they are really very ultra difficult :/

They are like Freelancer on steroids. Space sim, trade simulator, empire building sandbox all in one.

Did you ever play the old game Elite? I suspect this would have appealed to you too.

I have heard of it, but I've never played it. It was before my time :D

i didnt... i played with wing commander, x-wing, tie fighter :P
oh, freelancer... i really like that game :)

Well, if either of you (or anyone else) is curious about Elite now, you can get a free open source game made in its image - Oolite. I've not tested it on my Windows 7 box yet, but hopefully runs alright.

If you don't care much about the story, you can start with the newer ones like X3: Terran Conflict, but if you're a completionist, then you can play the story of the first games (which is about 20-30 hours each) then play the latest one(s) as a sandbox.

$1.50 for Oknytt is just too good to let go!

i only care the story if it is good and enjoyable, like in mafia.

Well it's mostly needed to provide a back-story. Buy you could of course always read the x-encyclopedia to get up to speed about the story so far :)

How do these compare with Freespace 2?
I got that here on GOG but still haven't played it.
Should I get the lower tier just for the heck of it?

The simulation part is a bit different and maybe weaker. But the sandbox empire-building is imho the strong part of these games.

couldnt resist either:)

Aye, a tempting morsel at that price. I already have it, otherwise it would have be a no question get. Hope you both enjoy it too!

If you missed the humbleBundle Arcen Games sale
it's Arcen Weekend on GG
everything but Skyward Collapse (-40%) and Nihon No Mura (-10%) is 75% off.

with only Arcen's simple Key-Check DRM or no DRM
for the Weekend.

Mount & Blade Collection is 75% off for €8.74.

DRM Free, or "other DRM" with one time online Key authentication according to PC games Wiki