If you want to spend a lot of hours on nothing, this is the game for you. First of, the graphics is dated but charming, the music and sound is annoying like hell though - resulting in muted gameplay. Basically, it all comes down to clear short quests that ranges from just getting from a to b, defend a zone for an amount of time or the very amusing but sometimes very trying textbased missions. The map is not as big as you would imagine and the description is clearly overestimated. Once you finished approx. 70 missions there are nothing much to do except kill off the enemy to get your score. Btw, there are quite limited upgrade options so don't expect micromanagement. Good to grind 30 hours or so in one gameround.

A wonderful game that I can't believe passed under my radar for so long. This is what I had always wanted from the X series: this is essential the same game in every way, but stripped of all that made the X games so dull (long travel times, almost vertical learning curve, and a general sense of bewilderment). This game is definately worth a look.

I must say i had a very very good surprise with this game. Obviously the graphics are not what you should look for here, but if you like some deep background, interesting story in a non linear universe where you can be whatever you want (trader, pirate, merc, fighter, good or evil...) and customize your ship. I cant add more than what Banquet said already in his review. This game will for sure please oldtimers (some text adventures), arcade players (space combat and exploration) and even some part of rts (planetary invasion). All those aspects could have harmed the game but no, the mix is pretty well done. Totally addictive.

This is a gem. It's a completely open ended space trading, combat, adventure game that casts you as a Ranger with the overall goal of helping to stop the robot Dominators taking over the 65 or so star systems (with 250+ planets & stations)in the game world. I'd been interested in this title for a while but had been somewhat put off when I read it included RTS land battles and text adventures in the missions. A lot of people love these aspects. I personally find the RTS portions mediocre (Even good RTS's aren't really my thing any more) and the text adventures vary. Some are quite short and fun. Others I find too long winded. The good news is that you're not forced to do any of the RTS or text missions if you don't want to. You can simply turn them down. What had intrigued me about SR2 was it's freeform gameplay and dynamic universe. These aspects really shine! There are hundreds of AI controlled star ships ranging from pirates to diplomats. There are also approx 50 other AI controlled Rangers like you. All these ships travel the star lanes, communicating with you and each other, making the game world feel incredibly alive. You can measure your progress against other Rangers on a leader board. Unlike many other games this list isn't static but changes as other Rangers trade, fight and, sometimes, die. The best part is the way the Dominators are handled. They attack star systems and, if successful, will take them over. Other races may launch counter-attacks to retake the systems, or may attack deeper into Dominator controlled space. None of this is scripted and varies completely each game (The game world is randomly created when you start a new game) With or without your involvement the Dominators may win, or may be beaten. If you help out you may be able to turn the tide but you may decide to just do your own thing until the war resolves itself one way or the other. There is a great News system which keeps you informed on which systems are being won and lost, as well as lots of other useful info including the planning of attacks to re-take systems and trading opportunities. You may hear of an attack force forming and decide to go along and help out.. or just tag along, keep your head down in the battle, grab the loot and run away to sell it! There are so many things to do in this game, and so many ways to do them. It really is one of the most truly freeform games I've ever played. Add in the amazingly alive universe in which your story is set and it becomes a totally addictive experience! If you enjoy playing games where you aren't forced to follow a storyline, and led from mission to mission you should really enjoy this!