10 Most Underrated Sci-Fi Video Games

Science fiction has an ability to grip our imaginations like no other genre. From dazzling us with their futuristic technologies, stunning visuals and vibrant settings, there's really no end to what this community can put in front of us.

This is particularly true for the video game industry, where cinematics and details are now at the same kinds of levels we would expect to see in a film, if not a little bit higher.

On top of that, whilst films and TV shows within the genre have to follow a linear storyline, video games have no such restrictions to hold them down. Whether it's through a diverse series of open world locations set across the cosmos, or a far more engaging collection of plotlines and missions, there's an argument to suggest that games might just be the best form of entertainment within the sci-fi community.

With that being said, from low-budget releases being unable to afford extensive marketing campaigns, to stacked competition in the marketplace during the release, having an impressive game is sadly not always enough to guarantee success. There are far too many examples of genuinely great games in the genre that have slipped under the radar thanks to things largely beyond their control, and we've picked 10 of them here.

Developed by Platinum Games and published by SEGA after three years in development, Vanquish is a fun and innovative game that really doesn't get the recognition it deserves.

Set in the near future where countries are overpopulated and resources are scarce, players take hold of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency agent Sam Gideon on his mission to SC-01 Providence, a space colony with a solar transmitter that Russian terrorists have taken over and are threatening to obliterate New York City with.

The game received plenty of praise upon its release, with critics and fans raving about the game's unique Augmented Reaction Suit (ARS) and BLADE weapon system. The ARS prototype features cutting edge technologies such as jet boosters and a special AR mode that improves Sam's reflexes, whilst the BLADE arsenal of weaponry allows players to keep up to three guns and grenades by transforming into them and offers a huge array of possible upgrades and customisation.

There is also perhaps the greatest end credits sequence in gaming history to play through, with players able to shoot up the faces of the game's staff that are plastered on asteroids.