First, there are games based on escape rooms at the bookstores now. They are one use games, but can present quite a challenge.
I have a Star Trek game that is supposed to be a "cooperative" game, which means everyone wins or loses together. It is called Star Trek Expeditions. It can be played by 1-4 players. The instructions are about 30 pages long. I've read them twice, but now I need to set up a game and play by myself before I involve others.
For something more traditional, there are electronic chess games.
There is one that I like, but it may be hard to find. It is called Code Name Sector. The electronics are about equal to a 70's era TI-35 with a red LED read out. But ther concept of the game is there is a submarine. You are only given the range. From there you have to plot your ships track to get the location of the sub, then maneuver over it (the submarine is moving also), and drop depth charges. If you are not on the right space, the sub can fire back. The sub can be at one of 3 depths. Find the right coordinates, and the right depth and the big reward is a read-out that says "SUB". It can be played with 1-4 players, but playing solo gives the sub more movement between turns and you can limit your own maneuverability based on a chart within the games instructions. My dad was in the Naval Academy for a short time (DOR) and then for a time in the naval reserves. He sad it was equal to a simulator that cost hundreds of thousands when he was in.
There are also role playing games, I've heard the Settler's of Cataan is very good.
= new reply since forum marked as read