To infinity and the realms beyond fellow space games enthusiasts, today we rank 8 PS4 games within that setting. We love the grand scope and sci-fi setting that space games bring. However, not every game is a hit, as quite a few titles are rough around the edges, so we will settle the debate and present our official ranking of space games on Sony’s PlayStation 4. Let’s go!
Why are Space Games on PS4 Popular?
Before diving into the selection today, we feel it’s necessary to address the reason players love space games on the PS4. You see, sales-wise, the PlayStation 4 is blowing every other console out of the water. Sony’s marketing campaign and strategic adverts are responsible for most gamers preferring the PS4. The fantastic PS4 exclusive line-up, including games like God Of War, also is a factor.
Naturally, the majority of gamers own a PlayStation 4. When you factor in demand for space games, it’s easy to see why they are popular on PS4.
Which PS4 Space Games are the Worst and Best?
Alright, let’s not waste any more time and get on with our list of space games on the PS4. We’ll start with the horrendous ones, then work our way to the top. Also, we’ll justify our ranking by explaining why we’re placing a game at a specific position.
We have a nice mix of no-brainer picks and some that will surprise some readers. As always, we’re not trend-following, so you might see a hidden gem on our list. Here we go!
8. Star Wars Battlefront II – Bland Gameplay and Blatant Cash Grab Make It the Wost Space Game on PS4
Kicking things off, we’ve got a game that shouldn’t surprise anyone as to why it’s our worst space game on PS4. Simply put, Star Wars Battlefront II is a by-the-numbers, lifeless game; worst of all, corporate greed is exemplified. The game, if you can call it that, is a mess on several fronts. Take your pick, from the empty spaces of the game map to the grind-fest where progression feels tedious; everything is awful.
Star Wars Battlefront II is aptly named because its battles are with itself. The game is full of potential, but sadly, that is all it remains, wasted potential. Star Wars Battlefront II never reaches the highs because of one major reason. Everything in the game is geared toward loot boxes. It’s nothing more than a game that wants to milk the Star Wars fanbase dry. Better off skipping this space game on PS4, folks.
7. Observation – Simplistic Point and Click and Non-Sensical Story Hold Back an Intriguing Premise
Next up on our list of space games on PS4 we have Observation. If you think the name sounds dull, wait until you learn how it plays. In Observation, you play as, get this, an observer! Ba dum dish! Here’s the twist, though, instead of playing as a human, players take on the role of a sentient A.I. of a space station. The protagonist’s name is SAM (System Administration and Maintenance), a catchy name; we’ll give it that.
As SAM, players need to uncover why the space station is non-functional. Sounds intriguing, right? That’s because it is, unfortunately. Whatever mystery and juicy plot bits Observation builds up, they feel bogged down. The main culprit is the gameplay because it’s nothing more than point-and-click. Don’t get us wrong, we love those kinds of games, but here it doesn’t fit.
Also, the story’s conclusion isn’t a satisfying one either. It left us with more questions and confusion than answers, but not in a good, thought-provoking way. Observation is a space game on PS4 that could have benefited from a more immersive gameplay design. If you like games with more nuances to their narrative that blend exciting gameplay elements, check out our top story-driven game list.
6. Astroneer – A Sandbox Space PS4 Game With Buggy Controls and Physics and Camera Movement
Astroneer is our next entry on our list of top PS4 space games. If you can tolerate the hilarious game physics and glitches, this one isn’t half-bad. Also, the camera is your enemy most of the time. It doesn’t help that the game is still full of bugs that were present during its alpha stage. Astroneer is a diamond in the rough, but the problem is that it never progresses to the next refinement stage.
Astroneer is a space-themed sandbox PS4 game with cutesy visuals and a very charming aesthetic. While the breadth and scale are impressive, the game itself is tackling heavy hitters in the genre and doesn’t do enough to stand out. We’d rather have preferred if Astroneer was more condensed in scope and was more in line with cute PC games. Otherwise, Astroneer is definitely worth playing.
5. No Man’s Sky – The Grand Vistas of Alien Planets and Seamless Transition Await Players
The first half of our list of PS4 space games caps off with No Man’s Sky. An ambitious project that subverts all player expectations, No Man’s Sky is the epitome of innovation. The game-changing level design and the wealth of content in this magnificent game speak volumes of the dev’s foresight. The game is truly an inspiration to many other titles because of its colossal map size.
