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Coming from a lineage of sci-fi games such as the classic and groundbreaking Another Worldseries, Somerville takes some inspiration from the genre while also innovating itself in important areas. So, for anyone who is a fan of Somerville, the similar games on this list are definitely ones that gamers should try out.
8 Inside
Inside is a 2.D dystopian side-scroller game from Playdead, and a much-loved classic among indie fans. As previously mentioned, the game was originally worked on by Dino Patti who co-founded Playdead, and later left the company along with Chris Olsen to start Jumpship, the developers of Somerville.
It stands to reason, then, that Inside shares a lot of similarities to Somerville, especially in the visual department. If players are fans of the sharp and colorful, yet low polygon look of Somerville, then the aesthetic of Inside is bound to please them. So, if fans find themselves wanting more of this classic art style, then they should give this game a try.
7 The Last Of Us
The Last of Us has been an extremely popular game among several generations of PlayStation consoles, and a standout title in the post-apocalyptic action-adventure genre. In contrast to Somerville’s premise of an alien invasion, however, The Last of Us is set twenty years after a zombie virus outbreak, which completely destroys society.
If a family’s struggle through an apocalyptic landscape is something that appeals to fans of Somerville, then The Last of Us will not disappoint as the game features tight relationships between its central characters with themes based around family, loyalty, hope, and survival at all costs.
6 Limbo
Similar to Inside as previously mentioned on this list, Limbo is a 2.D side-scroller with horror undertones and a dark atmosphere. The game is centered around a nameless boy who awakens in a dark world in search of his sister. As the player character, gamers must guide themselves through dangerous terrain and escape from a spider that seeks to destroy them at every opportunity.
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If, after playing Somerville, gamers wanted amore stripped-back experience with minimal sound design and heavy puzzle elements, then this would be a great game to play. Of course, this title also went on to define an entirely new genre of indie games, so for those looking for a classic game to try out, then this would be the one to pick.
5 Another World
Another World is an action-adventure game, originally released in 1991 and then later re-released for PC in 2013 as a 20th-anniversary edition. As evidenced by its name, the game takes place on a distant planet, where the protagonist has been transported after meddling with a particle accelerator.
The game is subsequently centered around the protagonist’s escape from the lifeforms which inhabit this hostile planet. Although this game is set on another world, if players find themselves enjoying the task of running away from extraterrestrial threats in Somerville, then this game would be worth a shot. The director of Somerville, Chris Olsen, has also said that Another World was a central inspiration for his game, so fans should definitely check it out for themselves.
4 No Man’s Sky
No Man’s Sky is a space exploration sci-fi adventure game that launched in 2016. Although the game got off to a rocky launch, developers Hello Games have since added reams of content for sci-fi lovers and explorers of space to enjoy.
Some of these updates include base building, drivable vehicles, crossplay, and even online multiplayer. All of these have helped give players an almost limitless amount of freedom and a boundless ability to craft their own narratives. So, if gamers find that their itch for sci-fi hasn’t been scratched after playing Somerville, then they should try wandering the expanse of space and play No Man’s Sky.
3 Everybody’s Gone To The Rapture
Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture is a story-based first-person game developed by The Chinese Room and set in the fictional village of Yaughton, England. The game entails the player character following mysterious balls of lights that manifest in the environment and lead towards flashbacks that hint at significant stories set in the past.
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With no guns, gore, and very little player agency, the way that this slow-burning story unravels is totally unique. Those who want a story that takes a different approach to an apocalyptic narrative should try this unique, and memorable title.
2 Dead Space
Dead Space is a third-person sci-fi game that was initially developed for the Xbox 360 and PS3. It stars Isaac Clarke, a systems engineer who must fight his way out of a spaceship that’s filled with hostile alien threats.
Although on the surface this title doesn’t look that similar to Somerville, the sci-fi elements and rising tension are likely to please anyone who has played Somerville but wants a more surreal horror experience. And, of course, for those that already love the franchise, there is a Dead Space remake coming to multiple platforms in early 2023.
1 Fallout 4
Although this entry doesn’t technically contain extraterrestrials (outside of a single random event) it is still an excellent example of a wonderfully realized open world after the effects of the apocalypse. Taking place in the city of Boston in the year 2287, Fallout 4 features sci-fi elements such as laser guns, power armors, and wise-cracking robots.
There are also tons of side missions to explore, all of which revolve around different survivors and their individual experiences in the wasteland. For gamers who don’t want an experience that is as contained as Somerville, this great game that is set in a huge and characterful open world should fit perfectly.
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