X2: Best looking space sim ever

[Renzatic Gear]

Wow, this game came out of nowhere. A nice space sim in the same vein as Privateer, Freelancer and..even though I've never heard of it before...the original X.

You got what looks like an open ended freeform universe coupled with graphics that use the same technology as what we're seeing in Doom 3, Deus Ex 2 and the new Thief. And the crazy part..it's coming out in October. If you're into this type of game I recommend you check this mug out and get the realtime rolling demo, you'll be impressed.

X2 The Threat (http://www.x2thethreat.com)

and of course the obligitory screenshot

Whoa (http://www.x2thethreat.com/x2/sotd1/(28).jpg)

If it plays as good as it looks I'll be first in line to get it.

[DBS]

It looks like it could be a more advanced Freelancer. We can hope anyhow !

[Suicides-by-Steve]

<div class=\"smallfont\">Wow, this game came out of nowhere. A nice space sim in the same vein as Privateer, Freelancer and..even though I've never heard of it before...the original X.

You got what looks like an open ended freeform universe coupled with graphics that use the same technology as what we're seeing in Doom 3, Deus Ex 2 and the new Thief. And the crazy part..it's coming out in October. If you're into this type of game I recommend you check this mug out and get the realtime rolling demo, you'll be impressed.

X2 The Threat (http://www.x2thethreat.com)

and of course the obligitory screenshot

Whoa (http://www.x2thethreat.com/x2/sotd1/(28).jpg)

If it plays as good as it looks I'll be first in line to get it.</div>

Hopefully the flight control is as friendly as Freelancer. I don't want to have to worry about buying a 150 dollar MS stick just to play a game. That's the nice thing about Freelancer... It was designed first and foremost to support the mouse, so the game was as accessible to the masses as any FPS. I generally shy away from most action flight sims, since only hardcore joystick input is viable, and playing without this support is unwise, and difficult at best. If they build the game with good mouse support, and add the stick option second, I'll be standing in line right behind you if the pics and demo are any indication of its' greatness.

[Renzatic Gear]

Hopefully the flight control is as friendly as Freelancer. I don't want to have to worry about buying a 150 dollar MS stick just to play a game. That's the nice thing about Freelancer... It was designed first and foremost to support the mouse, so the game was as accessible to the masses as any FPS. I generally shy away from most action flight sims, since only hardcore joystick input is viable, and playing without this support is unwise, and difficult at best. If they build the game with good mouse support, and add the stick option second, I'll be standing in line right behind you if the pics and demo are any indication of its' greatness.

I doubt it'll use a mouse driven flight model. Freelancer kinda went out on a limb implementing it and aparently alot of the hardcore space simmers didn't take to it. Personally I like em both, Freelancer took me all of 2 minutes to get used to the simplistic interface, but you have to admit that playing with a joystick does add alot to the immersion factor..gives you more of a "there" feeling once you get past the learning curve.

[Suicides-by-Steve]

<div class=\"smallfont\">but you have to admit that playing with a joystick does add alot to the immersion factor..gives you more of a "there" feeling once you get past the learning curve.</div>

Yes, I'll admit that... but 150 bucks is too much realism for my liking!! LOL :cool:

[Renzatic Gear]

Yes, I'll admit that... but 150 bucks is too much realism for my liking!! LOL :cool:

Hell damn, Steve..where do you do your shopping anyway? The joystick I use comes fully loaded with throttle, hats, XYZ axis and a crapload of buttons and the thing just cost me like $35 at the store. Even force feedback joysticks, which are just a gimmick if you ask me, only cost about $60ish for the most expensive models.

Check it out (http://store.yahoo.com/saitekusa/cyb3dusbstic1.html)

If you think about it, the hat on the thing looks like something really dirty.

[Suicides-by-Steve]

<div class=\"smallfont\">Hell damn, Steve..where do you do your shopping anyway?
If you think about it, the hat on the thing looks like something really dirty.</div>

I shop here (http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10002423&catid=14263&logon=&langid=EN&dept=18&WLBS=fsweb11).

Sick pig!! LOL ;) No wonder you like thumbing it so much!

