Only 3 Sci-Fi Video Games Are Better Than 'Mass Effect 2'

May 26, 2026 - 17:08

Mass Effect 2 is often held up as the gold standard for science fiction in video games. Its blend of tight third-person shooting, deep character loyalty missions, and a high-stakes suicide mission finale set a benchmark that few sequels have matched. However, while Commander Shepard's journey is legendary, a handful of other titles manage to push the genre even further, offering more innovative mechanics or richer storytelling.

First on the list is the 2013 classic BioShock Infinite. While it is a first-person shooter, its narrative ambition is unmatched. The floating city of Columbia is a stunning, morally complex setting that tackles themes of American exceptionalism and quantum physics. The game's twist ending redefines the entire experience, making it a more intellectually rewarding sci-fi journey than Mass Effect 2's more straightforward space opera.

Then there is Portal 2. Though it is often categorized as a puzzle game, its core premise is pure science fiction. The player navigates a derelict research facility using a portal gun, a device that bends space and physics. The writing is razor-sharp, the puzzles are brilliantly designed, and the story of GLaDOS and the hidden history of Aperture Science is more clever and tightly woven than the sprawling galactic politics of Mass Effect. It proves that a game does not need a galaxy-sized scope to deliver a superior sci-fi experience.

Finally, The Last of Us deserves a mention, though it is more grounded in a post-apocalyptic setting. The Cordyceps fungus infection is a terrifyingly plausible biological science fiction concept. Unlike Mass Effect 2's focus on squad-based combat, The Last of Us prioritizes a deeply personal, emotional story about survival and connection. Its world feels more dangerous and its characters more fragile, making its sci-fi premise hit much closer to home. While Mass Effect 2 is a fantastic action RPG, these three games each offer a more focused, inventive, or emotionally resonant take on the genre.