This updated demo contains bug fixes.

"X² - The Threat" is the next "offline game" part of the X series.

Continuing your voyage through an ever growing universe full of new adventures, old friends and new enemies.

Fully packed with the maximum freedom of gameplay in a fully simulated REAL universe. More TRADING, more BUILDING, more FIGHTING and more EXPLORATION than ever before.

DEMO REVIEW
X2 is the sequel to X: Beyond the Frontier and the latest in a meager line of space simulations. The reasonably sized download is extremely generous offering five separate tutorial modes guiding you through the basics as well as an expansive open-ended ‘test universe’.

The latter gives you the freedom to do whatever you like in X2’s ambitious world. You can space walk to commandeer another ship, trade, hunt down pirates, hire ships to run supply routes between your factories, maintain satellites, or else just fly around admiring the scenery.

The tutorial modes give the demo a graduated learning curve meaning that it’s hard to become overwhelmed by the expansive and complex menu and control system. Word of advice though: print the readme file out beforehand as it lists all of the keyboard controls for easy reference.

The first thing you’ll notice is that the visuals in this game are gorgeous and imaginative with space formations such as cloudy nebulae and distant solar patterns rendered with great talent. The dignified soundtrack is perfect for the dark of space but sound effects are sparse and flimsy.

X2 is let down by a slightly cumbersome combat and flight system. The lack of any significant momentum or inertia in the X2 universe means piloting and navigation lacks feeling and dynamism. My only other complaint is that interacting with NPC’s is substandard and generally limited to asking for directions or making threats – both of which tend to generate the same broken record responses.

X2 really shines though when you delve into its economic and trading strategies. You can deal in an extremely wide variety of unique commodities such as the entertainingly titled ‘meatsteak cahoonas’ and the economic system is flexible and responds dynamically to your buying and selling decisions.

Each docking station also allows you to browse the bulletin board that contains news and information furnishing the game with rich background detail and adding to the sense of a living, changing environment.

Another welcome aspect are the game’s limited RPG elements such as character promotions, and a reputation gauge that determines how trustworthy potential employers consider you.

This game is perfect for starving Elite fans and people who got bored playing Freelancer. The small download is crammed with practically every aspect of the game and if you have the time and patience to explore its variety, it could keep you entertained for weeks.


Demo review by Alan Butterworth.

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