Science-Fiction Simulation of the Year

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FreeSpace 2
Publisher: Interplay
Developer: Volition Inc.
Review
Demo

"FreeSpace 2 is a true classic of the genre and one of the best games to be released this year." - Desslock, GameSpot Review

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While there are only a few science-fiction simulations released each year, the quality of these games remains almost universally high. And though the mouse-driven gameplay popularized by real-time strategy games and first-person shooters has made these predominately joystick-driven games less popular among gamers, the actual quality of candidates in this genre has never been higher. In 1998 Volition created Descent: FreeSpace, a technically solid but very derivative space sim that had the potential to be even better. In 1999 that potential was fully realized with FreeSpace 2, one of the best space-combat simulations ever.

There have been great stories in space sims before, but FreeSpace 2's plot is deeper and darker. Adeptly expanding on the mythology generated by the first game in the series, FreeSpace 2 fully fleshes out a complex gaming world stocked with different alien and human factions, each with its own mysterious but logical objectives. While the plot is linear, it avoids the analytical shortcomings typical of games of the genre and conveys developments through an effective combination of mission briefings, cutscenes, and, most impressively, events depicted using the game engine during the course of missions.

The immense capital ships are graphically impressive and equipped with truly formidable and beautiful flak cannons, beam weapons, missiles, and lasers. While other games relegate capital ships to exotic targets, FreeSpace 2 features capital ships prominently in almost every mission, and watching those dreadnoughts battle it out is a unique experience. It also features an outstanding customizable interface, great graphics, smooth gameplay in both single and multiplayer battles, and improved mission design. Even if Totally Games had not effectively abandoned its X-Wing franchise earlier this year, and Origin Systems had not decided to focus solely on multiplayer games, there'd be no doubt that there's a new king in this genre. FreeSpace 2 is one of the best space sims ever made.

Simulation of the Yearnext