other space explorer/trader/fighter games

[sean24]

I know a few games you might want to look into:

-EVE Online: (http://www.eveonline.com/)
Crucible expansion just released. I don't have an active account but I can tell you that the game is very in-depth and fun but does take a while to get the hang of (and you can't directly control your ship).
-Black Prophecy: (http://blackprophecy.com/)
I can't play it from my region but it does look very nice.
-X Series: (http://www.egosoft.com/games/x_rebirth/info_en.php) I would recommend any of the X games but X3:Terran Conflict is the newest one. X rebirth is in development. In X3 you can fight and control fleets of ships, trade in a dynamic economy, explore and build your own space stations. The downside is the learning curve- it is steep. There are lots of mods which is a great bonus though.
-DarkStar One - Honestly this game isn't that great, it's non linear but it lacks in areas. Bargain bin game so won't be losing too much...
-Freespace 2 - Can't say I've played it but I have heard great things. (I should buy from good old games..)
-Nexus: The Jupiter Incident - Again havn't played but seems like a more tactical/combat space game
-Pioneer - (http://pioneerspacesim.net/)
This game is currently in Alpha stage so there is no combat/gameplay apart from exploring.
-Infinity Universe (http://www.infinity-universe.com/Infinity/index.php) This game looks amazing but sadly is in development and will be for a few more years I guess.

Other Freelancer Mods you might be interested in:

Freeworlds: Tides of War-(in development release 15 dec) http://www.moddb.com/mods/fwtow
Crossfire mod- http://www.moddb.com/mods/crossfire/
Shattered worlds mod- http://www.moddb.com/mods/shattered-worlds

Other space games (Strategy/RPG)

Sins of a Solar Empire
Star Ruler - indie game does have demo on steam.
Mass Effect series - RPG set in sci fi universe
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic - RPG set in star wars universe