Games in Space

[Spitfire]

Homeworld (RTS) and System Shock 2 (FPS). Both games are set in space, and both of them have brilliant storylines. Be warned though, System Shock 2 is a pain in the ass to get running properly in Windows 7/Vista.

 

[Aeshi]

If you don't mind older games I'd like to suggest Ambrosia Software's Escape Velocity series, those are pretty fun and have a fair few mods (I'd recommend the newest least old game of the series, EV Nova)

 

[Bertylicious]

While it straddles several genres, everything else in Spore just leads up to the part where it becomes a space game. The game is kind of hit or miss as far as people liking it though, and really don't have much story at all if that's what you're after. Still, worth checking out at least; you'll probably be able to figure out pretty well if it's something you'd like.

Someone mentioned Freelancer. That's a good one to start with as far as space sims go because it really works just fine with a mouse and keyboard, you don't need a joystick to play it well. It's got a decent story that gets a little weird sometimes, nothing special, but it works.

Tachyon: The Fringe is a lesser known space sim with quite a good story and a robust single-player experience, provided with a lot of delightfully snarky commentary due to the protagonist being voiced by Bruce Campbell of Evil Dead fame (who hams it up at times, but he hams it up so well that it's good anyway). It's a lot of fun and does have some replay value.

If you're willing to go very retro (like DOS/Windows 95 era), I played Privateer 2 (also without a joystick since I never got one to work on the same machine) many years ago and had a blast, or at least I seem to recall that I did. It does have a decent story. I keep wanting to play it but I never bother figuring out how to make it work on a modern PC. It uses live actors for cutscenes and while they may look a low-budget they don't look dated. When you're in space things do look dated, but since it's... well, space it's not that big of a deal.

Gratuitous Space Battles was also mentioned, and the title basically just says what it is. There are ships in space and they shoot lots of lasers and missiles and stuff at each other based on orders you have given them, and it's awesome. The story is basically nonexistent, with the backstory for each race just explaining why they want to blow up everybody else, but it's very fun and I believe there's a demo on Steam. There's no traditional multiplayer, instead players can post "challenges" where other players download one of their fleets to fight against. I'm not a big fan of MP either but I really enjoy this mechanic. It couldn't hurt to try the demo.

Oh man I'd totally forgotton about Privateer 2! That was such an ace game and Clive Owen was brilliant in it.

Tachyon: The Bruce Cambell B-Game was great fun as well but you may be overselling the story a bit. Simple and jolly though.

I've always felt that space games are about freedom and multiplayer gets in the way of that freedom by neccesitating teaming up with icky humans, all leaking fluids from their repulsive orifices and ululating everywhere.

 

[Pink Gregory]

Has anyone here played Endless Space?

What's it like?
I was gon' at some point go for that and SOASE:Rebellion, good choices?

 

[Sangnz]

Has anyone here played Endless Space?

What's it like?
I was gon' at some point go for that and SOASE:Rebellion, good choices?

SOASE is an awesome RTS, total lack of campaign about its only flaw as I see, but if you are ok with that highly recommend it.

 

[MBurdock]

If you don't mind older games I'd like to suggest Ambrosia Software's Escape Velocity series, those are pretty fun and have a fair few mods (I'd recommend the newest least old game of the series, EV Nova)

This game, while it looks old, is an amazing amount of fun. If I recall correctly, you can get mods for it that give you the previous two versions (Escape Velocity and Escape Velocity: Override) at little to no extra cost.

Explore a vast galaxy, join factions, trade, get bigger and better ships, capture enemy ships and build a fleet, it's all there.

I loved Freelancer for the scope of its world (galaxy?). I understand that the X games offer a rich world too, but a steeper learning curve.

 

[Ultress]

There is always the Ratchet and Clank series, it's set on a variety of planets and the second one had some decent ship combat.Has very clever writing and a decent story that doesn't take it self seriously.