Matrix Games Forums

I've played X3: Reunion for around 2.5yrs and it never seems to get old. Very deep and complex game. Egosoft provide an incredible support service, long after most companies would have moved on, with new patches available regularly. The mod community is amazing.

I got X3: Terran Conflict for Xmas. I have only played it for a couple of hours so far and....well, it doesn't look vastly different. I don't play the missions, so can't really comment on those, but the main game is very similar to Reunion with a much different menu system. I think it's more personal preference whether you like the new or old. I don't mind either. This game does need a beefy pooter to get the best out of it and lots of patience to learn what is an extremely complicated sim (for want of a better word), but this is time well spent. Once you get sucked into X3, you lose many hours sleep

ORIGINAL: JudgeDredd

So squirrell skins...? What does it mean?

I guess those used to serve as some kind of currency long time ago... Or they were changed for currency.

Yep Matti,
 
Where I come from squirrel skins are highly praised.  Women are judged on how many squirrel skins they have before we date em. I remember when some sweet gal calimed she had over four prime squirrel skins stocked away.  She was fibbin, but hell, she sure did get all the guy's attentions for awhile, until one of her friends got jealous and ratted her out.  Which reminds me, I got rat skins by the bushel, and if you live in an area that needs em, maybe we can do a swap.  There ain't many men nowadays that knows about the value of them there squirrel and rat skins, but I'ma digressen, and hate to get off of this here topic.

Well I purchased Starshatter to scratch my space simulator itch.  I'm still waiting to find out if Starship Unlimited is version 3.0 or 3.5?
 
BTW I did also pick up "A Murder of Crows" for Sword of the Stars.  I haven't really gotten into that game yet, but I always like having the latest and greatest version. [:)]
 
There is a beta patch for Starshatter, but I am not good at being a beta tester.  I will wait for the final version before applying that patch unless someone who knows tells me otherwise.

ORIGINAL: sabre1

Well I purchased Starshatter to scratch my space simulator itch.

Let me guess: The Gathering Storm

There is a beta patch for Starshatter, but I am not good at being a beta tester.  I will wait for the final version before applying that patch unless someone who knows tells me otherwise.

Word is that patch isn't going to get any further than that.

Starshatter is "buggy", but I think its playable.  I posted in the support section, but it seems to be a "little" lacking in that area.  I like what I see, just wish the higher resolutions would work as advertised, but hey maybe they do I'm running Vista 64, and I will try running it in adminstrator mode and Win XP compatibility.

I picked up Starship Unlimited also.  Ok, I'm done for awhile. [;)]

Don't forget Master of Orion 1 & 2, the third edition was rubbish.

Regards,

Grell

ORIGINAL: Matti Kuokkanen

ORIGINAL: sabre1

Well I purchased Starshatter to scratch my space simulator itch.

Let me guess: The Gathering Storm

There is a beta patch for Starshatter, but I am not good at being a beta tester.  I will wait for the final version before applying that patch unless someone who knows tells me otherwise.

Word is that patch isn't going to get any further than that.

One of my few pet-peeves about Matrix. That seems to happen a lot.

ORIGINAL: sabre1

Well I purchased Starshatter to scratch my space simulator itch.  I'm still waiting to find out if Starship Unlimited is version 3.0 or 3.5?

BTW I did also pick up "A Murder of Crows" for Sword of the Stars.  I haven't really gotten into that game yet, but I always like having the latest and greatest version. [:)]

There is a beta patch for Starshatter, but I am not good at being a beta tester.  I will wait for the final version before applying that patch unless someone who knows tells me otherwise.

I'm like you, I have to have the latest and greatest but I do find it hard to say this expansion was anything revolutionary. In fact, the drones in particular really should have been in all along and remember them arguing to no end that it wasn't physically capable in their universe to have it. [8|] And most of what the expansion adds is micro-management though there's a new race I haven't really explored. But that aside, I'm a fan of the franchise and do hold out that something truly great comes. I'm excited for their other projects too but those seem to be in terminal development.

I really wish someone could do a new version of the the original master of orion, it and birth of the federation have the least amount of micomangement and are both fun to play.  Now that I have finally worked out how to properly configure dosbox I will be playing the original master of orion more.

Yep, MOO2 struck just the right balance between fun and work.  Galactic Civ 2 is a good game but its not up there with MOO2 IMO.  I avoided MOO3 based on all the bad press.
 
Sins of a Solar Empire is also good, almost great for an RTS, but still misses somehow.
 
Swords of the Stars, the jury is still out on that one.  I need to play it more. 
 
