KrysTOFF: I checked the list on first page and saw a game named Everspace that I never heard of before.
Those who have it, would you say it is a relevant game for me who is a long-time fan and still play the Wing Commander/Privateer games ? I ask because I don't really see what a "space rogue-like game" means to be honest. ^_^
If you consider it close enough to the Wing Commander/Privateer games then I would be very happy to get a key for that Everspace game. If Everspace's gameplay is really different then I'll pass and let the key to someone else.
Thanks in advance for your feedback.
srhill: I've been playing this one for days. If you can get into it, it's very entertaining (and addictive), but be warned that it's also quite challenging. I've seen a number of complaints from people who think that it's too difficult, and while it certainly has a learning curve, practice will make you better.
It's similar to Wing Commander in the sense that all modern space sims are more or less like Wing Commander (or X-Wing, or TIE Fighter, or Freespace, etc.). The one game that it probably reminds me of more than any other is Freelancer (though there are some important differences), as the emphasis is upon fast-paced combat. There's both a third-person view and an in-cockpit view (which is surprisingly detailed), and you can use either. The game is single-player only; there is no multiplayer mode.
Everspace has only a loose plot and no rigid structure; there are no mission briefings. You pick a starting loadout and difficulty level, launch your ship, and fight your way across several sectors of space toward a set (but unknown, during the story) destination. The specific enemies, environments, and level layouts are randomized (up to a point; early sectors are generally easier, while later ones are more difficult). New weapons and equipment are salvaged from what you can find and equipped on the fly. Then you die, because the game is hard. But when you die, you go back to the hangar, use the money you earned on your last run to purchase permanent upgrades for your ship (or a new ship entirely), and then you try again. This process repeats itself several times until you reach the final sector and resolve the plot, which should take you, at a minimum, a couple of dozen attempts.
It's not for everyone, and there are parts that feel unpolished (the DLC helps to flesh things out a little), but as I said, if you can get into it, you'll enjoy it. It's also very pretty.
Absence of plot is not such an issue, you can play also quite freely like that in Privateer games (like good old Elite too). I don't know Freespace nor Freelancer. I see there are 2 Freespace games on GOG and with a discount, I'll go for them first then. ;-)
Overall, Everspace looks like a game I would like so I will add it to my wishlist (waiting for a discount, money is short after Christmas when you have 4 children).
Thanks again shrill for that feedback.
edit : I bought both Freespace games + Thimbleweed Park and got Everspace for free finally, so all is good for me, please zeogold forget my request for Everspace. ;-)