly impressive to see the SNES pull off 3D graphics of any kind. Luckily, the gameplay is still thrilling and captivating, even if the visuals don’t quite hold up.
Star Fox features a range of short, but action-packed stages that keep players on their toes. Players will duck and weave through hazards, nab power-ups, and deal with a slew of enemies whizzing about.
Super Metroid (SNES)
If there’s a sci-fi franchise from Nintendo that can truly be considered “flagship,” it’s the renowned Metroid series. This space adventure-shooter has long been favored amongst the more hardcore circles of the Big N’s audience. Over the years, the franchise has seen a rollercoaster ride of entries ranging in both style and quality.
However, one of the most universally-regarded efforts has to be the SNES rendition. This game appealed to hardcore fans of the elaborate NES game while bringing in new fans with its flashier visuals and action-packed gameplay. The satisfying shooting mechanics, rewarding power-ups for Samus, and thrilling boss fights make this a must-play for any Nintendo fan who appreciates sci-fi.
Metroid Prime (GameCube)
While Nintendo enticed gamers with a sci-fi adventure in the 2D realm, Texas-based Retro Studios took a bold risk by mixing up the formula and putting Samus in the 3D arena. At least, in the eyes of most fans, this was a gamble that very much paid off, and the debut of the Metroid Prime series on GameCube is still seen as one of the console’s best games.
The essence of old-school Metroid is still here. You’ve got the exploration elements, power-ups and abilities—including the trademark morph ball move—and an emphasis on shooting. Yet, the 3D environments allowed Prime to exude a more epic and immersive quality.
Star Fox 64 (Nintendo 64)
Nintendo managed to take the already exciting Star Fox series into overdrive with this memorable shooter for the Nintendo 64. The improved graphics were advanced enough to more-accurately accommodate the game’s style this time around, and the gameplay also proved more dynamic and diverse. There’s a reason this game has been the source of popular gaming memes, including the classic “do a barrel roll!” It’s just that memorable.
For many, the premier feature of this sequel is the endlessly-fun multiplayer options. Up to four players can face off in an intense point match or battle royale in a ship or Landmaster tank. Additionally, there’s the arcade-style time trial, which has players take on hordes of enemy fighters.
F-Zero (Super NES)
Though the pseudo-3D effect of some SNES racers can be a mixed bag visually, F-Zero is perhaps the strongest example of “Mode 7” done right. This fast-paced, flashy racer was and is so captivating that it helped spawn an entire subgenre.
F-Zero managed to make a similar racer on the platform, Super Mario Kart, feel slow and tepid with its appreciation for speed and its chaotic tracks rife with sharp turns and ramps. Even without the inclusion of multiplayer, F-Zero remains one of the most enjoyable racers of the 90s.
Perfect Dark (Nintendo 64)
Goldeneye was enthralling with its appealing James Bond theme, which closely adhered to the film on which it was based. Yet, this spiritual successor from Rare beefs up the gameplay and scale, while refining the mechanics.
The notion of outdoing that classic FPS seemed absurd, but, at least in the eyes of many gamers, the British studio pulled it off. Perfect Dark draws in players with an entirely original story rife with aliens and corporate conspiracies. Yet, it keeps gamers enthralled with a range of crazy new weapons like the Laptop Gun, tons of fun multiplayer options with bot support, and a rich campaign mode.
Metroid (NES)
When it comes to Nintendo software—and, really, sci-fi games in general—it’s tough to beat the original Metroid for the NES. This space-shooting adventure just has that extra “something.” Despite its basic visuals, the game is dripping with atmosphere and a borderline eerie feeling of helpless isolation.
This feeling slowly-but-surely dissipates with each rewarding new power-up Samus obtains. The shooting is also satisfying thanks to some tight, well-crafted mechanics, and the detail in the unique settings is truly impressive for an NES game. There are few 8-bit games that manage to feel as grand and exciting as this 1986 classic.
