|
X3: Reunion
Finally the sequel that gamers have been
waiting for has at last landed on the PC that once again sets the
benchmark for space trading games as Elite did for the Commodore 64,
those so many years ago. The story for X3: Union once again returns
gamers to X2 universe that now features an open-ended storyline that
allows players to choose their own paths, whether they are traders or
pirates. Although the title does have major plotlines, the player is
given the chance to complete them at their leisure and once again
Egosoft have done a brilliant job at moving the storyline along nicely
with some beautifully pre-rendered computer generated cinematics.
The gameplay of X3 has also been improved and gamers now have the option
of a variety of different input devices from mice to keyboards and even
flight sticks, depending on your preference and style. However, the
predominant controller is the mouse which is used to basically navigate
and fine tune your gaming experience and with a simply click, the game
will automatically fly you towards a station and dock. How's that for
simplicity?
X3 also contains a very in-depth economy that does affect the gameplay
of the title. For instance, players are still rewarded money for
completing various tasks in the game but depending on which sector you
are in, prices will fluctuate depending on demand, so as in real-life,
it does pay to shop around in order to establish your financial empire.
With over 130 different space sectors, a myriad of different commodities
to trade and of course various weapon and ship upgrades, Egosoft have
truly made this one of the most realistic space trading games of all
time, the only thing more that it could of included is a first-person
action view for when you visits planets. Dare I dream?
Apart from economics, X3 also features a rather intuitive space combat
system that is used in both defence and attack. The combat control
systems were a little fiddly at the start of the game but after a few
hours, even the most novice of gamers will be able to master the system
in order to take on the Luke Skywalker's of the X3 universe. The gamer
also have access to a variety of different ships that can also be
upgraded in order to create ships for almost any occasion.
Graphically, X3: Reunion is one of the most impressive games that I have
seen on the PC in a long time that features almost Hollywood style
graphics that would be on par with Babylon 5 or Battlestar Galactica.
Everything has been professionally designed, from the realistic textures
on the space ships to the wondrous strange worlds of the X3 universe,
it's flawless.
The game also contains a
plethora of special effects from lighting, particle effects and also
some realistic explosions. Unfortunately, these graphics have a high
price and if you don't have the latest PC technology, you may experience
some lag but fortunately the detail can be adjusted.
X3: Reunion also features a Hollywood style soundtrack that is filled
with majestic wonder and perfectly suits the genre. When the action
heats up, so does the music that really helps immerse you into this
game. The title also features a wide gamut of sound effects from
missiles, lasers, explosions and crashes. Of course, you wouldn't hear
all this in space but I'm sure 99.9% of us can overlook this and match
that with some rather interesting voice acting and you have a great
space trading epic.
In conclusion, X3: Reunion is a brilliant space trading game on the PC
that is filled with economics, battles and an interesting storyline with
state of the art graphics, sound effects and gameplay. The only downside
to X3 is the high price of performance but if you have the
specifications on your PC, then I strongly suggest that you check this
title out. Highly Recommended!
Features
-
X³: REUNION engine
utilizes the very latest DirectX 9 graphical technology; pixel
shader technology is used to create realistic reflections across a
variety of surface types, while bump maps and specula maps add
detail to the geometry of objects
-
A freshly developed
economy system allows for more imaginative ways to conquer your foes
via commerce. Functions using established business models of
'Elasticity of demand', 'Economies of scale' and 'Return on
investment'. Factories are constructed by non player characters,
which can freely trade; wars in sectors affect the universal
economy, while opportunities bring challenges to both novice and
experienced players.
-
Over 200 newly
designed models have been created for X³. Star ship detail has been
massively increased; over 10 times greater than the previous game at
an average of 25,000 polygons per ship
-
A new graphical user
interface prevents less screen obstruction and faster access to all
game options.
-
Completely
redesigned X universe, with new high detailed environments including
asteroid fields, dense gaseous nebulae's, star ship graveyards and
much more. Players can fly much closer to planetary bodies; where
space stations can hang in low planetary orbits.
-
A multitude of new
technologies and weapons systems, make the player even more
devastating in combat; multi threat targeting system allows for
numerous targets to be pin pointed simultaneously.
-
Controllable via
joystick, keyboard and mouse cursor; all are fully re-mappable
giving the player infinite choice over control layout, which can be
stored as custom profiles
 |
