First thing to note is this is nothing like the previous Privateer game. The universe is different, and the gameplay has changed significantly. There are no Kilrathi, and far fewer systems to explore. You also cannot fly freighters anymore. Instead you hire freighters and escort them to their destinations. As such gameplay can be repetitive. You go up in your fighter, you kill the same pirate ships over and over and you come back down. That being said, Privateer 2 is a game to get simply for the plot. This game is peak when it comes to FMV, with actual big name British actors involved. It's a dark, twisty plot with set pieces that at times remind me of Terry Gilliam's work in movies like Brazil. It's definitely worth a look if you're a fan of space sims.
Who would have thought a game about stamping paperwork could be so good? In this game you play as a citizen of Arzstotzka chosen to be the only border agent between your crumbling, Eastern European dictatorship and the rest of the world. While stamping passports you will deal with terrorists, smugglers and shadowy rebellions as well expired passports. The game starts easy and becomes surprisingly tense as it goes on. A fresh style of gameplay, atmosphere and a surprising humor really make this game worth your while.
You may feel compelled by nostalgia to buy this game, but don't bother. It's buggy, choppy and feels like it was rushed out the door from start to finish. Buy the original if you haven't already, you'll save money and it will be far more enjoyable than this piece of trash.
This one comes out of Origin's Golden Age, made about the same time as Wing Commander 2, one of the best of the series. Like Wing Commander, you have an action based flight sim with a collection of unique characters to fly at your wing. You'll get plenty of chances to talk to each character between missions, and watch as their character develops. Gameplay is fast paced and action packed, with lots of destructible items on the terrain, and plenty of ways to customize your jet. Later on, you'll take control and be able to fly your own missions, and choose which hardware you want to take out. In the end, you get a mix of old school military fighters and Wing Commander: Privateer. This game is well worth your time.
