Freespace 2

However, this lacks the storyline that Freespace 1 gave you. This game cannot compare to the first in that category. The graphics are a bit better and you cn also download Freespace 2 Open for even better mods. Both are worth buying merely for Nostalgia.

Get yourself Freespace 2 and load the SCP-installer. I have got myself a Retro-PC including a Microsoft Forcefeedback Pro (1) to revive the old school VR-experiance I have got in the 90s - and it is still unbeatable- yesss! (no see-VR but touch-VR) It still requires a lot of skill even when you have catlike reflexes, at least when you boost the level of difficulty. Get your self a load of Fun and some (still impressive) eyecandy - get Freespace 2!

I never played this game first time round in 1999. I do remember it though, and the predecessor Conflict: Freespace - The Great War from the previous year. I was (and still am) a devoted fan of Descent, which was made by the same people. I'm using the fantastic Freespace Open mod which updates the graphics and textures to more modern standards while still using the base engine. Irrespective of the remarkably pretty aesthetic furnishings, which are indeed great, the gameplay at the core of Freespace 2 is just fantastic. Why I never got this back in the day is beyond me as I know I would have loved it. One can clearly trace the influence of past flight sims, such as the X-Wing series (namely the energy/target management technique which brings it more in line with a proper flight simulator and less like an arcade space shooter) , and the trajectory of influence this must have had on later games, such as the X/X2/X3 series or Eve Online, mainly in the sense of scale. Freespace 2 is BIG. You'll engage in vast open conflicts against enemy fighter wings, darting between massive capital ships and hopefully avoid the devastating crossfire of their beam weapons while they cut each other to pieces. You'll manage shield, engine and weapon energy to best suit the present situation. You'll deploy countermeasures to hopefully deflect enemy missile locks at the exact right moment. You'll direct your wingmen to attack, defend, reinforce, and other commands. You'll be paying attention to several crucial targets to be attacked or defended which will affect the outcome of your mission. All at the same time. Its not excessively complex, but requires you to be on the ball if you want to survive. Featuring voice acting from established actors (including Star Trek alumnus Ronny Cox, and Star Trek/Robocop alumnus Curtwood Smith), an immersive campaign and plot that I am getting quite stuck into, and everything else I've mentioned, is it really any surprise this game is as revered as it is? I'm aware that I'm playing in reverse order here, but it doesn't seem to be much of an issue. Once I'm done with this, I'll only go and get the first one and play through that on FSOpen also.

First I was absolutely delighten by the game's intro and soundtrack. Then the visuals, story and fights. Finished the first Freespace just a few weeks before playing no.2. I loved the continuity and many new features. What I stil remember from Freespace 2 is the soundtrack and great "tough" voiceacting (Admiral Petrarch? I am not sure about the name but I loved it). I have used the Freespace lines in my English classes in high school :-) but had oscillating success with the teachers - Our school was not a military academy after all :-)... My quest to get it was also memorable - It was not released in Czech republic and I had to buy it from the UK. No UK shop at the time was shipping to Czech so I had to persuade (using persuadentron, of course :-) my UK friend to buy it and send it to me (sent him cash in an envelope - no paypal then :-). It was a great service for me and I never will forget his brave deeds. NOW I REALLY HAD TO BUY THIS GREAT BUNDLE OF BOTH FREESPACE 1 and 2 and Re-Live it again with all the sweet mods and additional goodies. 5 of 5 stars - That's and order. Thanks GOG!!!

There is no word or phrase to describe the beauty and perfection of Freespace 2, it was the beginning and the end of the best space combat simulators in the whole of gaming history. It's up-to-this day an experience worth every dollar and every hour of your time to witness and joyfully play in all of it's glory.