Finally, what every sandbox free-form exploration, space trading, mining, and bounty hunting fan ever wanted. If you've played games like Elite 2, Freelancer, DarkStar One, The X series of Space simulation games, then this game will not disappoint.
The overall game-play, user interface, easy to learn tutorial when playing the games main campaign will even excite players who are new to this genre. Despite what some critics say, I find this game to be highly engrossing and addictive. Once you start and learn the basics to the game, you won't be able to stop playing.
The core graphics engine is the Abyss Engine. The graphics are beautiful upto HD 2048 by 2048 pixel resolution. You can play the main story based campaign while having a plethora of side missions to do. You can also play the game classic sandbox style: moving across the galaxy engaging pirates, mining ore and trading commodities.
A vast, living galaxy with over 20 solar systems and dozens of beautifully rendered planets and more than a 100 space stations abide in this game. There are 30 space ships to choose from and tons of weapons, armour, shields, and equipment like tractor beams, thrusters, scanners, mining lasers and repair droids. There is a rich 3D soundtrack including full voice acting in English and German languages.
Gamers who have already played Freelancer, will find this game very comfortable when playing. Indeed some of the interface and animations seem to have been influenced from Freelancer, but this game provides what Freelancer lacked in depth and variety of side missions and open-ended gameplay.
When you start playing the game, as you progress from the main campaign, parts of the game will be unlocked step by step, until you get a chance completing some side missions. Then the game becomes very open ended as you can explore various systems in the galaxy. You start of with a basic ship which can be upgraded with higher tech-level equipment to make it a formidable force when engaging in dogfights. There is plenty of opportunity in the game to earn credits by whatever means: side missions, mining or trading commodities.
This game seems very polished and bug-free. The game has an auto-save feature which is very handy when you are in a tight spot and want to either replay a mission or choose another one. You can even discard or terminate a mission if it is too difficult.
Final Verdict: This game is value for money and it shines like a diamond among the plethora of dull and unimaginative games available in the market today.