Where FL has made significant improvements over Elite and Privateer:

- Graphics (obviously)
- Large universe with many bases, jumpholes and wrecks (some hidden and you have to hunt for them).
- On-line multiplayer feature.
- Ability to implement user-made modifications to the game.

Where FL was "a step backwards" from Priv and Elite:

- non-dynamic econcomy.
- simplified flight and combat (for example, all ships have the same top speed)

Where things are subjective and you might or might not like depending on your tastes:

- storyline (some people loved it, some people think it's unoriginal, contrived and/or corny).
- Trent Edison (aka your protagonist character, which someone here aptly named him Mr. Eloquent for his drollness, heh heh).

My opinion: Yes, it's worth a go. Just don't expect it to be better than Priv or Elite in every way. Good luck!

Basically, you can do anything you want. You have to follow the storyline, to a point, but you can align yourself with any House or other faction. It says so on the website.

"My friend, you would not tell with such high zest
To children ardent for some desperate glory,
The old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est
Pro patria mori."- Wilfred Owen

Thnaks for the feedback

Obviously Priv and Freelancer are differnt games and I liked Priv a lot! I wanted a game where I can A) Follow the Story line if I want or make my own path and as pointed out Freelancer lets me do this. So if I want I can be a pirate? or other.

I think a trip to the shops is i need

I am your Daddy[!

I love Freelancer, but to be fair:

1. no joystick. Many Privateer fans are not too happy about this. Mouse works great though.

2. Not enough freedom until the end of the SP plot.

I hope you're still gonna get it. I just don't want you to be disappointed.

I aint too baotherd about the joystick thing as I prefer to use the mouse.

I am getting ready to go get it now and also stock up on Coffee as from what I hear I may loose sleep!