Hey all,

Thought I'd make a much briefer post than my review on some thoughts about Freelancer in response to a lot of the feedback I've seen here, especially those talking about disappointment with the game.

First of all, for those still considering it, I think there are better choices out there IF you're looking for more of a simulation. I'd highly recommend games like X-Wing Alliance or the Freespace series if that's your goal - they offer very nice campaigns as well as allowing you to create custom missions. If you're looking for a simulation with trading elements, that's a bit more difficult (perhaps X2 that's been discussed, though I've never played any of those games - there's also the older Privateer 2).

That said, half the fun of Freelancer is to me the fact the universe is so vast and waiting to be explored. If you're not an explorer, this probably isn't the game for you to be blunt. The interface seems to be designed more around a good, simple mix of fighting, trading, and exploring than a simulation, and I think that's the best type of interface this game could have. It seems like less than a simulation, but more than an arcade game - a good think in my mind. I can't even imagine joystick support being anywhere near as functional in the game (and I had at first been upset it was not there like a lot of you).

Also, I've seen a lot of posts wanting more saying it ended too quickly for and there's not enough to do now. Funny thing is, not all (but quite a few) are people who either used some sort of cheat to get a lot of money immediately and buy the most powerful things in the game, or else they looked up the best trade route in the game and used it repeatedly to max out there stuff. Folks, my opinion is that's not the point. The point is discovering this stuff for yourself slowly and taking your time. I don't have the full version yet, but when I do get it I plan on slowly working my way out and exploring each area, taking the story missions slowly and not rushing to get to the next one. I'm going to try to find most of the secrets myself as well (though eventually I may look at a guide to find anything I missed). I think that a slow, gradual pace is what the developers intended, and I think a lot of people have missed this and just tried to rush as fast as they can through the campaign, ruining their own fun in the process. It's fine if people want to go through a game as fast as possible, but I think other games are suited and meant for that much more than this one, and those looking for this would be better off looking into one of them instead.

Finally, while I FULLY agree that it's a bit disappointing there aren't more random mission types (which I elaborated on in my review of the demo - I still hope they add some and make this game even more of a hit), I can't say (at least for the single player aspect) that it cripples it *THAT* much. A little sure, but honestly once I've explored everything in the game, which will be fun as is, I can't say that I would keep playing it significantly longer even if there were other random mission types. Perhaps a little bit, yes, and it would make the times between missions a bit more diverse, and it would make hopping back in once and a while for a few quick missions more appealing, but overall it wouldn't change it that drastically. Multiplayer is another story and it would make a bigger difference there in my opinion, but I probably won't get into that for some time if at all.

That's all I have to say, and the above is simply my personal opinion. If you disagree with me, that's fine, and I'm not trying to attract any flames (or flame anyone for that matter). Just thought I'd put in my two cents.

Shaun

P.S. My copy shipped today. <=o)

Edited by - guptasa1 on 08-03-2003 02:56:07