Skip to main content
Games like It's (not) Rocket Science

Games like It's (not) Rocket Science

Games like It's (not) Rocket Science

Looking for games like It's (not) Rocket Science? Here are top simulation recommendations, selected from player-similarity data — start with Mars Horizon, The Long Journey Home or Halcyon 6 Starbase Commander.

Change display type

Skip Platform filter

Skip Play Mode filter

Skip Price filter
  1. 78%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability
    82% User Score Based on 1,629 reviews
    Critic Score 71%Based on 5 reviews

    In Mars Horizon the player is tasked with leading a major space agency from the dawn of the space age though to humanity's journey to Mars. Players run a government space agency from when the first rockets launched into the atmosphere, right through to the first crewed mission to Mars. Research new tech, expand your agency base, build rockets, send satellites into orbit, and launch a variety of mi… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Mars Horizon.

    View Game
  2. 57%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization
    50% User Score Based on 796 reviews
    Critic Score 64%Based on 12 reviews

    The Long Journey Home combines the endless freedom of space with a new open questing system that always leaves you in command. Deliver the stranded Glukkt to his homeworld as he asks, or to your new slaver friends? Attempt to make allies with everyone, or pin your hopes on the tougher races, and hope they never turn on you? Jump by jump, make hard decisions and live with the consequences, in a uni… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Long Journey Home.

    View Game
  3. 77%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability
    83% User Score Based on 1,175 reviews
    Critic Score 71%Based on 9 reviews

    Halcyon 6: Starbase Commander is a retro sci-fi strategy RPG with a unique blend of base building, exploration and deep tactical JRPG style combat system with capital starships and their idiosyncratic officers, all captured in stunningly beautiful modernized pixel graphics. In Halcyon 6, an unknown alien force is carving a path of destruction towards Earth and you, as the Commander of an immensely… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Halcyon 6 Starbase Commander.

    View Game
  4. 68%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability
    70% User Score Based on 660 reviews
    Critic Score 60%Based on 1 reviews

    Space roguelike adventure. Take a chance to become a spaceship captain and lead your own crew, make pivotal decisions, and inevitably win tactical battles. Uncover the mysteries of the galaxy, among which is the star of Trigon, the most sinister and enigmatic one. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Trigon: Space Story.

    View Game
  5. 86%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story
    Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding
    95% User Score Based on 89,744 reviews
    Critic Score 77%Based on 22 reviews

    The Kerbal Space Program Enhanced Edition Complete bundle includes the heavily-awarded and ever evolving space simulation game Kerbal Space Program as well as the History and Parts Pack & Breaking Ground expansion for a bundled discount. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Kerbal Space Program.

    View Game
  6. 88%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, atmosphere
    90% User Score Based on 300 reviews
    Critic Score 80%Based on 1 reviews

    Race back home across the galaxy. Collect new friends. Make new enemies. You won't be able to save everyone. Who will you leave behind? Which civilizations will you save - or destroy - along the way? The decisions are up to you. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Captain.

    View Game
  7. 78%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, grinding
    79% User Score Based on 2,919 reviews
    Critic Score 75%Based on 5 reviews

    Star Trek: Voyager - Across the Unknown is a story-driven survival strategy game in which the fate of the iconic starship is in your hands. Take the helm, manage the ship and resources, and make difficult decisions. Will you be able to bring home the ship and its crew? “What if?” Scenarios Did you ever wonder what would have happened had Captain Janeway decided differently? If an important crew m… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Star Trek: Voyager - Across the Unknown.

    View Game
  8. 65%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, humor
    Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, story
    65% User Score Based on 143 reviews

    Legendary Pilots is an indie flight simulator that doesn't aim to be the most "realistic" flying game ever, but rather offers a fun, stylised experience centred on the pilot's career. Developed by someone who truly loves aviation, it delivers a rich and immersive world where you manage many aspects of flight — from dealing with routes and passengers to buying and maintaining your own pla… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Legendary Pilots.

    View Game
  9. 88%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, optimization
    88% User Score Based on 5,996 reviews

    Void Crew is a Chaotic, Co-op Roguelite game for 1 to 4 players: Outfit your spaceship and crew for thrilling quests, brave fierce enemies in Space Battles... and try not to panic! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Void Crew.

    View Game
  10. 75%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding
    79% User Score Based on 58 reviews
    Critic Score 67%Based on 4 reviews

    A Long Journey to an Uncertain End is a narrative management space opera where you recruit eclectic crew members, explore the known - and unknown - galaxy, make choices to drive your journey, and escape the clutches of your abusive ex. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to A Long Journey to an Uncertain End.

