Today I'm Going to look at 15 games where you can control spaceships. Now when it comes to these types of games they are mainly space themed or futuristic. there's always a sci-fi feeling with these titles. These are the top games in opinion where controlling a space is not only fun but exciting.

15. No Man's Sky

Year released August 8th 2016 (PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, macOS, iPadOS) 

Some people come for the scenery but this crew came to explore.

No Man's Sky is an action-adventure survival game developed and published by Hello Games. The Traveller wakes up on a remote planet with amnesia, and must locate their crashed starship. After finding their starship, its computer guides the Traveler to make the necessary repairs, and to collect the resources needed to fuel a hyperspace jump to another planetary system. 

What's Interesting about this game is how you get to explore different worlds and have them newly generated with flora and fauna. 

Choose This Game If You Like : 

• Science and research. Every planet you go to you can scan the environment around and figure out what it is, what it's good for, and how you can use it. 
• Survival combat and exploring while learning more about the world around you.

The game is built around five pillars: exploration, survival, combat, trading and base building. Players are free to perform within the entirety of a procedurally generated deterministic open world universe, which includes over 18 quintillion planets. 

Fun Factor Score : 93/100 

When you thought you got there first but they already built stuff.

14. EVE Online

Year Released May 23rd 2003 (Microsoft Windows, macOS)

This ship was the lone wolf today.

EVE Online is set more than 21,000 years in the future. The background story of Eve Online explains that humanity used up most of Earth's resources through centuries of explosive population growth and how they began colonizing the rest of the Milky Way. 

What's interesting about this game is how you fly big spaceships and colonize planets. It's fun watching the research get done in real time and have huge space battles for different planets. 

Choose This Game If You Like : 

• Immersive Worlds and to feel like you're part of the galaxy you're playing in. 
• Strategy games and semi complicated tasks. 
• Spaceships and futuristic technology. 

The game's primary mode of play is flying spaceships. Players can dock at stations, where they are safe and can use station services such as repairing, refitting, and the regional market. All space combat takes place in real time at sub-light speeds from around 100 m/s to in excess of 8000 m/s, depending on ship size and setup.  

Fun Factor Score : 89/100

This gate is a lot better than taking the highway.

13. Elite: Dangerous

Years Released  (Microsoft Windows , 16 December 2014, macOS, 12 May 2015, Xbox One, 6 October 2015, PlayStation 4, 27 June 2017) 

With a HUD that good no VR headset can match this.

Elite Dangerous is a space flight simulation game developed and published by Frontier Developments. The player takes the role of a pilot (colloquially referred to as "Commander" or "CMDR") of a spaceship, and explores a realistic 1:1 scale, open-world representation of the Milky Way galaxy, with the gameplay being open-ended.

What's interesting about this game is how you get to explore an open world and get the feel of what it would be like if we traveled the galaxy. 

Choose This Game If You Like : 

• First person mode. This game gives players a Futuristic hud that's interesting and interactive.
• If you like simulation games. With Elite dangerous you can create an immersive story. 
• If you like maps and exploring. This game has a lot to offer when it comes to the milky way galaxy.

Players start with a spaceship and a small amount of money in an open galaxy and role-play in various activities to acquire more money and merit. These activities include trading, mining, exploration, passenger-transportation, bounty-hunting, piracy and assassination. 

Fun Factor Score : 87/100

The world is only as big as you imagine.

12. X Rebirth

Year Released November 15th, 2013 (Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows)

It's friday so she decided to go casual with style.

In the distant future, the X universe faces a period of profound and irrevocable change. While the universe stumbles towards an uncertain future, countless adventures await as new enemies rise in search of power. In the distant future, the X universe faces a period of profound and irrevocable change. While the universe stumbles towards an uncertain future, countless adventures await as new enemies rise in search of power. 

What's interesting about this game is the jump drive! Being able to go to different star systems in first person just like the movies is amazing.

