It still plays great and without any issues, but not many will go for it today.
Gameplay doesn’t feel old-school and keeps it simple. That’s fortunate because tutorial is just a bunch of messages that doesn’t teach you anything. Most actions, such as aiming and firing, can be done using a mouse, while more complex actions require a keyboard. You may regulate your speed using the scroll button or by matching the speed of your target. There is also a temporary boost for swiftly going somewhere or getting out of a battle.
The left mouse button fires lasers, while the right is tied to missiles. These are extremely valuable because you only have a limited supply. Laser firing consumes energy, although it recharges rather quickly. Energy is also used to power shields, which replenish when not taking damage. If you're in trouble, you can transfer energy to the forward or rear shields.
Although new ships and weaponry can be purchased, all upgrades must be completed using resources obtained in a variety of ways. Once you acquire the requisite amount, you can upgrade eight statistics, including speed, weapon damage, and targeting. Everything can be done immediately from your inventory, so there's no need to visit a space station.
The space is open, allowing you to go anywhere. It is populated by 10 factions who will either allow you to fly freely or shoot you on sight. By docking at stations, you can do secondary tasks for whatever faction you desire and increase your ranking. Bribing someone with money is the simplest option, but it can be costly if they are hostile toward you.
The majority of information is available at all times, however you must dock to trade or accept missions. This might be a space station or trading ships that often travel through friendly systems. Jumping between systems is a bit awkward because you have to fly to the jump point. Although there is a quick jump to the point, it can only be used when you are far away from stations.
You’re free to do whatever you want. You can try to gain money through trading valuable goods between systems, do missions, or take the pirate route and attack vulnerable ships. There are also story missions, but they aren't that enjoyable. You accomplish a variety of tasks, but the script is not that interesting. Also, the font is too small on big resolutions.
Time spent in the game will depend on how you remember the old days. Graphics might not be great, but gameplay is still there.
