Space Sim Suggestions

[Qbah]

Originally posted by: EvilComputer92
Make sure you play Freespace 1 before Freespace 2. FS1 with the FSPort graphics enhancement looks great and the story in FS2 will be even better afterwards.

:thumbsup:

 

[ZzZGuy]

Originally posted by: trelin
Freespace 1 and 2 are definitely not abandonware/free. Only the sourcecode was made available, the game data (graphics, movies, etc) were not. To play you still need to purchase a copy of the originals. Freespace 1 is also not abandonware, but the missions themselves have been ported to use the FS2 engine and data (similar to a mod) which kind of sidesteps that issue.


Once you have a working Freespace 2 install, the easiest enhancement is through the "Freespace Open Installer". Essentially it simplifies tracking down a host of improvements and addons to the base FS2 engine. Just install FS2, update if necessary and run the exe at fsoinstaller.com. That includes the improved engine with updated maps/models to utilize the new features. It also provides "Freespace Port", which is the Freespace 1 mission ported to the updated fsopen engine, and "Silent Threat: Reborn", an updated (many would say improved) version of the original "Silent Threat" FS1 addon.

WARNING: the fsoinstaller downloads ~3.5GB


To play the mods like "Freespace Port" use the fsopen "Launcher.exe" installed in the base directory. Do "Select Mod", then select the "fsport" folder in the base install directory. That will even change the startup movie so you'll get the complete storyline.


Freespace Installer: http://www.fsoinstaller.com/
Freespace Open Project: http://scp.indiegames.us/
Freespace Open Forums: http://www.hard-light.net/forums/?cat=37
Freespace Port: http://fsport.hard-light.net/website/

(Disclaimer: I'm quite literally just going through the fsoinstaller process for the first time as I write this, I apologize if I've left anything out.)

GAWH, I hate you. Now I have to brave the West Edmonton Mall (biggest in NA, 5th in the world) to hunt down this game.

 

[trelin]

Originally posted by: ZzZGuy
GAWH, I hate you. Now I have to brave the West Edmonton Mall (biggest in NA, 5th in the world) to hunt down this game.

:brokenheart:

Well, unless physical medium is a requirement, how's $5.99 for unlimited downloads and no DRM of any kind? Worked a treat for me, time saved well worth it.

http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/freespace_2


So ... :heart:?

 

[Jabbernyx]

Hell, fire up Privateer 2. I just finished it again 2 weeks ago

 

[wrangler]

Another for Freelancer. Easy to get into. Good story. Lots of exploration.

But, if you want something more hardcore, X3:Reunion. (Haven't played Terran Conflict yet but it looks good) It does take a while to learn all of the commands and if you decide to print out all of the community made guides and manuals (you'll need 'em) make sure you have a couple packages of paper handy. It is a true PC game. Uses every single key on the keyboard plus alt/shift/ctrl combo's.

ZzZGuy described it like a single player MMO and that is very close. But you CAN shut it off whenever you want OR leave it running overnight while your Universal/Sector Traders make money for you.

 

[Cheesetogo]

You might want to consider downloading the EVE Online trail.

 

[exar333]

LOL, a MMO is like crack to me. I find myself always "leveling up one more skill" before I am done, and then when I realize it, its been hours and hours. Thanks for the suggestion though...

I always wanted to try the Privateer games, but I was poor, and didn't know anyone that had played them. For those young folk in the thread, this was before broadband and downloaded games at your fingertips.

HAHA, i feel old now.