Freespace 2

This game truly is one of the best games of all time. Under appreciated for sure. This is in my top 5, possibly top 3, it is likely the pinnacle of the now dead (comatose?) space-sim genre, and the story is epic enough to match the fantastic game play. This will provide tons of entertainment for the price, as so many of the games here do- but this is just a step above. Very well worth it.

I still remember feeling dubious about buying this back in (99?) 2000, thinking "well, this won't be as good as Privateer or the Wing Commander series, or X-Wing, but it looks like it should be something..." Absolutely blown away by this game. Here we are 20 years later and I'm buying a Saitek just so I can play this game again. I remember the thrill of flying and blasting fighters while in the midst of huge capital ship battles where their batteries literally lit up space around you (great sound and effects) making you feel the passage of those weapons. If you've ever liked a space flight combat sim - you'll LOVE this game.

Before the endless wait for Half Life 3, there was the endless wait for FreeSpace 3. Download Knossos and update the game files. It's amazing seeing my childhood in HD. I fly the GTF-05 Valkyrie, full Fury loadout; my black glass cannon. Mods: I own the original GOTY game disks.

Ah, Freespace 2. I can talk hours about this series. First of all, I'd highly recommend Freespace 1. The gameplay is pretty much the same except Freespace 2 does everything better and more. But the story will make much more sense if you start from Freespace 1 and believe me, this is not just a simulation. This game has a lot of character to it and caring about the story will make it much better. You will feel proud of your achievements as you move up the ranks in the Terran fleet, flying in various squadrons. One part of the game you'll fly a bomber, carrying heavy armaments that can take down capital ships, defending itself with heavy armor and auto turrets. Other times you'll be an interceptor, incredibly fast attacker that targets the bombs themselves, almost in a suicidal dive. There will also be occasions where you'll be included in projects with Vasudan, the alien species, but I'd like to avoid spoilers. You will care about the stations and main ships. You will gather badges. Your success on missions will unlock weapons faster and sometimes, exclusively. And at least at some point, if you are me, you will shed tears. Freespace series. More than a simulator.

I don't know how I missed this game, but I'm glad I found it now. If you loved Elite, the original, Colony Wars and X-wing vs Tie Fighter then you will love this game. Even though it was written in 1999 it has aged remarkably well, but if you want to have the ultimate FS2 experience you have to checkout Freespace Open. The 2014 mod makes this game like watching a TV show. Epic space battles that make you feel like you're in an episode of Babylon 5. Be warned though, while you can play with a mouse, I highly recommend you get a flight stick, it adds an even deeper level of immersion to an already incredibly atmospheric game.