Help me find a great starship game.

[DexterNorgam]

I just skimmed the list, but I didn't see anyone mention Independence War 2.

I really liked this game. It was kinda sandboxish, and the Newtonian Physics flight model made for for good times. Players controlled command modules that were modular and allowed them to control small interceptors up to large capital ships with the same control scheme. I think it was one of the last good spaceflight "sims" (for lack of better term) that I played before the genre kinda vanished.

Recently I have been playing BSGO. I rather like it, it passes time ok for a free game, is kinda pretty (at least when your in your ship) for a browser game and you can get in on the action at a fairly low lvl because you can be of some use in big fights right out the gate and the death penalty isn't outrageous.

 

[lightingbird]

I just skimmed the list, but I didn't see anyone mention Independence War 2.

I really liked this game. It was kinda sandboxish, and the Newtonian Physics flight model made for for good times. Players controlled command modules that were modular and allowed them to control small interceptors up to large capital ships with the same control scheme. I think it was one of the last good spaceflight "sims" (for lack of better term) that I played before the genre kinda vanished.

Recently I have been playing BSGO. I rather like it, it passes time ok for a free game, is kinda pretty (at least when your in your ship) for a browser game and you can get in on the action at a fairly low lvl because you can be of some use in big fights right out the gate and the death penalty isn't outrageous.

For the 20th time, I am not looking for a fighter game. Ha starting to think some of you are just messing with me besides the others not reading my first post. Again, I appreciate the recommendations, but I am looking for a starship game as detailed in my first post and NOT a fighter game. Also, I realize the game does not exist now so I have given up.

 

[DexterNorgam]

I just skimmed the list, but I didn't see anyone mention Independence War 2.

I really liked this game. It was kinda sandboxish, and the Newtonian Physics flight model made for for good times. Players controlled command modules that were modular and allowed them to control small interceptors up to large capital ships with the same control scheme. I think it was one of the last good spaceflight "sims" (for lack of better term) that I played before the genre kinda vanished.

Recently I have been playing BSGO. I rather like it, it passes time ok for a free game, is kinda pretty (at least when your in your ship) for a browser game and you can get in on the action at a fairly low lvl because you can be of some use in big fights right out the gate and the death penalty isn't outrageous.

For the 20th time, I am not looking for a fighter game. Ha starting to think some of you are just messing with me besides the others not reading my first post. Again, I appreciate the recommendations, but I am looking for a starship game as detailed in my first post and NOT a fighter game. Also, I realize the game does not exist now so I have given up.

Yea I know, you're not looking for combat-centric stuff. I'm just saying if you haven't played Independence War 2 you're missing a good spaceflight game. Maybe what something exactly what you're looking for doesn't exist, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't give another good space game a day in court, might even be able to find it on GOG or something.

 

[Owyn_Merrilin]

I just skimmed the list, but I didn't see anyone mention Independence War 2.

I really liked this game. It was kinda sandboxish, and the Newtonian Physics flight model made for for good times. Players controlled command modules that were modular and allowed them to control small interceptors up to large capital ships with the same control scheme. I think it was one of the last good spaceflight "sims" (for lack of better term) that I played before the genre kinda vanished.

Recently I have been playing BSGO. I rather like it, it passes time ok for a free game, is kinda pretty (at least when your in your ship) for a browser game and you can get in on the action at a fairly low lvl because you can be of some use in big fights right out the gate and the death penalty isn't outrageous.

For the 20th time, I am not looking for a fighter game. Ha starting to think some of you are just messing with me besides the others not reading my first post. Again, I appreciate the recommendations, but I am looking for a starship game as detailed in my first post and NOT a fighter game. Also, I realize the game does not exist now so I have given up.

Yea I know, you're not looking for combat-centric stuff. I'm just saying if you haven't played Independence War 2 you're missing a good spaceflight game. Maybe what something exactly what you're looking for doesn't exist, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't give another good space game a day in court, might even be able to find it on GOG or something.

