Freespace 2

I'm very excited to get back into this game, though I think I better take the plunge and get myself a USB gamepad, as the mouse feels a little silly when you're madly dragging up to get an enemy ship into view. I would also like to mention that the FreeSpaceOpen Installer that automatically adds all the new update files (http://www.fsoinstaller.com/) doesn't seem to do the Media VPS folder (advanced graphics and effects) properly -- but you can find it here, with instructions for installation: http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/topic,58230.0.html It's a mod, so you have to initiate it from the FreespaceOpen launcher. All of this is documented in the Read Me's, so it's not as scary as you might be thinking. It's worth it in the end, because it makes Freespace 2 look fantastic!

I remember playing this game once on an old PC with XP and poor specs. the game ran perfectly. Now it is even more so. This game is one of my all-time favs. If you like space-sims, this game is one that you must try.

I've played through this game several times, and even today it still looks good. This game has it all, intense combat, serious gameplay, and awesome story, and great music. Truly a classic.

Yes get a Joystick if you want to enjoy this great game. I´ve been trying to play it with a mouse but It´s no fun. I know this game will show all its potential once I get a joystick. Regarding the game... It´s just great for its price, the graphics are really good for the present times. You can play it on a laptop without problems, I'm playing it on my 2005 laptop and it runs pretty well. REMEMBER, GET A JOYSTICK.

Don't hesitate to try this superb space sim just because you don't own a joystick ad you really don't need one to play the game. The reference card is a good starting point for your own keyboard layout. I use ESDF for movement in conjunction with my mouse for fine-tuning. So I have moved the standard S key (next subsystem) to W, E (next escort ship) to 4, F (closest friendly ship) to 5 - respectively the SHIFT+S, SHIFT+E and SHIFT+F combinations to SHIFT+W etc.