The Cossacks Anthology series is a really great series involving quite huge battles over a potentially huge map (Up to 4x normal size makes for a truly large battle zone). Persistent resources, very cheap infantry units to very expensive but incredibly powerful warships. When playing a random map I'd definitely suggest a map type that supports water simply for the great naval battles you can have. Graphics look fine too; besides once you send, for instance, 5000 men all in formation, or even loosely, across the map, it's quite impressive the engine can handle it. Also, on the subject of population size, not only can you personally support up to 8000 troops, your enemies can too. As such, several of my games consist of a total of 45.000 troops at once active on the map, up to the potential 54.000 (7x8k) that the game will support. The sound is great as well, aforementioned naval battles but also cannon salvos sound great. Warships can even fire constantly, cycling through the many cannons they contain. Definitely suggesting to purchase as the price is quite low and the value you get in return is quite a good deal.
I believe that Freespace 2 is the best space-sim series, and one of the best games ever made. While Freelancer had many good qualities too, I believe nothing can beat the epicness of what Freespace 2 achieves. With the SCP upgrade, around 300 vessels now are allowed to be in the game at once, giving many more options for mod development and amazing missions. I'm experimenting and playing with the editor to create good quality battles, but it's definitely not hard to pick up, but hard to master. ;) If anything's worth your 6 bucks, it's this game. - JC
