10101: Will the Starship

10101: Will the Starship (released in 1997) stands out as one of the most visually experimental and atmospheric space-combat simulations of its time. Developed by Sanritsu and published by Sony, the game casts you as the pilot of a highly advanced vessel in a distant future where humanity is searching for a new home. What makes 10101 unique is its heavy focus on "Hard Sci-Fi" aesthetics; the cockpit is cluttered with functional-looking gauges, wireframe displays, and a distinct 90s digital grit that feels reminiscent of films like Event Horizon or Ghost in the Shell. Rather than a fast-paced arcade shooter, it plays more like a tactical flight sim, requiring you to manage your ship's systems while navigating through desolate sectors of space and engaging in cold, mechanical dogfights.