X3: The Reunion 2.0 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)For those of you who have been looking for that space simulation that's actually a simulation, you've probably found what you've been looking for.

Let me start with an explanation, X3 is storyline optional. There are several different options to start off with, giving you the choice of just about any time of job, with the storyline turned on or off, creating a massive sandbox. Massive is right too, with about 120 sectors, each with an infinite navigable space, although most people will probably go about 30km on each axis. Each sector is connected to other sectors adjoining it via HUGE gates, at least 500m in diameter.

Another thing about X3 is the simulation. This will turn most people away, as the game takes place in real-time, with time compression to simply speed up time. The game literally seems to take forever. There are numerous ways to make money in the beginning of the game, and none of them are by any means quick. Money is treated realistically, with ships and weapons outrageously expensive. Prices are calculated on a supply and demand, so unlike games like Freelancer, you MUST keep an eye out for good deals, as the prices will almost never be the same at the same factory.

For example: If you buy 5000 units of argnu beef for 40cr for 200,000cr, the prices will probably be about 60cr after you buy. Then take them to another factory, and say they buy argnu beef for 50cr, once you sell they will buy for maybe 30cr, and from that trade run you make a profit of 50,000cr. The game isn't this rounded, but that's about how trading works.

Fighting is also always present. Pirates have bases in certain sectors, and will attack you sometimes, depending on how vulnerable you are, and what you're carrying. If you're empty and well-armed, they'll probably avoid you. You can, however, capture ships, pirate or otherwise. Captured ships will NOT be in the best of condition, but they will still sell for a pretty penny at certain stations.

Later in the game, you can save up and buy factories which produce products or resources. You will of course need to rent a ship to transport them, unless you already own a certain type of ship, as well as buy ships to transport goods to and from your factories. The scripting for the ship AI is pretty decent for a universe that virtually runs itself.

At first you will probably feel constrained by your equipment. There's always that freighter that makes 100x more than you, or that fighter that's faster and more maneuverable than you, or that ship that has better weapons or shields than you. Although after a few days of nursing your hoard, you'll find that you can afford some really big ships and better equipment.

The complexity in X3 is absolutely astonishing and I honestly can't do it all justice. It can be completely overwhelming for most people, but if any of the above sounds like fun to you and you have a fair amount of patience, I suggest you buy this game. For $20 you can't go wrong!

If you do buy this game, I suggest you check the Egosoft forums for some helpful scripts and bonuses, both fan-made and official.

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Product Description:
An Ever-Changing Evolving Universe with New FeaturesDVD Format and No StarforceProduct InformationX3: Reunion Version 2.0 includes the full version of the original PLUS thejam-packed addition of the: Bala Gi research mission. X3 ReunionVersion 2.0 the sequel to the brilliant X2 - The Threat gives the player achance to uncover some of the answers to the biggest questions in theX-Universe.Whilethe Argon fleet is stretched almost to the breaking point by the continuingattacks from Khaak a new enemy is stalking the X-universe. What links amysterious ship with the power to disappear the ruthless Yaki pirates and amachine left by an ancient species? It's time to strap yourself in warm upyour laser cannon and get some answers.Extensive development has gone into the X3 engine making full use of DirectX 9technology to create dramatic visual effects and stunningly realisticstarships. Coupled with the massively enhanced A.L. (Artificial Life)system X3: Reunion presents players with an ever-changing evolving universe where players'actions really shape the future of the universe. Newcomers willenjoy the additions to the already graphically impressive almost living X3-Universewhile veterans can expect new construction options and an improved physicsmodel.IncludesThe Sequel to the award winning X2: The Threat will introduce a new 3D engine aswell as a new story new ships and a new gameplay to greatly increase thevariety in the X-universe. The economy of X3: Reunion will be more complex thananything seen in the X-universe before. Factories are being built by NPCs warscan affect the global economy NPCs can trade freely and pirates will behave farmore realistically.Features:Trade your way to mogul statusFight with over 700 ships and 30 weaponsBuild an empire in over 150 huge space sectorsThink your way through the massive plotExtensive development has gone into the X3 engine making f

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Freelancer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)A strong story line made this a good game...having things to do other than play the story makes this a great game. The universe is large enough that you don't feel like you are wearing a straight jacket while it is just small enough that most locations feel unique. The mouse flight seemed a bit odd at first but I quickly adapted to it. The guns on the ships have a limited amount of pivot built in, the mouse seems to work better with this than a joystick would have.
From an interface standpoint, more of the options need shortcuts. The manual also failed to fully detail the interface, leaving out a CRITICAL piece of information...what the changes to your cross hairs mean. It also fails to give enough information on the basics of weapon systems, so you are left on your own to experiment with when missiles are locked and how to use mines and turrets.
This is clearly a remake of the Wing Commander Privateer game (which is unplayable on machines over 200 mhz because its too fast). Unfortunately, two things are missing... Wingmen (a nice to have, but acceptably missing given the story line) and an economy that MAKES SENSE! It is difficult to be a merchant when the planet/station that produces an item charges the most for it in most cases. For instance, I traveled to a station that was advertised as producing "basic alloy" figuring I could take the basic alloy to a planet that focused on manufacturing and sell it there for a markup. The reality was that basic alloy cost far more on the planet described as "producing" basic alloy than almost anywhere else by a very large amount.(like $80 per unit vs $20 a unit). I've had to learn that "produces" USUALLY means "buys for the highest price". It would be nice to see a realistic system (which has been done time and time again in games before), and even a dynamic system that if you tried to flood one system with a product, the price would go down somewhat.
Another issue I had with the manual was its description of asteroid mining. It led me to beleive that I should go blow up large asteroids in an effort to find minerals to sell. The reality is you can blast big rocks all day and not get anything, they are just eyecandy. What you have to do is look for the little ones that zip by (and cause your cross hairs to spin when you put them on it) and blow those up. If you are lucky, you may be rewarded with some bit of mineral, water, metal, etc.
Another problem with the merchant/mining road is too many of the "advanced" systems (the ones you don't get to until you've been playing for a while) seem to have "mined out" asteroid and ice fields. This greatly limits your ability to move your home base to outside of the starting area if you are trying to be more of a merchant.
This game has a good degree of replayability. I've finished the story line and still am having fun flying around exploring and blowing stuff up. The story takes you on a wide circuit of the available star systems, but there is plenty of stuff hiding in asteroid fields and what not.
This game is a great flight sim, a nice change from what dominates the action market these days (first person shooters). I'd give it 5 stars if only the economic model made a little more sense.

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Product Description:
In Freelancer, you'll have to make way in the universe, through the aftermath of interplanetary war & colonization!Explore dozens of different star systems and uncover a hidden threat to the human race Exciting LAN play for up to 16 players

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