Just an amazing space sim. No - Physics isn't fully obeyed, there's not a million and one functions needed to perform - but it's an immersive story from start to finish. You're part of an armada, and no you don't get to pilot capitol ships, yet you're able to make the difference each time targeting key areas of enemy ships, or scanning areas and leading other squadrons and special ops missions. Like halflife 2 which has a story unwind before you as you play, Freespace 2 matches it as your squadmates or commander add their bit over the ships radio. Get some nice headphones, check out the spruced up scp mods for better graphics, and enjoy.
