Y’all might be wondering, “Why am I wishing this particular game a happy birthday?”. Well, first off, it’s still the best game of its type. Secondly, thanks to the release of its source code and the resulting Freespace Open project, it’s still in active development (with many mods and total conversions that are just fantastical). Last but not least, it’s my all-time favorite game. ;)
The game didn’t light the world on fire back in 1999, but that was a result of bad timing and shifts in the gaming landscape, rather than through any fault of its own. Interestingly enough, the original game – Descent: Freespace – didn’t leave a huge mark on the genre. While it was really good, it was somewhat buried under many other releases of the day, and while it had a strong story, it didn’t quite have enough oomph to separate itself from the juggernauts of the day.
Then came Freespace 2, which not only built upon the modest success of the first game, but exceeded it in story, graphics, gameplay and features. I recall at the time that my own expectations were tempered a bit for the sequel, since the first game didn’t leave the biggest lasting impression on me. This might’ve worked in the sequel’s favor, as my lowered expectations allowed them to be blown away entirely by just how amazing every facet of this game is. From it’s amazingly-sized capital ships lancing through others with beam weapons, to the well-written friendly and enemy AI, to the amazing story to, ultimately, it’s incredible gameplay, Freespace 2 is still the game to beat so many years later, having set the bar so amazingly high.
It just amazes me that, fifteen years later, this game is still being improved upon, tinkered with, and also discovered by new fans. While I’m thrilled that there’s a resurgence in space gaming right now, and that games like Elite: Dangerous and Star Citizen look to carry on the torch that was dim for so very long, I find it hard to fathom that these or any other game will match the sheer brilliance found in Freespace 2’s gameplay.
If you haven’t played the game yet, and have even the SLIGHTEST interest in this sort of thing, get it ASAP. Thanks for reading my little rant. :)