Independence War™ II: Edge of Chaos

The game looks neat, but GOG's packaging of it is poor. It doesn't mention it in the system requirements, but if you don't have an optical drive, you'll be stuck in 'insert game disc' mode. Shame on you, GOG.

I'd love to play it, but it doesn't work properly on modern hardware. CD Projekt shouldn't sell it in this condition.

Just like I-War 1, this game could had been a 4 or even 5 star from me - but the totally and utterly ridiculous unfair impossible missions spoil it - also just like I-War 1. Unlike I-War 1 this game has much less in the way of proper cheat options. I've also encountered frequent mid-mission crashes to desktop as well, though to be fair that could be my PC to blame. I'd seriously read my comments in the I-War forums before buying any of these - and don't be too swayed by the over optimistic glowing reviews some others have put up - and the constant worship seen from some on the forums. Don't expect any help from those on the forums neither - look at my questions - not ONE answered - except for the odd obfuscating petulant deliberately awkward scoff in return. They seem to be quite the little "clique" of Sheldon style science geeks on the forums - and if you don't utterly prostrate yourself in front of the game in immense worship of it - they'll just totally snub you. Buy when these are on offer - not at full price - and even then, at your own risk!

Ah, it's finally here! If you're familiar with the first installment in the independence war series, I guess you were looking forward to this game. Well, you'll be surprised. This time around, you're on the other side of the fence, in a role of an outlaw, seeking revenge. You steal cargo, you blow everything apart, and the corporation is always on your tail. As you might assume, this game is more combat oriented than the previous one, and the controls are much simplified. You can look at both aspects as good or bad, it really just depends on personal taste. Your humongous starship, and realistic physics are still there however, so I got the same kick out of it, and the combat itself felt more fun (not to mention, the graphics are vastly improved). My only complain would be that this game is VERY HARD. Independence war I was hard because you felt you were actually in control, of a large starship, Independence war II just kics your ass over and over again :)

I still have my original install discs for this, and it's still loaded on my hard drive. Even nine years on, it amazes me how good this game looks on a modern system. Independence War 2 did a better job of making outer space feel like outer space - as opposed to a giant, zero-gravity encounter area - than any other game I've found. It isn't perfect. For one, the combat can be quite punishing if you're accustomed to other space sims. Don't bite off more than you can chew, and you can't chew much at all to start with. But it's good, and very much worth playing.