Final Thoughts

There are so many more good things that could be said about FreeSpace 2, but I'll have to contain myself. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit Volition Inc. in April 1999 to see the game in mid-development. It was clear to me then that Volition's vision for FreeSpace 2 would take the sequel far beyond the original FreeSpace. My first reaction upon seeing the nebula and the beam weapons was that even the most jaded gamer's jaws would hang wide open in amazement. Soon afterwards, I began to see reviews from other gaming magazines and sites that also found themselves slack-jawed during demonstrations of early versions of FreeSpace 2.

After playing the demo, I'm pleased to see how well these gorgeous effects have been implemented. I was impressed with FreeSpace 2 in April, and the demo exceeded my highest expectations. Never before has a space flight simulation looked this good. Best of all, this visual feast is more than mere eye-candy -- it extends into gameplay and even influences the storyline. If you've ever wanted to experience a truly intense dogfight in space with enormously massive capital ships pounding on each other in a grand-scale battle, you need look no further than FreeSpace 2.

Every fan of the space dogfighting genre should at least try the demo of FreeSpace 2, especially if you've missed out on the original FreeSpace. If you weren't completely happy with the first FreeSpace, take a look at the improved features in FreeSpace 2. You'll find a great deal more to like the second time around. The flaws I know that existed in the original FreeSpace appear to have been remedied, and the best parts have been signficantly polished. Multiplayer gaming has been tremendously improved, and multiplayer FreeSpace is now an attractive option for individual gamers and squads -- so long as a high bandwidth host is available to meet the technical challenges of space combat. Instead of a multiplayer model which is unbalanced by "low-ping bastards," those with high speed connections can provide a valuable way for more players with 56k modems to enjoy multiplayer gaming. Mission developers can create their own missions and campaigns in FRED 2, the mission editor, greatly expanding the replay value of FreeSpace 2. Even more intense action and an expanded storyline should also please gamers.

The FreeSpace universe may not have the franchise value of Star Wars or Babylon 5 behind it, but what really matters is the game itself. I believe that's why FreeSpace suceeded initially, because the game must stand or fall on its own strengths and weaknesses -- not on the enthusiasm of die-hard fans. FreeSpace 2 promises to be not only visually jaw-dropping and awe-inspiring, but also the new top dog in gameplay for the space simulation genre.

It is clear to me why FreeSpace 2 was voted the most anticipated space simulation of 1999. Best of all, the anticipation is almost over -- the game should start to appear on store shelves in October 1999.

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