1899.

Keane!

edit: the Jack Keane 2 that is. I'm surprised that the GOG community didn't get it faster ;)

Excellent, sir! I thought it's going to be a no-brainer too :)
Your turn :)

I don't have this game nor I actually want to but hey, Keane is legendary and knowing what is it about is considered good manners around here.

Here is the new one:

I need to leave this planet ASAP! Unfortunately I can't afford a proper engine that can give me enough boost to accomplish that. Shall go for another treasure hunt? Or maybe I should finally take part in those blasted races and hope for the best?

Sword of the Stars? Wild guess...
The situation kind of reminds me KotOR 1 beginning.

Nope, try again ;)

Just added another wild guess, but not everything fits :)

Neither... if it is too hard I'll add a few more details to my description. But let's wait a bit for that

hmm.. sounded a bit like Mercenary to begin with but then, later, not so much...

It's not the game I meant

Beyond Good and Evil?

Of course! Your turn!

Someone else may post one. Don't have the time right now. :)
Surprised I was right about BG&E though since I never bothered getting very far in it. xD

I will have a go since nobody else seems to be taking the opportunity. This is a game I have been playing the last few days.

I walk through the gateway, the large square arena is before me and I know within seconds it will begin to be populated. In the center are old pillars, crumbling walls and rubble and on the fringes are small buildings maybe housing what I need to get through this, maybe just empty. In the center is everything I need but I should not be hasty as I will be most exposed there. Behind me is the complex I have just passed through and all around is desert, seemingly endless and deadly to venture into.