Freespace 2

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.

I remember when this game was released, i did not have a pc powerful enough to run it. now finally 11 years later i got to play it, and it was GREAT. One of the most engaging and compelling space combat shooters ive ever played. The storyline is actually better and more immersive then the majority of Twitch fixes released today. I cannot remember the last time i was so engrossed. The graphics are still up to the job and can easily be brought into the 21st century with one simple mod. I came to this after having played Starlancer,Freelancer and tachyon and i must say, this is the daddy.

I know this will be totally biased but to me this is the best space combat game in existence. It has such a variation in its missions and its so much fun flying around and dog fighting amongst the flak and beams of capital ships. Or trying to navigate through a nebula full of enemies who you cant see until they are right on top of you. The story line is epic with twists and turns and just when you think your safe your thrust into the epic finale of missions to defend Galactic Terran-Vasudan Space from the Destroyers (Shivans) The environment is gorgeous and for those who are really crazy about graphics if you download FS_open from Hardlight.net there are updates to the graphics and numerous other things, there are also mod tools and a multitude of player made campaigns.

I just finished playing Freespace 2 and I had to leave some feedback. First off, GOG has done an awesome job making this classic game work on modern hardware. I am running Win 7 64-bit with a dual core processor, 6 gigs of ram, a Soundblaster X-Fi and a flat panel monitor that has a native res. of 1680 x 1050 (the game doesn't run widescreen but will run in 4:3 at high res.). Yet, this game ran PERFECTLY. I could not have asked for smoother and more reliable game play. They guys at GOG are amazing for making this old title work so well. Even the graphics looked great. The only thing that really showed the game's age was the low polygon count, but that didn't hurt playability at all. If you are hesitating buying a GOG title because of concern about compatibility, don't! About the game itself: this is an excellent space combat sim. with a long, detailed and slowly unfolding storyline. Your combat decisions have a significant impact on how the story unfolds. Also, graphically, the game holds up well and the guys at GOG have done magic it making it reliable and smooth. If you missed this game when it was new, like I did, don't hesitate to try it out. You get many hours of great game play for your money.

I first bought the original Descent: Freespace after being wow'd by its box presentation at EB Games back in the 90s. I've been in love with the series ever since. Freespace 2 is a tenfold improvement over the already masterful original title. Playing on a good ol' Sidewinder stick was just pure sci-fi gaming heaven. Everything from the story and music to the jaw dropping colossal space battles make this game a must buy for ANY PC gamer. If you're worried about it looking dated, fear not. With one of the best mod communities behind it, the Freespace Source Code project mods enhance the presentation to modern standards. If you're in the fence, let me just say I'd gladly pay $60 bucks for this. 6 dollars is a steal.