Choose this game if you like : 

• Traveling and exploring.
• Distant future type games. If you're someone who likes games that are set in the distant future this is for you and will make you wonder what our future will be like.
• Adventure and always wondering what's next. (in a good way) 

Players can trade, fight and build their way to victory. Every ship you see has a task for example: Stop a freighter from reaching its destination and its cargo will be stopped too, causing prices to rise. (Personally I thought that was interesting). Players can also take the action right into massive structures. Target turrets and shield generators to weaken your enemy. 

Fun Factor Score : 90/100

When your life is so busy you need 2 screens.

11. Starsector

Year Released April 26, 2013 (Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, Classic Mac OS) 

The ring around that star is most likely all the ships who couldn't handle space.

Starsector is an open world single-player space combat role playing and exploration game, with procedurally generated map. The player is able to interact with and join one of 7 factions, remain as an independent, or become a mercenary. 

What's interesting about this game is the single player open world. For being a single player game that has over 7 factions it's really cool because of how you can build your character to fit how you play.

Choose This Game If You Like : 

• Single player games.
• Games where you get to choose how you play the story.
• Seeing detailed space such as stars and or planets.

The game has a bunch of features that make controlling a spaceship fun. Being able to pilot your ship in top-down 2D combat, Command your fleet in tactical battles, gain experience to level up your skills, detailed space , combat mechanics, and the ability to customize your ship’s loadout before battle are just some of the features.

Fun Factor Score : 87/100

This capital ship wasn't ready for the crew to pull up.

10. Starfield

Year Released Q1/Q2 2023 (Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X/S) 

First contact…they don't look friendly but who's really the invader in this situation?

Starfield is set in an area that extends outward from the Solar System for approximately 50 light-years called The Settled Systems. Around the year 2310, the two largest factions in the game, the United Colonies and Freestar Collective, engaged in a conflict called the Colony War.

What's interesting about this game is how game director Todd Howard described this as skyrim in space! Bethesda Studios has been into space themed games since 1994 and Starfield’s concept had been in the studio's mind for some time prior to the trademarking of the name in 2013. They have been creating the game since Fallout 4 so can't wait to see what it's like. 

Choose This Game If You Like : 

• Open world space games.
• Sci-fi roleplay.
• Skyrim or fallout but want a spacey vibe to it.

The features for this game have yet to be released. Given the base plot about the game and how it's been described we can hope to see a mix of future space technology with the feeling of skyrim with its openness and exploring. 

Fun Factor Score : N/A Until Release but my opinion before playing would be 93/100 

His mind is set on the horizon.

9. Star Citizen

Year Released - In Development (Microsoft Windows) 

This pilot has to go through an asteroid field to get to the party. His crew started without him and he's 2 planets out. 

Star Citizen combines features from space simulators, first person shooters, and MMO genres across its four playable modes. Called modules each has a different experience from one another giving players variety: These modes include Hangar, Arena Commander, and Star Marine. 

What makes this game interesting is how it's an mmo that feels like a single player game. The hud display and ability to switch between first or third person brings a different dynamic to it and with some many ways to play the game you can have fun however you play.

Choose This Game If You Like : 

• Open world games with role building mechanics. From what was seen from this game it allows you to become any of the classes and pick your own story. 
• Flying and Massive Multiplayer online games. 
• Roleplay and futuristic looking scenery. 

Some of the features this game offers allows Players to create male or female avatars for the Persistent Universe instead of having a main character and building off of that, you can create your own story while still being a part of the universe around it. 

Fun Factor Score : 89/100 

This is definitely not an ad poster to join their group.

8. Star Wars Squadrons

Year Released December 3rd, 2020 (PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S) 

Looks like gray leader has this under control no issues here this TIE means business.

Star Wars Squadrons is a space combat game, played from a first-person perspective. Players take control of starfighters from either the Galactic Empire or the New Republic navy. In these ships, they can utilize the movement of power between the ship's functions of weaponry, shields and engines to defeat their opponents in combat. 

