Best Science Fiction Isometric RPGs For Immersive Adventures

Isometric RPGs are known for their strong connection to medieval fantasy, often inspired by tabletop RPG settings. Titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 demonstrate the richness of stories and exploration in detailed worlds, where choices directly impact the unfolding of the narrative and player immersion, potentially leading the story to a completely different place based on some decisions made.

Although medieval fantasy is predominant, there are also options set in distinct settings to reach another group of players. For example, the best sci-fi isometric RPGs are those that explore futuristic societies, technological issues, and ethical dilemmas. These approaches diversify the genre and offer immersive and unique experiences for fans seeking something beyond the epic medieval.

10

Gamedec

A Cyberpunk RPG Based On Decisions

Systems

Advertisement

Released

September 16, 2021

Developer(s)

Anshar Studios

Advertisement

Publisher(s)

Anshar Publishing

Advertisement

For players seeking an experience similar to Disco Elysium, Gamedec is set in a futuristic Warsaw, where virtual reality dominates daily life, creating a rich and innovative cyberpunk setting. The player assumes the role of a detective specialized in solving digital crimes, offering a unique approach for lovers of mature and reflective narratives.

Focusing on moral choices and complex dialogues, Gamedec explores issues like ethics and identity, providing intellectual experiences. These features place it among the best science fiction games and appeal to those seeking narrative freedom. Without relying on traditional combat, it allows multiple ways to solve cases and explore its immersive cyberpunk world.

9

Atom RPG

An Isometric RPG Reimagining The USSR After A Nuclear Apocalypse

Heavily inspired by Fallout, Atom RPG is an isometric game that transports players to a USSR devastated by a nuclear apocalypse. The adventure explores a setting filled with references to Soviet society, offering a unique view of this post-apocalyptic scenario. It’s an ideal experience for those who want to see Fallout-style themes adapted to a context outside the United States.

Atom RPG offers great freedom for players to customize characters in this setting, encouraging creativity both in making different builds for turn-based combat and surviving in this new Soviet society, as well as solving various missions. The game also places significant weight on choices made during the story, as some can lead to various consequences.

8

UnderRail

A Deep Post-Apocalyptic Isometric RPG

UnderRail transports players to a distant future, where Earth’s surface has become uninhabitable, forcing humanity to live in a vast system of underground metros. This premise creates an immersive world, full of mysteries and challenges, perfect for those seeking a best sci-fi isometric RPG with strong influences from classics like Fallout.

The turn-based tactical combat system is one of UnderRail‘s main highlights, allowing complete character customization and offering strategic challenges. Exploring over 450 areas, interacting with factions, and a robust crafting system make the experience deep and rewarding, pleasing fans of the genre.

7

Encased

Another Great Isometric RPG With Retrofuturistic Setting

• Developer: Dark Crystal Games
• Platforms: PC
• Release: September 7, 2021
• Genre: RPG

Encased is an isometric sci-fi RPG inspired by Fallout, one of the biggest references in the genre. However, it stands out by presenting an alternative version of the 1970s in a dystopian setting with dark humor. This environment captivates fans who appreciate intriguing mysteries and dense atmospheres, creating a unique and engaging experience.

Related

10 Best CRPGs Franchises, Ranked

These incredible CRPG franchises set the tone of the genre as a whole, delivering unforgettable experiences across their storied games.

Advertisement

In addition to the setting, Encased also shares gameplay similarities with early Fallout games, including turn-based combat. However, its greatest strength lies in its well-crafted narrative, developing mysteries and stories throughout the game. The plot maintains a carefully balanced pace, immersing players in a deep journey rich in details, ideal for those who value impactful stories and interesting characters.

6

Torment: Tides Of Numenera

RPG With Strong Inspirations From Planescape: Torment

Systems

Advertisement

Released

February 28, 2017

Advertisement

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

Advertisement

In a classic science fiction story, Torment: Tides of Numenera is an isometric RPG set on Earth, but a billion years in the future, where various civilizations have risen and fallen, leaving behind numerous technological artifacts. Thus, society lives in a technology level similar to the Middle Ages.

