Kosmos – The Great Perhaps
Let’s start with Kosmos, the astronaut protagonist of The Great Perhaps, a 2D side-scrolling indie game that explores deep philosophical themes of loss and discovery. After an unexplained disaster wipes out Earth, Kosmos returns to the planet only to find it in ruins. His journey to uncover the truth about what happened to Earth and its inhabitants forms the emotional core of the game.
Kosmos dons a classic blue-and-white spacesuit, signaling his readiness for the unknown. Throughout the journey, he is assisted by an A.I. named L9 and a mysterious lantern that allows him to see glimpses of the past, providing a critical tool to solve puzzles. The game’s mechanics revolve around retrieving objects from the past to use them in the present, creating an engaging loop of puzzle-solving and exploration. The contrast between the vibrant past and the desolate present is brought to life through the game’s striking art style, which captures the full extent of the planet’s tragic transformation.
Kerbonauts – Kerbal Space Program
Kerbal Space Program may not have the most traditional astronaut protagonists, but the adorable green Kerbals deserve a place on this list. While the game itself is more about physics and spacecraft design, the Kerbals have earned a cult following due to their cute and quirky design. These small, green aliens are eager to explore space, much like humans, but with a comical innocence that sets them apart from other spacefarers in video games.
While you don’t actually play as a Kerbal (instead, you design and launch rockets for them), these characters provide a sense of humor and whimsy throughout the game. They are often seen in the hangar as you build your spacecraft, and their zany, childlike communications add a lighthearted element to the otherwise technical gameplay. As you launch these tiny astronauts into space, it’s hard not to feel a sense of endearment for them and their endless, sometimes disastrous, attempts at space travel.
Lifeless Planet
In Lifeless Planet, players control an unnamed astronaut who lands on a desolate desert planet, initially assuming it is lifeless. However, as he explores, he discovers evidence of a long-lost Soviet Union colony, adding layers of mystery to the narrative. The astronaut’s journey becomes increasingly complex as he uncovers the history behind this doomed mission and its tragic end.
The game’s design is grounded in realism, with the astronaut’s spacesuit closely resembling those worn by NASA astronauts, complete with a gold visor and life support system. The game’s environmental puzzles challenge players to think critically while exploring the barren, alien landscape. The astronaut’s jetpack helps navigate the terrain, while eerie atmospheric sounds, including authentic Russian voice acting for the colonist’s logs, make the experience feel immersive and haunting.
Ava Turing – The Turing Test
The Turing Test introduces players to Ava Turing, an astronaut sent to Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, to investigate a research station. Upon her arrival, Ava discovers that the rest of her team has vanished, leaving her to uncover the truth behind their disappearance. What follows is a gripping first-person experience that challenges players to solve complex puzzles and navigate a space station filled with mystery.
Ava is equipped with a special rifle capable of manipulating energy orbs, allowing her to power various systems within the station and solve environmental puzzles. As she explores, players encounter an A.I. named T.O.M. who assists in solving puzzles and provides cryptic commentary, giving the game a Portal-like feel. The game is filled with twists and turns that keep players on the edge of their seat as they uncover the true nature of the station’s secrets.
Dr. Morgan Yu – Prey
In Prey, you step into the shoes of Dr. Morgan Yu, a scientist aboard the massive Talos I space station. The game presents an alternate near-future history where an alien outbreak has taken over the station, and players must uncover the truth behind the disaster while trying to survive. Unlike other games where you play as a hero, Prey allows you to choose Morgan’s gender and decide how to approach the unfolding crisis.
Prey is a first-person shooter RPG that provides a wealth of weapons and abilities to fight against the alien threat, particularly the shape-shifting Typhon. The game is heavily narrative-driven, with multiple possible endings that depend on the choices you make throughout the story. This gives players a unique sense of control over the character’s journey, making Morgan Yu one of the most memorable astronaut figures in modern gaming.
Buzz Lightyear
While Buzz Lightyear is best known as a space ranger from Toy Story, his role as an astronaut in various video games is just as iconic. Buzz’s adventures have appeared in several games, including Toy Story 3, Kingdom Hearts 3, and Disney Dreamlight Valley. Although inspired by the real-life astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Buzz’s character is more of an action hero than a traditional astronaut.
In these games, Buzz’s space-faring escapades are filled with excitement and action. Whether you’re helping him battle enemies in Kingdom Hearts 3 or using his abilities in the Disney Mirrorverse mobile game, Buzz offers a thrilling space exploration experience. His flight mechanics in Toy Story 3 are particularly fun, allowing players to control his flight patterns as he embarks on daring missions.
Cosmo – Guardians of the Galaxy
While the Guardians of the Galaxy might not think of themselves as astronauts, one member of their team certainly fits that description—Cosmo, the telepathic dog. Cosmo is inspired by Laika, the first dog sent into space by the Soviet Union. However, unlike Laika, Cosmo returned from space with enhanced abilities, including telepathy, which earned him a position as the Chief of Security at the Knowhere space station.
Cosmo’s character is beloved for his combination of comic relief and deep emotional intelligence. His thick Soviet accent and no-nonsense attitude make him a unique and memorable part of the Guardians of the Galaxy universe. Although not the main protagonist, Cosmo’s role in the story helps to shape the narrative, and his telepathic powers are integral to the team’s success.
Astroneer
In Astroneer, players take on the role of an astronaut exploring strange and colorful planets, free to engage in open-world exploration and create their own path. Unlike traditional space exploration games, Astroneer focuses on creativity and discovery. As an astronaut, you are tasked with mining resources, crafting new technology, and building structures to survive on the alien worlds you explore.
The game’s playful approach to space exploration is a refreshing change of pace from more serious titles. There’s no set narrative, but the sense of freedom and adventure that comes with being an astronaut is ever-present. Astroneerencourages players to terraform the environment and create their own solutions to problems, making it a fun and whimsical experience for those seeking a lighthearted take on space exploration.
Selene Vassos – Returnal
Returnal tells the story of Selene Vassos, a pilot for the ASTRA Corporation who crashes on the alien planet Atropos. Caught in a time loop, Selene must face the same deadly encounters over and over again while uncovering the secrets of the planet. The game combines elements of time travel, survival horror, and fast-paced combat, making it an intense and thrilling experience.
The time loop mechanic adds depth to the game, as each cycle offers new challenges and opportunities to uncover the mysteries of Atropos. Selene’s journey is a test of both her physical and mental endurance, as she must battle alien creatures and navigate hostile environments to escape the loop. Her strength and determination make her one of the most engaging astronaut characters in recent memory.
Deliver Us The Moon
Deliver Us The Moon places players in the shoes of an astronaut tasked with investigating a mysterious energy disruption on the moon, which is responsible for supplying power to Earth. The game combines astronaut simulation with a compelling narrative that unfolds as you explore the lunar surface and uncover the truth behind the mission.
The game features realistic lunar environments, including zero-gravity movement and detailed spacecraft mechanics, offering a true astronaut experience. The blend of science fiction and immersive gameplay creates a tense and thrilling atmosphere. The narrative-driven gameplay, coupled with the beauty and danger of the lunar landscape, makes Deliver Us The Moon one of the most captivating astronaut experiences in video games.