Most people downloading this game are already fans and veteran players, but if you're not one of these people and are just checking out new games to play, go for it. This game is so ahead of it's time, even un-upgraded by xwaupgrade.com, that it feels like a recent release to this day. This is only a classic game in name. it is still modern as hell. You do need a joystick, but a gamepad will work just as well. You can get just as used to it and effective with it as a joystick. The fact is, this game has a different feel than any other game. It gives you the feel of having a different life in a different time and a different galaxy. It's not just the gameplay that makes you feel like a real pilot, it's the overall atmosphere you're being placed in. Between missions, your character has his own [fictional] email, and a lovably sarcastic and enthusiastic droid in his room that talks to him and flies with you, as well as nifty trinkets he picks up after [sometimes really hard] family missions. there is a littany of things to do and interact with in the rebel cruiser concourse between the email and the tech room and your droid and the skirmish simulator, so when you actually choose to do the next tour mission, you really feel as though you are going out on a mission. And when you go out on a family mission, you really feel like you're taking a refreshing break [or being pulled away, depending on your preference] from your life as a rebel, going back to your roots and helping your fictional family. Sometimes the rebellion notices your extracurricular family escapades, and it almost feels flatteringly awesome. NO OTHER GAME MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE A WHOLE DIFFERENT LIFE AND ARE LIVING IT DAY BY DANGEROUS DAY. Most games throw the story at you mid-gameplay. Call of Duty is a constant drama, GTA is merely storied in short cutscenes when you'd rather be pillaging, every game is soly levels and talking. Here, I love my droid, my fellow pilots and my fake space family.
