It's still a game that you have to want to love, rather than one that will entrance the reluctant majority regardless, but will generously reward you, should you be willing to let yourself go along with it. It's true that this is less a sequel and more an extension of the last X title, a refinement of the prior game rather than genuinely-offering anything new. What we have then is a universe of staggering beauty and option, one that builds upon the X legacy and enriches it immeasurably without ever actually revolutionising it. X3: Terran Conflict builds upon all the freedom of choice the previous titles offered, increasing the interactivity with a revamped and much more intuitive interface, allowing for easy control of everything from single ships to entire multi-wing fleets.īetter yet, the progress made with the combat mechanics shown in X3: Reunion has continued apace, to the point where the new mouse control system that's on offer is fluid, smooth, enjoyable and easily on a par with Freelancer's fun factor. Freelancer scored by letting you stretch your legs wandering around stations, Xs only real star is the universe itself.īut at least it's a universe that is richer in depth and detail (visual and otherwise) than ever before. Stories require character development to engage, and for all the communication window talking heads, Xs is a soulless universe. For all the alien incursions, returns of old threats and attempts at tension, try as they might Egosoft just can't seem to crack the storytelling nut, and I'm not sure it's one that'll ever really get solved while we players remain resolutely inside our cockpits. The plot doesn't take long to kick in and, sadly once again, it's Xs main failing. Good job it's still going strong then, eh? Love Is The DrugĪs the title (and ending to the previous game) suggests, we're on home territory this time round, flying around our own solar system to begin with, marvelling at the beautifully rendered rings of Saturn, sighing wistfully at the gaseous beauty of Jupiter, and giggling childishly at the computer's unrefined pronunciation of Uranus. But I don't see any sequels to that little number floating about the release schedules, do you? In fact, if it's in-cockpit, direct-action space simulations you want, well X3: Terran Conflict is about your only current generation option really. Yes, I know it isn't as fast, fun and friendly as Freelancer, never has been and never will be. Me, I'm an Xosexual and don't care who knows it. Every game reviewer has one of these, a game or series that touches them on a personal, intimate and downright naughty level, so enamouring them with their depth, breadth and endorphin-releasing wiles that he will hear no bad word said against them, no minor criticism that won't be met with a flurry of prerehearsed counter points and face punches, no rival comparison that won't be put down by shouts of "YOU JUST SHUT UP!" through the tears of infatuation as we cradle the box to our chest and run to our rooms to have a good cry.įor the boy Porter (can I still call him that after his year of editorship?) it's the Fallout games the Mighty Korgon has his Total War posters stuck to his bedroom walls Steve Hill won't go anywhere without a copy of Football Manager draped on his arm and I'm sure Log has a PopCap tattoo hidden underneath his beard. Ah The X series, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
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