Overall, Torment: Tides of Numenera follows the inspirations from Planescape: Torment, offering players a philosophical story with a strong focus on dialogue, where it is even possible to completely avoid combat against enemies. The sci-fi setting of the game is one of its main strengths, fitting well with the tone of the narrative.

5

Colony Ship

Hardcore Isometric RPG For Sci-Fi Fans

• Developer: Iron Tower Studio
• Platforms: PC
• Release: November 9, 2023
• Genre: RPG

Colony Ship explores space travel themes, with the protagonist and other NPCs being sent to colonize Proxima Centauri. However, due to the time it takes to reach the destination, the passengers of this journey will likely live and die aboard the ship. Thus, players are confronted with this reality, where inhabitants seek only to survive, no matter the cost.

The game, heavily based on a sci-fi setting, is an extremely challenging isometric RPG, especially for new players, as it introduces several truly difficult choices and punishing combat. This hardcore gameplay competently emulates the challenges of trying to survive in this hostile environment, where trust is impossible.

4

Shadowrun: Dragonfall

A Cyberpunk RPG With A Touch Of Traditional Fantasy

What makes the Shadowrun setting so special is the return of magic to humanity, awakening dormant genes that transform people into typical medieval fantasy races, such as elves, dwarves, and trolls. In Shadowrun: Dragonfall, one of the best sci-fi isometric RPGs, players need to adapt to a society that blends magic and high technology.

The franchise brilliantly uses these new races to address issues like discrimination and social inequalities. These themes combine with many other classic cyberpunk elements, such as the dominance of megacorporations, while players face a conspiracy aiming to resurrect a powerful dragon. A unique and must-play experience for genre fans.

3

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

An RPG Where Fantasy Meets Science Fiction

Systems

Advertisement

Released

December 7, 2023

Developer(s)

Advertisement

Owlcat Games

Publisher(s)

Owlcat Games

Advertisement

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

Advertisement

Expand

After working on games focused on adapting Pathfinder to video games, Owlcat invested in creating another isometric RPG based on the popular Warhammer 40k franchise, taking players on a journey in the Koronus Expanse. As the Lord Captain, players need to explore this region full of dangers and simultaneously opportunities to prosper.

Related

7 Hardest Isometric RPGs, Ranked

Isometric RPGs are really fun to play, but they can vary considerably in terms of difficulty. Here are some of the hardest titles in the genre.

Advertisement

The game does a very competent job translating franchise elements to the first CRPG of Warhammer, something that took a long time to happen, given the series’ popularity. Rogue Trader also features an exotic team of companions and incredible settings, mixing fantasy elements with the sci-fi setting, creating an epic adventure in this isometric RPG.

2

Wasteland 3

A Modern Classic Among Isometric Sci-Fi RPGs

In the depths of a world devastated by nuclear war, the struggle for survival takes unpredictable forms. Wasteland 3 is one of the most notable and one of the best modern sci-fi isometric RPGs, offering an interactive post-apocalyptic narrative. The game takes players to a frozen Colorado, filled with retrofuturistic technology, advanced AI, and genetic experiments that highlight its science fiction essence.

Inspired by classic works like Mad Max and Fallout, Wasteland 3 combines sci-fi themes with deep moral decisions and social dilemmas. The cold and desolate setting emphasizes technological advancements mixed with the collapse of human society, highlighting everything from decaying robots to the resurgence of old-world doctrines for survival in a chaos-transformed world.

1

Fallout 2

This Isometric RPG Is One Of The Greatest Classics In Science Fiction

Fallout 2 is undoubtedly one of the best science fiction games ever produced, transcending even the limits of isometric RPGs. In this title, developers skillfully blend elements like futuristic themes, speculative technology, and a post-apocalyptic narrative, resulting in an engaging story set in a retrofuturistic scenario that captivates and challenges players equally.

The game also delves into deep societal issues, often using irony and parody to highlight that humanity is primarily responsible for its own destruction. While exploring a desolate land and dealing with conflicting factions, players face challenges like robots and the constant struggle for survival in the aftermath of this catastrophe.

More

6 Fallout Games With The Best Stories, Ranked

All the Fallout games feature interesting storylines, though some are better than others.

Advertisement