    View Game
  11. 81%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability
    81% User Score Based on 1,153 reviews
    Critic Score 80%Based on 2 reviews

    Nimbatus: The Drone Constructor is an action simulation game. Craft drones out of hundreds of different parts and explore a fully destructible, procedurally generated galaxy! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Nimbatus: The Space Drone Constructor.

    View Game
  12. 79%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability
    79% User Score Based on 15,549 reviews

    Deck out your dome with 25 new buildings to give a fresh look to your living, working, and playing quarters. Whether it’s a Stirling Generator or a Spacebar, make sure you spruce up your space to be out of this world. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Surviving Mars.

    View Game
  13. 76%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability
    76% User Score Based on 684 reviews
    Critic Score 79%Based on 1 reviews

    Trading commodities while sneaking past hostile forces, racing the best pilots in the area, mining for diamonds, negotiating for survival, spying for a curious energy company, cleaning dirty solar arrays, transporting an impatient passenger... and that's just on a Monday. The life of an independent mercenary is rarely without excitement. At times, you may choose to work under contract, while at ot… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Evochron Mercenary.

    View Game
  14. 66%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding
    66% User Score Based on 88 reviews

    Satellite Command is a realistic astrophysics simulator. Complete contracts with real data, launch and take control of ever more powerful Satellites, research advanced technology and build your Space Agency! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Satellite Command.

    View Game
  15. 89%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, grinding
    89% User Score Based on 668 reviews

    Children of a Dead Earth is a hard-science-fiction space strategy game. It is meant to show what space warfare could be like with the limitations of real science and current technology. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Children of a Dead Earth.

    View Game
  16. 82%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, optimization
    82% User Score Based on 109 reviews

    Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is a PC Star Trek simulation game that simulates the life of a typical Starfleet cadet. The object in the game is for the player to learn the basics of flying a starship so that the player can eventually become a captain of one's very own ship. It includes a simulation battle mode in which the player can pilot and fight ships of their choosing. It's also the first tim… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.

    View Game
  17. 97%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, stability
    97% User Score Based on 1,062 reviews

    Do you have what it takes to be an astronaut? Reentry is a realistic space flight simulator based on NASAs space programs; from the first American human spaceflight in Project Mercury, the rendezvous and EVAs of Project Gemini to the Moon landing in Project Apollo. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Reentry: An Orbital Simulator.

    View Game
  18. 83%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability
    83% User Score Based on 326 reviews

    Only 1000 days left until the end of the world. You have to realize the largest space program ever to save as many people as you can. Explore planets, colonize them, help people find a new home. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to 1000 days to escape.

    View Game
  19. View Game
    44%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, optimization
    36% User Score Based on 442 reviews
    Critic Score 65%Based on 3 reviews

    Base One is a space station simulator with survival and RPG mechanics.Step into the role of intrepid explorers seeking to build new homes across the far reaches of the cosmos. Establish new colonies by building space stations, managing vital needs like heat, oxygen, and power, while searching for valuable resources in uncharted wilds. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Base One.

    View Game
  20. 77%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, optimization
    77% User Score Based on 451 reviews

    Your heroes and your armies will need strong leadership to take them on a spellbinding odyssey that has everything a gamer’s heart could wish for breathtaking worlds in space, battles against cunning enemies and even downright treason from your own government faction - are you up to it? Accept the challenge…let this gripping EARTH 2150 RTS trilogy thrust you into the far future… and YOU will decid… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Earth 2150 Trilogy.

    View Game
  21. 65%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, humor
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability
    60% User Score Based on 521 reviews
    Critic Score 78%Based on 3 reviews

    Welcome cosmonauts, to the perilous and patulous potato universe of Holy Potatoes! We’re in Space?! - A game where you manage your own spaceship while hurtling through a spud filled universe! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Holy Potatoes! We're in Space?!.

    View Game
  22. View Game
    79%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, humor
    Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, graphics
    79% User Score Based on 86 reviews

    In this interactive sci-fi adventure novel, you are the AI pilot of Earth's last interstellar ship, tasked with finding a home for your crew - the last remnants of humanity. Your choices will determine their fate, and your own. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Away Team.

    View Game
  23. 59%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, atmosphere
    59% User Score Based on 66 reviews

    YOU are the hero in Starship Traveller! Captain a futuristic Starship in Steve Jackson's classic sci-fi RPG gamebook! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Starship Traveller.