There’s literally no transition gap between switching from the ground and going airborne. Everything happens seamlessly in a procedurally generated environment. That’s right, the game world renders in real-time for players, meaning no two playthroughs will be exactly the same. The only other titles comparable to No Man’s Sky that have a similar grandness are games like Subnautica.
4. Mass Effect: Andromeda – The Lightning in A Bottle Situation Attempt Doesn’t Bear Fruit
Ushering us to the top 4 space games on PS4, we have the black sheep of the Mass Effect series. Mass Effect: Andromeda is basically a victim of lofty expectations. A portion of the blame lies with EA for trying to cash in on the Mass Effect I.P. The numerous game-breaking bugs soured the experience a lot for new players.
However, after taking some time to revisit the game, we were pleasantly surprised with the final product. Mass Effect: Andromeda isn’t part of the original series, but that’s the point. People wanted to see their beloved Commander Shepard return; instead, we got new protagonists. Mind you, we’re big on nostalgia; check our top PS1 JRPGS for proof of our love of retro gaming.
After a fresh perspective, we believe that Mass Effect: Andromeda, on its own, is one of the most fun and adventurous PS4 space games that shouldn’t be missed.
3. Dead Space Remake – Triumphant Return to Form in this PS4 Space Horror Game
This is the cool club on the list of PS4 space games, and Dead Space Remake is the first member. Blending masterful story-telling with a chilling ambiance and grotesque abominations in the form of Necromorphs, Dead Space Remake is horror gaming perfection. The original Dead Space was already terrifying, but players experience dread on a whole new immersive level in the remake.
The sound and level design are Metroid-esque but in a 3D environment. The darkness and musical score helps in creating a blood-curdling vibe, plus the psychological aspect is also phenomenal. Isaac Clark’s journey as he uncovers the truth will keep players on the edge of their seats.
Dead Space Remake is a PS4 space game you won’t want to miss. For similar suggestions, here are our best horror adventure games, like Until Dawn.
2. Prey – A New-Comer PS4 Space Game Is Our Runner-Up Pick
This is the runner-up pick for our space games on PS4, and no other entry is more deserving of this spot. Prey takes everything you know and love about FPS games, twists it on its head, and unravels it to present a once-in-a-decade game.
Prey offers players the choice of progression; you can use stealth as an approach and couple it with a passive run. Alternatively, you can let loose and create chaos. Prey has an in-depth level structure where everything is interconnected.
There are tons of side-quests, and they can also impact the ending. That’s right; there is more than one final ending to Prey, and it’s entirely dependent on your actions in the game. The combat in Prey is another strong suit of the game, and the upgrade path makes you feel powerful. Prey, in many ways, is kind of similar to RPGS like Fallout and one of the best space games on PS4.
1. Mass Effect: Trilogy – Our Top Space Games Pick on the PS4
This is the big one, the final entry, and our number 1 pick for the best space game on PS4. None are more worthy of this slot than the Mass Effect Trilogy of games. The feeling of embarking on a sci-fi adventure with high stakes is such a captivating experience that Mass Effect masterfully captures. The games tell a story spanning three whole games, with Commander Shepard front and center.
Whether it’s stopping a rogue agent of the Galactic Counsel, upholding humanity’s interest, or going on a date with one of your companions, Mass Effect Trilogy delivers on all fronts. The gameplay only improves significantly with each installment, and the action is more intense than ever. For more insight, you can check out our friend’s ranking of all of Mass Effect’s class tier rankings.
You’ll be flooded with nostalgia as soon as that familiar intro kicks in and the prologue starts. The games are so compelling that you can’t help but immediately dive into them. For us, Mass Effect Trilogy sits at the apex of space games on PS4, and so far, it’s yet to be topped.
Final Thoughts On PS4 Space Games
Well, that concludes our list of the best and worst space games on the PS4. We hope it proves useful for our readers in steering clear of the bad ones while checking out the great ones. Let us know your thoughts on today’s picks. Do you agree with them? We’re very eager to hear from you all, so please don’t be shy about speaking your mind.
You can check out our list of sci-fi alternatives to Mass Effect for more space game goodness. In the meantime, please tell us if you feel we’re missing out on your favorites. Also, enlighten us about why a space game is your favorite. Well, until next time, take care and stay safe. Happy gaming, everybody!
