Space games!

[Grim_22]

I'd really like to play some space oriented exploration type game thing, and could use some advice. What is good, what isn't?

I don't really fancy playing something very old though. Graphics are not overly important, but it becomes a problem for me when a game is trying to be pretty but isn't anymore. Compared to a game like FTL, which isn't pretty but doesn't try to be, and instead relies on design.

I really like just exploring, upgrading ship and crew, finding weird stuff, a bit of action... you know.

Is X3: Terran Conflict a bit too heavy maybe? Is it too focused on trading and such to be exciting? What else is there?

[Arona Daal]

Star Control 2 remake

http://sc2.sourceforge.net/

Pioneer

http://pioneerspacesim.net/

Oolite

http://www.oolite.org/

Also possible:

Space Rangers 2 (i find its a shallow mix of many genres,but many seem to like it)

Weird Adventures in infinite Space

[frightlever]

X3 really would have benefited from some more goddamn moments while exploring, but there really aren't any that I can think of.

Pioneer looks interesting.

[Jams O'Donnell]

Not sure if it wholly fits the bill, but Flotilla is a nice little one.

[Grim_22]

X3 really would have benefited from some more goddamn moments while exploring, but there really aren't any that I can think of.

Pioneer looks interesting.

Such a shame, since it looks so very pretty. I loved the way that the galaxy felt alive in Freelancer, but that game is too old for me now.

[Nikas]

why noone post here http://kerbalspaceprogram.com/ ? i think it will be nice for You

[gundato]

The X-Series isn't really a "space combat" sim and is more a "trade management sim with guns". The latest ones all use Steam DRM.

The Evochron games are fun, but don't have a lot of depth. REALLY fun to actually land on planets though. They are available from all the major DD sites.

And if you want combat, Freespace 1 and 2 with Freespace Open. The models are still blocky, but the particle effects and beams are stunningly beautiful. GoG sells FS1 and FS2. So buy from them, then go download FSO.

[Tikey]

I liked cap ship combat in StarShatter.
Matrix games discontinued but then it became open source and you can get it here.

[rsherhod]

I'm still hoping to get through X3:TC before X Rebirth comes out. At this rate my chances don't look good.

Regarding the OP's question, how about Escape Velocity Nova? Looks beautiful, lots of exploring, a whole load of possible stories you can follow. For some reason it still costs $30 though.

[Sparkasaurusmex]

I love Space Rangers 2. It has a 3D RTS mode that is awful but can be disabled, and without this feature SR2 is a great game.

[squareking]

I think X3 has plenty of moments out there. You just either have to know where to look or get lucky.

I was putting through an allied sector to pick up a mobile driller for my Mercury when a massive fleet of Terrans (ATF) jumped in and started wreaking havoc. I had a decently equipped Nova Prototype and could hold my own against other M3s, but they were packing larger M2s and M1s. Luckily the Argon were packing serious heat, so I kinda hung back and watched the sides duke it out while I picked off stragglers and scooped up missiles and goods.







Unscripted glory.

Higher res because I'm an idiot and can't make it work:

http://cloud.steampowered.com/ugc/57...BF609D9617A56/
http://cloud.steampowered.com/ugc/57...BA29963D4B940/
http://cloud.steampowered.com/ugc/57...893C7963289E4/


The problem with X3 -- it's a slowwww burner. I'm just coming to grips with resource management after 20 hours. It's fiddly and has its share of problems, but it's oddly rewarding.

[mnemnoch]

Sunk hundreds of hours in X3: AP. Like gundato said its more of a entrepaneur sim with combat. At least from what I played it.

One of the awesome thing in X series is that the universe is alive, it will go on its day to day activities and will not wait for you. And being moddable is a big plus.

Bad side: Steep learning curve. I have to watch a lot of lets play video just to learn the game. Also, like squareking said, its a slow burner. Getting from one point to another take some time specially in the early part of the game.

[Draakon]

The latest ones all use Steam DRM.

No they don't.

[gundato]

No they don't.

Yes, they do...
http://www.egosoft.com/support/faq/f...2095&version=0

[mnemnoch]

Yes, they do...
http://www.egosoft.com/support/faq/f...2095&version=0

http://www.egosoft.com/download/x3ap/bonus_en.php

X3: Albion Prelude 2.0 - NoSteam executable This executable allows you to play X3: Albion Prelude without having to run the Steam client. See this FAQ article for further information. The NoSteam executable is available only to users who have either X3: Terran Conflict or X3: Albion Prelude registered in their forum profile.

[gundato]

http://www.egosoft.com/download/x3ap/bonus_en.php

X3: Albion Prelude 2.0 - NoSteam executable This executable allows you to play X3: Albion Prelude without having to run the Steam client. See this FAQ article for further information. The NoSteam executable is available only to users who have either X3: Terran Conflict or X3: Albion Prelude registered in their forum profile.

Your point? The games still use Steam, they just have egosoft provided cracks.

[Wheelz]

I haven't seen it mentioned yet, but it's worth noting that the X3 games have the worst UI in any game I've ever seen. It's truely terrible.

[squareking]

I haven't seen it mentioned yet, but it's worth noting that the X3 games have the worst UI in any game I've ever seen. It's truely terrible.

I thought that at first too, and it could definitely be optimized to infinity, but it's not thaaaat bad once you learn the shortcuts. Then again, I'm trying to think of something with a worse UI, but all I can think of is Excel. :(

[gundato]

Derek Smart's Battlecruiser games DEFINITELY have a worse interface than the X-Series.

And that might be it :P

[Barnox]

One space game I really enjoyed was Freelancer.

The mechanics are all fairly simple (no massive amounts of hassle), and you control a single ship rather than a fleet.
Exploration, combat and trading are all viable. The Discovery mod also adds masses of content.