Hands-On

This is Alpha 1, over

We here at Firingsquad (motto: Click the correct monkey and win $20!) got our hands on a beta copy of Freespace 2, since we're just all-around studly. Yours truly has had a chance to play the game, and gain some insight into the finer points of space warfare. I now have some advice for all you other hardcore gamers. I will dispense that advice . . . now.

Firefight

My wingman

Ok, so I just wanted to use that line. What I can tell you about Freespace 2 is that it features some of the coolest plot-immersion we've ever seen. Oh sure, you're expecting us to drool over the game's graphics as if we were Interplay/Volition's PR agency, but there's really no point. Everyone's expecting sweet-looking graphics, and they're there. They aren't groundbreaking, they aren't a disappointment, they're just solid, current 3D graphics.

'nother ugly ship

Nebula lurker

Plot what? What immersion? Whatwhat?

Check this out, see if this one moves ya: Freespace 2 has an interesting plot that's relevant to gameplay! The cockpit chatter between your wingmen and commander goes beyond simple background noise; a drama is played out through their conversations. In the second mission, for example, you are ordered to attack a huge asteroid-shaped enemy installation. As you do, a transmission comes in telling, then threatening, you to stop. Your commander claims the transmission is bogus, and to keep attacking the target. After a battle with the asteroid base and the fighters swarming around it, it turns out the base is a ship. You're ordered to take out the engines, but it's too late; the ship enters hyperspace.

Dogfighting

Fire away

After a quick debriefing, you're sent back out after the ship, which has been tracked to another jump point. As you're flying in to attack it, your wingmen start questioning the commander's orders, and they get into a verbal fight. "We're the ones out here putting our asses on the line!" Your crewmates think something fishy is going on, you're tracking a giant mysterious ship which claims to be doing scientific research, your commander's intentions are uncertain . . . I was intrigued!

Gotcha

Explosion in space?