Freelancer - PC

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Freelancer (PC)
Viewed: 3D First-person / Third-person Genre:
Space
Media: CD Arcade origin:No
Developer: Digital Anvil Soft. Co.: Microsoft
Publishers: Microsoft (GB/US)
Released: 6 Mar 2003 (US)
18 Apr 2003 (GB)
Ratings: 11+, ESRB Teen 13+ (T)
No Accessories: No Accessories

Summary

Space-set games, combat-based or otherwise, have a tendency to be amongst the most spectacular looking in the industry, and Microsoft's Freelancer is a prime example of not only the graphical capabilities of the PC, but of what makes a good strategy game too.

You assume the role of Edison Trent, freelance pilot. Whether you're a hero or villain, the epic space adventure of Freelancer shapes itself around your morals, or lack of them. Pilot your craft across a perilous galaxy; explore space stations and planets. Whatever you choose to do, job-hunting will never seem the same again... at least not in the virtual world.

The Freelancer world is essentially an open-ended Universe, whereby players have the freedom to choose random missions or follow the game's epic storyline closely. It is a world of exploration, competition and hostility in which you strive to chase the almighty dollar, disrupt corrupt governments, enforce the law or even chase human prey. There are many different scenarios - choose your path carefully.

Because there are several playing styles involved in Freelancer, ranging from menu-driven RTS elements to full on space combat, Microsoft has thankfully included an intuitive interface face that accommodates all aspects of gameplay with ease.

There is also a fine multi-player game in which gamers can participate both co-operatively or competitively via player-hosted server worlds, making the whole game much more compelling and unpredictable.

The bottom line is, regardless of which path you take, that Freelancer is a behemoth of game worth many hours of your time.