Yeah I just got this game a week or so ago and I gave up on it. Talk about a steep learning curve. I couldn't figure out how to do anything...
I mean I can fly and fight, but the trading stuff just baffled me. And it seems to be really hard to repair your ship, have to find a certain type of base I think....
Hate to give up on it already but I'm so wishing games were returnable at Walmart.
Yeah, the game does have a very steep learning curve. Starting is always the most difficult part, because screwing up will almost always cost you more than you can afford. Your best bet is to keep things simple; if you're better at combat then you may want to try and capture enemy fighters to either keep for yourself, or sell at a shipyard for decent profit (pending on how much of the hull is intact). Best way to do this is to drop an enemy's shield as fast as possible, and then chip away at the armor. With luck, the pilot will bail at around 80% hull. Also, if you need to repair a ship you can do this at any shipyard.
I've mentioned in an earlier post that it's worth checking out the Egosoft forums:
That links directly to the guide compilations for X2, X3 Reunion, and X3 Terran Conflict. They're great primers for giving you a basic understanding of all the game mechanics.
Maybe some day, they'll see a hero is just a man who knowshe's free.
Its been a while but I got the whole set off of steam for like 30 bucks. My X3 R game got corrupt so I rage quit for a while then started X3 AP. I had to put it away because it was destroying my life.