What he's looking for is really different from standard space combat sims, to the point where the only thing they have in common is a similar setting. Saying that if you like Starflight you should love (fill in space combat sim here) is like saying because you love KotOR you should love Halo. They have that little in common. I know you're trying to help, but I'd like to put it in perspective.

 

[lightingbird]

^^^ Nailed it.

Thanks.

 

[evilneko]

Would any actual Starflight carts still have live batteries? It's pretty old. Might be better off with an emulator for it.

As far as I know, my Genesis ROM cart still functions, as well as all of my old NES battery games. So I'd say that yes, they'd still have live batteries.

Now if only my Genesis (and controllers!) still worked well enough to be playable. >.>

Ah well. I knew those button batteries lasted a long time but they give out eventually.

 

[DexterNorgam]

I just skimmed the list, but I didn't see anyone mention Independence War 2.

I really liked this game. It was kinda sandboxish, and the Newtonian Physics flight model made for for good times. Players controlled command modules that were modular and allowed them to control small interceptors up to large capital ships with the same control scheme. I think it was one of the last good spaceflight "sims" (for lack of better term) that I played before the genre kinda vanished.

Recently I have been playing BSGO. I rather like it, it passes time ok for a free game, is kinda pretty (at least when your in your ship) for a browser game and you can get in on the action at a fairly low lvl because you can be of some use in big fights right out the gate and the death penalty isn't outrageous.

For the 20th time, I am not looking for a fighter game. Ha starting to think some of you are just messing with me besides the others not reading my first post. Again, I appreciate the recommendations, but I am looking for a starship game as detailed in my first post and NOT a fighter game. Also, I realize the game does not exist now so I have given up.

Yea I know, you're not looking for combat-centric stuff. I'm just saying if you haven't played Independence War 2 you're missing a good spaceflight game. Maybe what something exactly what you're looking for doesn't exist, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't give another good space game a day in court, might even be able to find it on GOG or something.

What he's looking for is really different from standard space combat sims, to the point where the only thing they have in common is a similar setting. Saying that if you like Starflight you should love (fill in space combat sim here) is like saying because you love KotOR you should love Halo. They have that little in common. I know you're trying to help, but I'd like to put it in perspective.

Herpy derp derpy doo!! No shit he is looking for something different, from what he's saying it sounds like he's looking for "uncharted waters in space". I'm not sure it currently exists. What I'm saying is even if its not what your looking for, Independence War II is worth a look for anyone looking for space anything. Everyone else named every other non combat spacer I could think of aside from the old shuttle simulator on the 2600 so I provided an alternative choice.

 

[lightingbird]

Just thought I'd let everyone know that I did post up on the X3 forums and learned more about XRebirth and from what I can tell, when its released, it will be exactly what I am seeking.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LabrDe4XJo0

 

[GothmogII]

Just thought I'd let everyone know that I did post up on the X3 forums and learned more about XRebirth and from what I can tell, when its released, it will be exactly what I am seeking.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LabrDe4XJo0

The X series is quite frankly monolithic. Take everything that is all at once frustrating and so in depth about EVE minus the online aspect and I think that fits as a fair summation of the series as a whole.

I like the -idea- of the X games, but it always ends up with me playing for maybe 5-20 mins in before I hit a wall. And at that, that isn't even going to try to pander to my need to know what the hell I'm supposed to be doing.

Though, more than likely I just don't have the patience or wherewithal to stick with it. *shrugs*

To make a final comparison, X is to space sims what Gothic is to RPG's. So positively German. :/

 

[Therumancer]

I'm an old school gamer and I used to play a game that some of you who also fall into that category might know.

It was called Starflight.

It was a scifi game in which you commanded a non military ship for exploration and profit. You got to recruit your crew by creating them from different races. You could spec their stats, they learned and got better, and they could also permanently die.