What's interesting about this game is that it takes Star Wars battlefront 2s space battles but only with that. They add in addition the audio of the cockpits from other fighters.

Choose This game If You Like : 

• Star Wars space battles but only want to experience that. 
• Flying as an elite pilot and getting perspective on what a dogfight would look like from the eyes of the pilot themselves.
• Highly detailed audio! As mentioned before you get a first person view and in addition get to hear the audio from all the other fighters around you. 

The features in this game allow you to learn what it takes to be a pilot after the events of Return of the Jedi. Seen from alternating perspectives between 2 factions, iconic and emerging leaders on both sides are battling for the galaxy.

Fun Factor Score : 91\100

This pilot might have run into Mando during his travels. 
 

7. Space menace 

Year Released November 11th, 2022 (Windows)

Formation is key to any battle but what kind of formation is another story.

This game starts you off in a small ship and you get several ways to progress through the story. You gain money through freelance missions or just destroy other ships and collect their salvage. 

Space Menace is a sci-fi space RTS and battle game that lets You play as a space captain, seeking fortune and glory as you see fit.

What's interesting about this game is the several ways you can progress through the story, there is no cut and dry/black and white way to do it. This gives the players freedom to explore and be a space scoundrel  how you see fit. 

Choose This Game If You Like : 

• Doing missions that require you to upgrade to your ship and learn the lore in the universe. 

The key features let you control your fleet in top-down 2D battles in a single player sci fi setting, Customize your fleet's loadout, Earn the favor or scorn of powerful factions, and Leave your mark on the world. Determine the fate of the galaxy with your decisions. 

Fun Factor Score : 83/100

Having a bigger ship does not mean you are dominant, just look at the smaller ship.

6. Gratuitous Space Battles

Year Released November 17th, 2009 (Windows)

Luckily the ships shields are holding or this would have been a short battle.

The plot of this game is what the title says.Gratuitous Space Battles challenges players with defeating opposing space fleets through careful pre-battle planning. For each skirmish or engagement, the player has a fixed budget and a maximum number of ships (pilots), as well as various other limitations or rules which influence the outcome of the battle. 

What's interesting about this game is the pre-planning that takes place. You actually need to plan ahead and make sure all your defensive capabilities and offensive capabilities are in order to ensure you win each skirmish or heavy battle. 

Choose This Game If You Like : 

• Teaming up to destroy big ships. 
• The intensity that the game has.
• Complicated and challenging battles that take time.

This game also has a bunch of key Features, These include 4 different unlockable player races, over 40 different ship hulls, over 120 spaceship modules, choice of skirmish vs AI, never-ending survival mode or just play against other player’s fleets with the online challenge system. 

Fun Factor Score : 70/100 

Total destruction at its finest. Guess someone forgot to call backup. Kinda feel bad 

5. Space Flight Simulator

Year Released February 18th, 2022 (Windows)

When you can't decide which ship you should launch, you use all of them. (it really be like that) 

In “Space Flight Simulator” you get to engineer rockets like they do at NASA, plan launches and attempt landings. You also get to explore new worlds with the rocket you create and be in control of your own space program. 

What's interesting about this game is how real it is for a simulator. The way you have to accurately plan out every move and engineer your rocket in such a way to survive take off and landing!! (Not to mention the mission itself) it just gives you a sense of how difficult and challenging space travel can be. (does not make it any less fun) 

Choose This Game If You Like : 

• Complex but fun simulators. 
• Exploring the unknown and having a thing for space! 
• Having free will with what you build and launch. You build your rocket from the ground up. 

The features for this simulator include real world physics and actual engineering for technical design. You can be sure to double check everything before you start your first mission. 

Fun Factor Score : 84/100 

This had to be done perfectly or the rocket would blow up. Looks like someone knows what they're doing.

