Space Quest
Space Quest is a 1986 comedy adventure game developed by Sierra On-Line, created by the "Two Guys from Andromeda," Scott Murphy and Mark Crowe. Players control Roger Wilco, a bumbling janitor aboard the starship Arcada who happens to be mopping a closet when aliens steal a powerful device, leaving him the unlikely hero who must save his ship and eventually the galaxy.
Combining Sierra's AGI graphic-adventure formula with a text parser, it stood out for its irreverent humor, affectionate science-fiction parody, and the endearing incompetence of its protagonist, along with the many creative, often comedic ways players could die. The self-aware tone and pop-culture jokes made it a fan favorite and spawned a long-running series.
Space Quest's games remain available through digital storefronts, and the series is fondly remembered as one of the funniest and most inventive in Sierra's classic adventure lineup.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to Space Quest, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
| Alternative | Price | Steam Deck | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| ScummVM | Free | Not on Steam | PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet |
| Guard Duty Indie | € 11,99 | Steam Deck Untested | PC, Mac, Linux, Switch |
| Beyond the Edge of Owlsgard Indie | € 24,50 | Steam Deck Playable | PC, Linux, Switch |
| Space Quest Collection (GOG) | € 9,99 | Not on Steam | PC |
| Star Control: Origins | € 20,49 | Steam Deck Unsupported | PC |
ScummVM
FreeA free engine that runs many classic Sierra/LucasArts adventures (game files required).
ScummVM runs on PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. Not available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch.
Guard Duty Indie
€ 11,99A comedic indie point-and-click adventure with retro charm.
Guard Duty runs on PC, Mac, Linux, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox.
Beyond the Edge of Owlsgard Indie
€ 24,50A modern adventure drawn and paced like a mid-90s Sierra game, complete with pixel-hunting nostalgia.
Beyond the Edge of Owlsgard runs on PC, Linux, Switch. Not available on Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox.
Space Quest Collection (GOG)
€ 9,99The full classic series bundled for modern PCs.
Space Quest Collection (GOG) runs on PC. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch.
Star Control: Origins
€ 20,49A comedic space adventure of alien conversations and exploration, in the same funny sci-fi register.
Star Control: Origins runs on PC. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch.
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