You could fully upgrade your ship for better armor, science equipment, shields and weapons. The known galaxy was insanely huge and open for exploring. A huge sandbox with no storyline to follow. There were hostile races in the game and you could make allies and even enemies with all of them. Planets that could support life, you could recommend for colonization for money. You could even land on certain planets and mine which was the main way of getting money other than destroying ships and other stuff. For me, I felt like I was actually in a starship as the captain, exploring the unknown in which every decision mattered.

So it was a great game back in 1986 (I did say I was old school ).

Is there anything like this but with a modern element and maybe more to offer? It seems like most of them are mostly fighter shooters or just ship based games with no way to land on planets, other ships, linear storyline, no free will, and no mention of crew members.

So can anyone recommend something similar to what I described? Does it exist?

ALSO - Why in the hell is there no instant reply notification by email on this forum?

There is a general lack of decent RPGs being developed which is part of the problem.

You might try "Starpoint Gemini" (availible on Gamers Gate), or "Space Wolves 3: Civil War". The first one is pretty much a ship command simulator in a fairly freeform universe, the latter is one where you command a group of mercenary fighter pilots, you can fly from station to station doing jobs and pretty much neglect the main plot for a long time if you want to. You have a base ship (which can fight), a number of differant skill trees, and customizable fighters.

Both of these games are RPGs, since I'm guessing your looking for more of an RPG/Sim than an action game.

For a more action-oriented approach "X3" and "Spaceforce: Rogue Universe"

For more of a strategy game than a sim (in my opinion) there is another really good one called "Space Rangers 2: Reboot" (reboot is the updated/expanded version) which is pretty interesting overall.

"SPAZ" (Space Pirates And Zombies) is a fairly recent game that seems to follow in the footsteps of "Solar Winds" or "Armada" (from the Dreamcast) more than anything, but has some exploration and management elements in it.

Those are some games to look at. Most of them are on STEAM or Gamers Gate so should be fairly easy to find.

 

[Xooiid]

You know, i'm genuinely surprised that the Freespace series hasn't had a mention yet. Especially Freespace 2 and some of the mod content that's out there for it. Seriously, they're on GOG for six bucks, and you can get Wing Commander and Babylon 5 packs for free, if you wish to get your nerd on.

 

[Dr. Shenanigans]

You should check out the Escape Velocity series (Nova especially). They pretty much fit everything in your description, and are relatively recent.

 

[Yal]

Star Control 2 is my favorite game of all time (I preferred the stronger writing over Starflight, although I can understand the appeal of the more hands-off storyline), and I'd give anything to have the genre revived. I want to explore the universe, meet interesting alien races, unravel mysteries... And engage in as little combat as possible. I don't want another flight sim or twin stick shooter, I want to explore. Combat should only be included as a means to an end, increasing the tension, not as the end itself.

But at this point we should probably just count our blessings that these franchises haven't been rebooted as FPSes. Not that Mass Effect isn't great, but oh god, that would cause me actual physical pain.

 

[lightingbird]

Ha well I am looking for a starship game, not a fighter game. Pretty much the description in my first post. Which would not be in a fighter game because they wouldn't have a crew, land on planets, get out of ships, and have people who gain skills that could die. Not to mention something new, well at least at most a few years old.

Ha but few people are reading my post! Hence all of the fighter based suggestions and I'm not looking for a fighter game. Haha annoying but oh well at least people are trying.

Blindly trying, but trying. Haha. I've accepted that the game I'm seeking might not exist so I am giving up for now.

Quoting myself because of the recent replies.



Thanks for the continued replies, but please read the thread. I'm not looking for a fighter game or anything old for the 20th time, Ha) I have come to the conclusion that there is no game on the market currently based on what I am seeking. Although it seems like Xrebirth will be the closest I can get to what I am seeking. There is no other game closest to what I am trying to find.

XRebirth looks amazing and has everything that I had in Starflight. Based on their description anyway. So Yal, I think if you liked that type of playing, Rebirth might be a winner for you as well.