4. Star Conflict

Year Released February 27th 2013 (Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, SteamOS) 

Looks like a warp portal. Good the escape is needed as can be seen. 

Star Conflict is considered an action packed Massive multiplayer space simulation. It puts you in the role of elite pilots who engage in widespread interplanetary skirmish. 

What's interesting about this game is how it's a future space simulator but also a massive multiplayer online title (MMO). This allows for anyone who plays the game to not only get real world effects that come with simulators but create their own story and roleplay around the battle. 

Choose This Game If You Like : 

• Big MMOs. This game has a massive open world and lets you battle online with or against others.
• 3D space battles that aren't 2d and feel open and not like you're in a sandbox.

Star Conflict comes with a ton of PVP and PVE features such as battles on dozens of space locations, (PVP) missions and quests for groups or lone wolves, (PVE) Unique sandbox mode with extensive PVP and PVE capabilities, (fun for both) Corporations' battles for influence (Game mode Feature) , More than a hundred ships of various types and purposes,9 tactical roles, and hundreds of modules with the possibility of modifying. 

Fun Factor Score :  91/100

Even in space they still find time to have fun and play games.

3. Aeroplane Blaster

Year Released November 9th, 2021 (Windows)

They're going for the high score. Or they are late for an event.

Aeroplane Blaster lets you become a test pilot and try out the latest jet fighter to defend your country from attack. Take down hordes of enemies and with the latest gear and upgrade your ship to become unstoppable. 

What's interesting about this is the 2D graphics and the looks of the air planes. The fact that you can upgrade your planes weapons each level and have a classic arcade feel. 

Choose This Game if You Like : 

• Taking down hordes of enemies. 
• Spaceship combat and flying.
• Simple yet fun levels to beat. 

The Features for this game include, upgrading your ship, collecting power ups when they appear on the map, and using the latest weapons every time you reach another level.

Fun Factor Score : 78/100 

Two vs one who's gonna win? The enemies are firing furiously. 

2. Invader Signal

Year Released August 10th 2022 (Windows)

Whatever power up this person is looking for they choose the right color..red. 

Invader signal is a game where you fight off asteroids that can fly alone or in groups and each of them has a special color of danger. In this game, you choose a certain color of your charge to destroy asteroids flying in your direction. 

What's interesting about this game is how it feels like I'm playing space invaders but not really! Like it has the same feeling you get when playing it. 

Choose This Game If You Like : 

• 2D arcade games
• Simple casual play.

The features for this title include the following: Reaction, Pleasant Decoration, Music that changes with the level, and Increasing difficulty. 

Fun Factor Score : 82/100

The Font used looks like Invader Zim. That ship doesn't play around

1. Kerbal Space Program

Year Released April 27th, 2015 (Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S) 

This Commander learned their lesson. Look at all those rockets.

Kerbal Space Program is a space flight simulation video game. Players direct a nascent space program, staffed and crewed by green humanoid aliens known as "Kerbals". The game features a realistic orbital physics engine, allowing for various real-life orbital maneuvers such as Hohmann transfer orbits and orbital rendezvous.

What's interesting about this game is how it uses real world mechanics. When building the rocket, or when you're attempting an maneuver the game takes every little step or move literally. For example you might have to put your spaceship in the right orbit, to do this you might need a 4 second burn, say you burn for just 5 you'll end up way further than you thought. 

Choose This Game If You Like : 

• Having real world mechanics. Like mentioned with the example earlier this game uses real world mechanics and physics, especially when building the ship.
• Getting to travel and land on the planets you visit. Each time you land on a planet depending on what it is your kerbal can get out and walk around or even use a rover.  

Some Key Features for the game that make it even more fun are building spaceships, rockets, and vehicles using any imaginable combination of parts. Each part has their own function that will affect the way your spacecraft behaves. Players can also dock spacecraft together to construct space stations, massive starships, and surface bases on new planets.

Fun Factor Score : 98/100

He's waving back but no one can see it. Space is lonely.

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