As long as you have that expectation going in, I think it's a great game. Yes, the missions are repetitive and the storyline isn't really anything to write home about, but that's not what this game is about. I've seen lots of comparisons between this and other games (Freelancer, X3, etc...). The game it reminds me of most is Star Wars Galaxies:Jump to Lightspeed (aka the "space game"). Similar controls, similar types of missions. No multiplayer, space in SWG was pretty empty in most worlds, too. You get to explore, blow stuff up, find "secret stuff" - read the station news, and upgrade your ship in various ways - maneuverability, lots of pilot controlled weapons, lots of turrets, or a mixture of the above. That alone should give the game quite a bit of replay value. The default difficulty is one on a scale to five. I started with that, got a turret, played through a few clusters. I restarted on level 3 and am focusing on wings (maneuverability and forward guns). The game is much more challenging and fun now that I can't faceroll my way through everything. I may try another playthrough focusing on turrets or just engine upgrades. I've also read about the enemies 'autoscaling' to your ship level. All I know is I tried going ahead without upgraded and got clobbered hard, so maybe it's a bit of you needing to upgrade to them, and them adapting to your upgrades *shrug*. Anyway, bottom line is it's a really fun free flight shooter that doesn't really try to be anything else (yes, you can trade, but there are MUCH better games for that). If you can catch on sale it would be a steal. I paid full price and am still very happy with the game.
I missed this gem when it first came out - too busy chasing the amulet of Yendor I guess, but it is a real gem. Not completely non-linear, but much more so than you might expect (moreso than the remake, to be sure). It's main limitation is "one ship". You do have a choice of ships, and you can change at different points in the game if you decide you want to become more mercenary or mercantile at different points in the game, but at any point in time, you have 'your ship'. Makes me wonder even more what Star Citizen will hold in store for us. For someone that can't get past the graphics (and they are limiting), I'd recommend X3:Terran Conflict (with Aldrin Missions). I think that's the best free-form space sim out currently (though that may be some James Bond syndrome talking) and I really wish GoG would get the whole X series on here. The fact that the publishers officially released non-steam .exe's for the games gives me some hope there. Back to this gem though - you've got some pretty remarkable graphics and voicings, a large world to go exploring in, a trading sim, a space combat sim, a 'realistic' type cockpit view with on screen displays for current information, and a host of other features modern games could still learn from, all for about $6 at the time of this review. Make sure you take the time to read both the manual and the reference document provided, as the game has very little hand-holding once you get going. As my dad used to say in long car trips - "Getting lost is half the fun..."
Review too long :( Ok - the high points: The game treats you like an adult (something rarely if ever seen in games produced in the USA). In many ways, it plays like a good Nancy Drew on Senior difficulty: take your own notes, because the game doesn't hold your hand and lead you along. It's a 'mature' game (no, not sex and gore). The subjects of the story are _real_. It raises real questions as the game goes on (similar to Xenosaga trilogy or TWEWY). When I found out other game sites were selling the first game cut into three parts, leaving bits on the cutting room floor, I went and bought a copy of the full game. Now that they have it here and at this price it's an insanely good buy - you won't be disappointed.
