The recent Artemis II space mission launch has sparked interest in the psychological aspects of space exploration, particularly the feeling of cosmic isolation. The author reflects on how video games have successfully captured this sense of awe and terror, drawing from personal experiences with classic space trading games like Elite and more recent titles such as No Man's Sky and Exo One. These games evoke a sense of beauty, loneliness, and mortal danger, creating an immersive experience that resonates with players. The author also mentions other games like Outer Wilds, Observation, and Tacoma, which further emphasize the feeling of solitude and the weight of the universe in the vastness of space. The discussion extends to the broader appeal of space-themed games and their ability to simulate the feeling of facing the black abyss, protected only by a thin layer of metal and a few tanks of oxygen. The author concludes by recommending Xenonauts 2, an extraterrestrial battle strategy game, and highlights the importance of exploring the psychological dimensions of space exploration through interactive media.
