Space genre reborn

[DarthPader]

Space genre has been rather quiet for a long time. Occasional appearances of games like X series, Eve online and similar succeeded to keep it alive. Lately however, a number of spectacular announcements came out proving space is back in a big way. At last great new games are coming, legendary titles are returning, and entire buzz has been incredible. Also, numerous successful Kickstarter campaigns for space games proved there is a demand for such content. New X rebirth, Star citizen, Elite... great years are ahead of space enthusiasts. But, beside these high profile titles, many more promising games are coming, and they all bring something new finally restarting the evolution of the entire genre. In this thread I would like to gather all fans of space games. Together we can follow all the news in this reborn gaming paradise. Space simulations, space RPG's, 4X games, pure breaded simulations, strategies...they are all welcome!

 

[SpacemanSpiff46]

I would love to thumbs up this thread as well. Super excited for the future with all these epic space titles. Although EVE spreadsheeting was never my cup of tea I can appreciate the challenge it provides and the dedication it takes. I adore the X series and have already funded Star Citizen and Elite.

I am excite! (read in Borat voice)

 

[Red Storm]

I've had to tolerate EVE for my space fix. Can't wait for Star Citizen!

 

[wanderer27]

There are good Space Sims out there, some of the best are not cheap though.

This is probably the best out right now:

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2319015&highlight=


Lots of others mentioned here:

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2291732&highlight=


.

 

[Qbah]

I will not be happy until Freespace 3 comes out The second one, especially the ending, was so epic...

 

[crownjules]

There are good Space Sims out there, some of the best are not cheap though.

This is probably the best out right now:

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2319015&highlight=

Lots of others mentioned here:

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2291732&highlight=

.

Those are 4X space games - Civilization in space. Space sims are like flight sims, except in space. Freespace, X-wing, Wing Commander, etc. Games where you play from the POV of a cockpit.

 

[DarthPader]

Waiting for new games like Starpoint Gemini 2 and Stardrive

 

[OCNewbie]

Don't forget Kerbal Space Program

 

[nemesismk2]

I will not be happy until Freespace 3 comes out The second one, especially the ending, was so epic...

Freespace 3 would be a great idea because Freespace 2 was an epic game.

 

[norseamd]

Waiting to see how the game Eternal Crusade turns out.

 

[xantub]

Freespace 3 would be a great idea because Freespace 2 was an epic game.

Any game that has trading should be much more user friendly about it though. You're in the year 2932931942 (enough years so you can jump around stars!) and yet you're supposed to write down what items sell for what and where in a notepad? come on! Especially in the beginning, I hate it when I start one of those games, and have no freaking clue if the price of Magnalolium at 85 is a good or a bad price. It should show me a list of planets and at what price it sells for, and how many jumps from you it is, so you can make an informed decision right there.

 

[Red Storm]

I've been having a lot of fun with the Elite beta, but aside from Elite and Star Citizen, I am interested to hear about other space sim games in development.

 

[JTsyo]

Galactic Civ 3 is what I'm looking forward to. Tried Sins of a Solar Empire but wasn't a fan.

 

[SLU Aequitas]

Freespace 3 would be a great idea because Freespace 2 was an epic game.

Freespace 1 AND 2 were absolutely epic games. I had fun going through them in FSO last year...a Freespace 3 would be so much fun. I'd gladly plop $100+ down for it.

Any game that has trading should be much more user friendly about it though. You're in the year 2932931942 (enough years so you can jump around stars!) and yet you're supposed to write down what items sell for what and where in a notepad? come on! Especially in the beginning, I hate it when I start one of those games, and have no freaking clue if the price of Magnalolium at 85 is a good or a bad price. It should show me a list of planets and at what price it sells for, and how many jumps from you it is, so you can make an informed decision right there.

There is no economy in Freespace 1 or 2, it was a pure space sim. You're probably thinking Freelancer, in which case you're gonna wanna head over to Elite or SC for space sims with dynamic economies.

I've been having a lot of fun with the Elite beta, but aside from Elite and Star Citizen, I am interested to hear about other space sim games in development.

We need to romp around together some time while we still have beta

 

[SLU Aequitas]

Galactic Civ 3 is what I'm looking forward to. Tried Sins of a Solar Empire but wasn't a fan.

HERETIC!!!! I loved SOSE...I even released one of the first mods for it MP was damn fun too.

I'm also looking forward to GC3...I spent so much time in GC2.

 

[Red Storm]

We need to romp around together some time while we still have beta

Heh, it'd be cool to roam around with all the ATers.

 

[irishScott]

Don't forget Civilization: Beyond Earth (coming out this fall!)

https://www.civilization.com/en/games/civilization-beyond-earth/


I've always loved sci-fi/space based settings over fantasy. Not that I can't get into good fantasy, but good sci-fi can actually have quasi-real explanations for how things are the way they are that makes it so much more immersive IMO. Take The Witcher 2 and Mass Effect 2. I'll admit The Witcher 2 is the superior game from practically every standpoint (and I'll definitely be picking up Wild Hunt when it comes out), but I enjoyed Mass Effect 2 about 10% more simply due to the codex entries and setting.

 

[dmoney1980]

I never played a space sim before, but I'd like to give it a shot. What game would the community here recommend for a noob such as myself to start with?

 

[norseamd]

I never played a space sim before, but I'd like to give it a shot. What game would the community here recommend for a noob such as myself to start with?

What type of space game?

 

[dmoney1980]

What type of space game?

Sim, RPG, or strategy

 

[norseamd]

Well space sims are complicated but very fun if you are willing to try them. A good basic space sim is X3: Terran Conflict. You can also try the Albion Prelude as it is basically more of an expanded version of the X3: Terran Conflict. X: Rebirth has some low reviews and many complaints. You can also buy some indie games like FTL and Kerbal Space Program.

For RPGs there are KOTOR and Mass Effect and more than a few indie games to find.

There is a long history of space Strategy games and you can find Sins of a Solar Empire, Sword of the Stars, Star Wars: Empire at War, and lots of indie games like endless space, distant worlds, and more.

 

[Red Storm]

Unless the game really involves space in the form of travel, economics, combat, etc. then I don't consider it a space game. Knights of the Old Republic and Mass Effect are not space games to me, they're just sci fi games. The new Civ game or Elite: Dangerous or Sins of a Solar Empire are what I consider actual space games.

 

[Gibsons]

Galactic Civ 3 is what I'm looking forward to. Tried Sins of a Solar Empire but wasn't a fan.

I will buy this as well. Will likely devote waaaaaaaaaaaaay too much time to it. Assuming it's as good as 2 was.

 

[dmoney1980]

Well space sims are complicated but very fun if you are willing to try them. A good basic space sim is X3: Terran Conflict. You can also try the Albion Prelude as it is basically more of an expanded version of the X3: Terran Conflict. X: Rebirth has some low reviews and many complaints. You can also buy some indie games like FTL and Kerbal Space Program.

For RPGs there are KOTOR and Mass Effect and more than a few indie games to find.

There is a long history of space Strategy games and you can find Sins of a Solar Empire, Sword of the Stars, Star Wars: Empire at War, and lots of indie games like endless space, distant worlds, and more.

Thanks, I'll look those up. I played / finished KOTOR and the ME series, and I know of some of the games you mentioned there just by browsing Steam.

 

[JPS35]

What? No love for Independence War 2? Besides Freespace 3, IWAR 3 should be the next one made.