Freespace 2

This is better than the first game. The first one is a true classic, but this is better. It continues the story and does so with good writing. The graphics are improved, even the stock graphics still look modern. No economy, no grinding, no trade. Just a good old space shooter. The fact that it is still being modded today and has all the modern updates really speaks about how much this game is liked. This is one of those games that stick with you after you're done playing.

With the original Descent:Freespace, Freespace2 forms one of the best flight-sim franchises out there. Like Descent:Freespace, you pilot individual spacecraft in huge battles, often with capital ships as either enemy targets or friendly targets to be escorted. Despite this, you still feel important in the missions as being able to disable a tactically important enemy turret or shooting down that one bomber might make the difference between passing or failing the mission. The music is gorgeous and atmospheric. THe cutscene, though a little dated, are still suitably cinematic. The voice-acting leads to a compelling story which the player becomes engrossed, following the progress of the war. Important plot events occur both between missions (ie we see them in mission briefings) but more so, during the missions. The plot feels a little less epic than FS1, but the narrative is much tighter and better handled. The only drawback is that there will unlikely be an official Freespace 3. The story feels a little unfinished as a result. There is a VERY ACTIVE fanbase of modders out there. I would highly recommend getting the game, and look for the Freespace Open download which contains many game engine tweaks, HD support, and most importantly, many high quality unofficial campaigns/mission packs (many with custom cutscenes and voice-acting) most of which you can obtain for free. (They have even ported the original Descent:Freespace onto the FS2 engine via the FS Open!)

The official download can be found here: http://www.hard-light.net/wiki/index.php/Installing_fs2_open Contains Freesapace, Freespace 2, expansion packs, updated graphics, game engine, etc.

Perfect for it's time... good all round but the absolute standout and unique piece is the HUGE battleships. No other game has battleships it takes you an age to fly around and then engages them in mass space combat as you fly between the lazers. Real shame there's been no FS3 and FSopen is so user unfriendly.

my favorite space flight sim of all time. Better than the Wing Commanders, maybe even better than TIE Fighter! I always described this to my friends as "the best Star Wars game there is", since its battles feel more like the huge fleet battles from SW than the actual SW games ever did to me. Cannot recommend this one highly enough!