    View Game
  24. 77%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, grinding
    77% User Score Based on 307 reviews

    Buzz Aldrin's Space Program Manager (SPM) Road to the Moon is the ultimate game of space exploration. It is the mid 1950s and the race for dominance between the US and the Soviet Union is about to move into a new dimension: space. Take charge of the US or Soviet space agencies - your duty is be the first to the moon. Carefully manage your budget by opening programs, spending R&D funds on improving… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Buzz Aldrin's Space Program Manager.

    View Game
  25. StoryAll factories and facilities have long since fallen silent. A harsh, endless winter is closing in. In this post-apocalyptic world, you must lead a small expedition team into frozen ruins, searching for supplies and struggling to survive. But be warned: the things roaming these abandoned facilities no longer behave as they once did. Some are familiar. Some are not. Whatever the catastrophe le… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to We Are So F*cked: The Last Critter Crew.

    View Game
  26. Prepare to master the art of road construction in this highly immersive and realistic simulation game. In "The Road Builder," your mission is to design and construct seamless road sections capable of supporting all types of transportation, from compact cars to heavy-duty trucks. Step into the shoes of a skilled road builder, where every decision you make and every action you take can mak… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Roads Construction Sim.

    View Game
  27. 88%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability
    88% User Score Based on 778 reviews

    In Solar Expanse, you take the lead of one of the early XXI century space exploration companies. Your goal will be to reach the planets, moons and asteroids of the system in order to mine and colonize them. Optimize the costs and schedule of the flights. Mind that each object is in constant motion, so exact planning is crucial. Utilize the gravity effects and slingshot your rockets further b… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Solar Expanse - Space Exploration Manager.

    View Game
  28. 79%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, character development
    79% User Score Based on 133 reviews

    Dead in Antares is a turn-based survival management game with RPG elements, set on an alien planet. Lead a crew of survivors sent on a mission to save humanity. Manage their needs, strengthen their teamwork, and explore this mysterious world to find a way back home. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Dead in Antares.

    View Game
  29. 79%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization
    78% User Score Based on 631 reviews
    Critic Score 80%Based on 6 reviews

    In Battlestar Galactica: Scattered Hopes, take command of a fleet escaping the annihilation of the Twelve Colonies. Manage crises on board as you prepare for the next encounter with the Cylon Fleet. Times are dire, and hard choices must be made. Your only hope: rejoin the Battlestar Galactica. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Battlestar Galactica: Scattered Hopes.

    View Game
  30. View Game
  31. 86%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, replayability
    92% User Score Based on 1,944 reviews
    Critic Score 80%Based on 15 reviews

    A dice-driven RPG, in a human and heartfelt sci-fi world. You are an escaped android, with a malfunctioning body, a price on your head and no memory of your past. Get a ship, find a crew, and take on contracts while you navigate across the Starward Belt. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector.

    View Game
  32. 61%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding
    61% User Score Based on 613 reviews

    When the harshness of the sea meets the cruelties of war, a challenge for perseverance makes itself known. Welcome to Aircraft Carrier Survival, a strategy game set in the Pacific Theater of World War II, where your prowess as a commander decides the fate of a naval behemoth. Take control of the aircraft carrier, its crew, officers, and planes during WW2. Exercise your military prowess by choosin… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Aircraft Carrier Survival.

    View Game
  33. View Game
    71%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story, music
    69% User Score Based on 772 reviews
    Critic Score 77%Based on 3 reviews

    Fortified is an explosive strategy shooter where players will defend the Earth against a menacing Martian invasion in the 1950s. Play as one-of-four pulp inspired heroes as they fight swarms of terrifying robots with an arsenal of Cold War era weapons and experimental technology. Protect the city by building a network of defensive structures, commanding an army, and jumping into battle against dan… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Fortified.

    View Game
  34. 65%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story, stability
    51% User Score Based on 2,194 reviews
    Critic Score 80%Based on 14 reviews

    Embark on scientific expeditions with this new off-road adventure from the creators of MudRunner and SnowRunner. Lead research missions as you drive a variety of all-terrain vehicles, using high-tech tools and managing your camp and crew to ensure your success in the wild. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Expeditions: A MudRunner Game.

    View Game
  35. 69%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story
    Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization
    92% User Score Based on 26 reviews

    "Our ambition was…quantum. We truly believed we were prepared to explore the deep universe. The hubris."

Welcome to Castaway Station, an exciting survival game that takes you on an unintended journey on a hostile planet after a catastrophic accident on your space cruiser. Stranded on an unknown planet with limited resources, you must use all your wits and skills, along with any tools you scavenge… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Castaway Station.

