X³ - Reunion is a really great and immersive space game. It is a wonderful start into the newer X series. If you go back from Terran Conflict the oldschool steering requires some getting used to (although it can be changed in the Options with the Bonus Pack, I think). The story is actually really good, also helps a lot to find your way into the game. In fact, this is the main reason I recommend starting off with Reunion rather than Terran Conflict or Albion Prelude. Just stop after the story before you build your empire (and oh, it's tempting to at least build this or that... and get lost in construction) and move on to TC or AP. 4 stars out of 5 *only* due to the lack of content compared to TC or AP. Yes, there are more systems and ships in TC. Also the steering is somewhat outdated. Mind you, back in the days this would definitely have been 5 out of 5 stars!
I am not kidding you: this is one of the most innovative adventures out there. Of course the game is creative, and sure the story is compelling - but what really makes that game stand out is the way you interact. Just for this purpose you should buy it. The setting is rather sad than uplifting and the soundtrack creates a great atmosphere. Unfortunately the graphics are not really up to date.. the last time I played it I used ScummVM, which has settings to improve the graphics somewhat. So that makes it only 4 out of 5 stars.
This is the most beautiful game ever. Well, at least - no, not only in my memories. What can I say? It's a classical point-and-click adventure. Maybe *the* classical point-and-click adventure. Of course, there have been others before that, maybe even more innovative ones (Ask me about Loom!) - but this one is the first I remember that has such a truly beautiful atmosphere throughout the entire game. The jokes are hilarious. That and it's consequent denial of actual violence (you can't die, fights are rather comical) makes it one of the best suited games ever for kids. The Special Edition features a reimagined soundtrack, new graphics AND the possibility to switch back to the old graphics at any moment to see that every scene is true to the original. It seems to lack only one thing: the infamous "Insert Disc 22" joke (or at least I haven't found that stump yet).
This game has it all: exploration, exotic locations, fights (if you choose) and jokes - and Sophia :) You can choose between three ways to play the game, with each having its own variations of the locations and puzzles: more action (with lots of fights but less puzzles), more puzzles or more interaction with Sophia (read: more fun and jokes). The story is outstanding. The graphics are a bit dated (read: pixelated), but still good - you see the love to detail as it benefits from every scene being hand drawn. It just fits all together. The soundtrack is typical Indiana Jones. The puzzles are never unfair and it's not pixel hunting. It even starts with possibly the most innovative intro ever!
Although this game is really old (and you can see/feel it), it's still fun. Use the cheats to have even more fun! In today terms it's very easy to beat, the track layouts are simple and the handling knows only two states (or so it appears), but it's still fun.
I was first reluctant to buy this game: I've read a lot of bad things about it. The checkpoints are said to be a pain because of constant respawning, for example. Or that the Dunia engine would not live up to the Cryengine. Instead I find myself enjoying the game a lot. I like especially that there are no beasts or monsters - well, at least no non-human ones. The music is great. It provides an atmosphere of constant danger, which fits the setting. The respawning checkpoints add to this. After a while you'll figure out anyway which checkpoints are problematic and how to get rid of others quickly. The story is so far pretty neat, also the way it is delivered. It is very immersive. What I don't like are invisible walls at some places where you'd expect to be able to still go on - some rocks seem pretty deliberatly unclimbable, but it's only a minor nuisance. If you like the original Far Cry, if you like the Stalker series - this game is for you. It absolutely lives up to it. I can fully recommend it. It's not as dark and as frightening as Stalker though.