[Renzatic Gear]

I shop here (http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10002423&catid=14263&logon=&langid=EN&dept=18&WLBS=fsweb11).

Sick pig!! LOL ;) No wonder you like thumbing it so much!

50 bucks CND for a great joystick (http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&dept=18&WLBS=fs%2Dweb3&sku_id=0665000FS92505855&catid=&newdeptid=18)

How can you beat that? Just don't go with force feedback and you'll be able to keep it in budget.

Yeah, you got a point...I almost expect the thing to put its hand on the back of my head and start pulling my hair when I play with it.

[Suicides-by-Steve]

<div class=\"smallfont\">Yeah, you got a point...I almost expect the thing to put its hand on the back of my head and start pulling my hair when I play with it.</div>

ROFL That's funny!! :D I dunno, I played with that Force Feedback Stick at my buddies house, and the bloody thing shook the couch, and nearly made me run out and buy both it, and Combat Flight Sim 3 (the game we were playing at the time). Man, firing off the rounds in a bombers turret while you could hear and feel each individual round fire off was stunning. The next day when I was sober though, made me realize the folly of doing such a thing. Both things put out by MS, and are simply meant to complement each other entirely... and all for a king's ransom. However, if I were to buy a stick and spend 50+ bucks, it would have to be the MS one.

[Renzatic Gear]

However, if I were to buy a stick and spend 50+ bucks, it would have to be the MS one.

Eh, I dunno about that. The Sidewinder and Wingman sticks are okay but I've always prefered Saitek stuff myself. The give on em is alot less forgiving and makes for more precise movement in my opinion, and considering that they're not quite as popular as the MS and Logitech sticks they're usually a little bit cheaper for the exact same quality.

[DBS]

Actually, playing Mechwarrior 3+4 with a ff joystick is a joy. Freespace 2, IL-2 etc the effects do add to the over game enjoyment. I do think you can find cheaper deals on ff joysticks but depending on the games it may sit around alot. To be honest I am happy with that purchase but it is not used too often.

[Fragmastar]

I've noticed that the graphics of X2 are very similar to those of Dino Crisis and Final Fantasy.

[E.T.]

<div class=\"smallfont\">Hell damn, Steve..where do you do your shopping anyway? The joystick I use comes fully loaded with throttle, hats, XYZ axis and a crapload of buttons and the thing just cost me like $35 at the store. Even force feedback joysticks, which are just a gimmick if you ask me, only cost about $60ish for the most expensive models.

Check it out (http://store.yahoo.com/saitekusa/cyb3dusbstic1.html)

If you think about it, the hat on the thing looks like something really dirty.</div>

I need a new stick, Saitek pictured in link looks impressive.

QUESTION: Many sticks [including the one in your link] dont specify support for XP os, mainly 98, & Millenium. Is XP excluded from support list due to advertising made prior to XP release [thats been a couple years now].
Bottom line: Can I assume if a stick supports 98 & Millenium, it will also support XP? I want to buy now, but would like to see "COMPATIBLE WITH XP" on specs.

[Renzatic Gear]

I need a new stick, Saitek pictured in link looks impressive.

QUESTION: Many sticks [including the one in your link] dont specify support for XP os, mainly 98, & Millenium. Is XP excluded from support list due to advertising made prior to XP release [thats been a couple years now].
Bottom line: Can I assume if a stick supports 98 & Millenium, it will also support XP? I want to buy now, but would like to see "COMPATIBLE WITH XP" on specs.

Yeah, from my experiences any joystick will work with XP as long as it has the proper drivers for it. Just find one that you like, go to the company's webpage, and if they have an updated set then you're good to go.

[E.T.]

I tried to hook up my old MS Precision Pro [midi port], but all I have is Firewire & Usb ports on new unit.
I was so desperate to play something different I loaded Freespace/Great War & tried to play it w/keyboard! What a struggle that was [I got the cash, just too lazy to shop around, & then theres the part were you gotta get off your can & buy the damn thing...LOL!]

I do want a quality unit though, I'll see if I can find Saitek locally @ a "big box" type store.