    View Game
  36. 55%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, grinding
    53% User Score Based on 125 reviews
    Critic Score 59%Based on 6 reviews

    A research spaceship reaches an abandoned planet. Nothing is what it seems here and the situation quickly slips out of control. Can the crew manage to survive and get back home? If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to SYMMETRY.

    View Game
  37. 89%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, replayability
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability
    89% User Score Based on 1,997 reviews

    Terraformers is a 3X game with roguelite elements in which you terraform Mars. Explore the planet’s wonders, exploit its resources and expand by settling new cities. Start the terraforming... If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Terraformers.

    View Game
  38. 94%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability
    96% User Score Based on 85,966 reviews
    Critic Score 89%Based on 4 reviews

    In FTL you experience the atmosphere of running a spaceship trying to save the galaxy. It's a dangerous mission, with every encounter presenting a unique challenge with multiple solutions. What will you do if a heavy missile barrage shuts down your shields? Reroute all power to the engines in an attempt to escape, power up additional weapons to blow your enemy out of the sky, or take the fight to … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to FTL: Faster Than Light.

    View Game
  39. 86%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability
    86% User Score Based on 9,078 reviews

    Embark on a space journey with your patched-together crew of civilians in search of a new home. Build spaceships tile by tile, create optimal gas conditions, manage the needs and moods of their crew, encounter other space-faring groups, and explore the universe in this spaceship colony sim. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Space Haven.

    View Game
  40. 69%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, optimization
    68% User Score Based on 160 reviews
    Critic Score 71%Based on 19 reviews

    Tiny Metal is a military themed turn-based tactics game. It's simple yet has deep gameplay with an engaging story. Play as Artemisian Lieutenant, Nathan Gries, as he commands his units to victory against the villainous nation of Zipang. There will be several friends and enemies along the way with varied factions, units, and abilities in the 8-10 hours of single player campaign gameplay. Players wi… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to TINY METAL.

    View Game
  41. View Game
  42. 67%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding
    67% User Score Based on 297 reviews

    Sol 0 is a real time strategy game where you establish the first Martian colony. From the first human footprints on Martian soil to a thriving and self-sustaining colony, Sol 0 imagines a near future using technology that could be available within the next few decades. Make use of minerals and resources across the Martian surface to expand from the first exploratory rover to an independent frontie… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Sol 0: Mars Colonization.

    View Game
  43. 76%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics
    Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding
    76% User Score Based on 474 reviews

    Galaxy squad is a hardcore turn-based tactical game, inspired by FTL and XCOM. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Galaxy Squad.

    View Game
  44. 75%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, grinding
    81% User Score Based on 13,200 reviews
    Critic Score 60%Based on 3 reviews

    Authorised by DOLOS AEC, you will guide the Tiqqun space station onwards in a perilous journey to find a new home for humanity. Station infrastructure, population management, exploration, survival, these responsibilities fall to you. Will you find hope out there in the dark? Good luck Administrator. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to IXION.

    View Game
  45. 93%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:humor, story
    Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, grinding
    93% User Score Based on 178 reviews

    Use the Nimbatus Drone Creator to construct physically simulated drones and try them out in a virtual testing environment. Do you have what it takes to become a drone engineer? If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Nimbatus: Drone Creator.

    View Game
  46. 94%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization
    94% User Score Based on 478 reviews

    Companies are colonizing Mars and settlers are lining up to go. Play as one colonies’ architect to create the best settlement in the galaxy. Wisely use limited terraforming tools to build to your settlers’ needs or they might end up packing up and going to a rival base instead! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Farlanders.

    View Game
  47. View Game
  48. 87%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, story
    Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding
    89% User Score Based on 2,106 reviews
    Critic Score 80%Based on 1 reviews

    Build rockets, airplanes, cars, and anything you can think of with highly customizable parts. Automate them with a visual programming language. Explore 3D planets and make your own. Share your creations online. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to SimpleRockets 2.

    View Game
  49. 80%Game Brain Score
    Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
    Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability
    87% User Score Based on 8,560 reviews
    Critic Score 73%Based on 11 reviews

    Players will find themselves deep behind enemy lines, attempting to destroy their most coveted assets, while dealing with various hazards such as flak guns, enemy radar, weather and dreaded Ace Pilots. Recruiting, training and guiding the right crew, and keeping them alive, is vital in turning the tides of war and achieving success on your bombing campaign. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Bomber Crew.

    View Game
  50. View Game