While I'm on the subject, why can't someone do a grahpically pleasing Mechwarrior strategy game.  I just know Matti is going to chime in on this one.  Titans of Steel is very detailed but lacks in the areas of GUI and pleasing graphics.  The role playing aspect of the game is wonderful, but I don't enjoy looking at it.
 

I can thank this thread for my compulsive buy of MOO2 from the local half price bookstore. Luckily it seems to run perfect as the windows 95 version in vista 64 bit. I might report back, but so far what I see is pretty darn cool.

You probably should have saved it for the weekend. It's pretty darn addictive.

ORIGINAL: sabre1

While I'm on the subject, why can't someone do a grahpically pleasing Mechwarrior strategy game.  I just know Matti is going to chime in on this one.

Since you asked... If you want graphically pleasing MechWarrior game, latest of the official games are MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries and MechAssault 2. As for BattleTech strategy games, graphically most pleasing is MechCommander 2.

But seriously, MegaMek may not look great, but at least it works. Gameplay hits home, graphics does its job, and there are some nice camos ( = skins) available for the units. Oh hey, have you tried the new 3d interface yet? (I haven't, becouse I don't need it)

Thanks Matti, I knew you would be the one who would know. [:D]
 
I will check out MegaMek and the 3d interface. 
 
Is/was Mechcommander 2 any good?

ORIGINAL: sabre1

Is/was Mechcommander 2 any good?

Some people say MechCommander Gold is the better one. To me, they are both pretty much the same. RTS with BattleMechs on them, that is. Anyways player has number of BattleMechs, and there is tonnage limit how many can be chosen for given scenario (so you can have like twenty 25 ton Commandos, or smaller number of heavier ones), and that is most of your assets you're going to get. Gameplay is RTS, and beyond moving your assets and firing at nearest enemies, there aren't much tactics involved. Oh, there is one scenario (in campaign), where minefields can be set up to weaken incoming attack. Also units with limited ammo (Hollander and its Gauss Rifle) are best to held in reserve against heavy opposition: Gauss Rifle is much more useful against heavy 'Mech when very limited ammo isn't spent against light hovercrafts first. Capture & repair of disabled 'Mechs in the field comes handy, and gives some additional firepower in matter of seconds (WAY out of the BattleTech rules). Graphics are full 3d, camera can be rotated, tilted, and zoomed. I liked playing it, even though it's less tactical than Ground Control.

Salutations,

UNIVERSAL COMBAT Collectors' Edition

This is a final compilation of ALL EIGHT GAMES from Derek Smart.

I know, I know, Smart comes across as a opinionated jerk, but his game(s) are actually very good, albeit very challenging. You might want to check this one out.

Oh, as a measure of difficulty and depth... it comes with a 97 page game tutorial. Mr. Smart used to adamantly disparage all those desiring a tutorial for his complex games. It looks like he came to his senses in this regard at least.

One can have a career as a Ship/Fleet Commander, Pilot or Marine.

Ground, first person combat presented.

Matti,
 
MegaMek is 2 person only, no AI?  Where do I find the 3d interface?  Thanks! 
 
wdboyd,
 
Reviews of this one were running mostly against.  It's funny, you mention his name and people in the know start foaming at the mouth.  I have never owned any of his games, just because of all the controversy.  I will mark this one as a possible down the road.  I also have my eye on X3, which from all accounts is a little more polished.
 
I just picked up Starshatter, and hopefully will get engrossed in it's world. 
 
I think I'm getting my space sim itch scratched:
 
I now own:
 
1. Gal Civ 2 + all modules
2. Sword of the Stars + all modules
3. Sins of a Solar Empire plus Entrenchment
4. Starshatter
5. Starship Unlimited V3.5 per Erik's recommendation
6. Mass Effect (actually enjoyed it)
 
Mechs interest me, so I will pursue Matti's recommendation and see what that is about.  TOS (Titans of Steel) I liked, but never got real comfortable with the interface, and the graphics did the job, but not the best to look at.  I will be honest I like looking at pleasing graphics.
 
Starship Unlimited is not that great graphically, but I'm hoping that the gameplay will keep me hooked.  Time will tell.
 

Re: Mechcommander & ST:BOF

I loved the original Mechcommander...but was pretty disappointed with the sequel from Microsoft - sure it looks better but just wasn't nearly as much fun. Anyway, I'm not sure if Mechcommander Gold is now abandonware or freeware or not but if you do a google you will quickly find a site to download the full game and patches. There is a community that keeps the game going - or tries too. (By the way - the original Mechcommander had a fantastic manual too)

And, as it happens, I have Star Trek: Birth of the Federation in my CD drive right now! I guess I've been playing it fairly consistently for about 10 years. And still binge on it every few months - good value! Apparently there are some mods in the works or that have been created. I have MOO2 also, and play occasionally, but prefer STBOF.