Freespace 2

It doesn't matter what you've played before, play Freespace 2. This game redefined the genre. The graphics are still strong, there's a bunch of mods, the story is great, the combat is varied and the differences in scale between small fighter ships and capital ships is incredible. I can go on at great length and break things down but it all comes down to this: BUY THE GAME.

I have not quite got around to playing yet. However, I have come across the source code project which adds a stunning graphical update to Freespace. It is the engine behind Wing Commander Saga, a very good standalone mod for Freespace 2, which is also well worth a play for free. Source Code Project http://scp.indiegames.us/ WC sage http://www.wcsaga.com/

Together with the Wing Commander, Privateer and the first FS, this had got to be the best space "sim" i've ever played. I am gutted that they had no plans for a sequel as the story is just begging to be continued.

Possibly the greatest space-sim ever made. The missions have plenty of variety, the campaign is well thought-out, and even the graphics have aged comparatively little. Given the massive mod community that still exists around this game, it has huge replay value too. Extremely addictive!

There hasn't been a space-sim yet that compares to the brilliant masterpiece of Volition. It is unfortunate they are no longer in business. I like Freespace Open, but it gets all too complicated at times. Something always goes wrong with the install. I download on a laptop and transfer to my desktop. A Freespace 3 would be an amazing treat to the space-sim combat genre.