In the "game playability" thread, it was pointed out that there is a SR1 and an SR2, as well as a Europe-only expansion to SR2. To further confuse things, SR2 is sometimes just called SR, though SR(2) comes with SR1 in some packages. If I recall correctly, SR1 wasn't released in the states, but this is all awfully confusing and it'd be nice if someone could clarify what actually comes in the GOG download.

I just found out about this game when I saw it on here, but I don't think I can buy it if it isn't in fact SR2, which everyone seems to agree is superior to SR1.

It doesn't help that some of the reviews and such of Space Rangers 2 use Space Rangers 1 screenshots in them.

I agree, if someone from GOG could just jump in and briefly clarify what it is they are selling, that would be great.

Hmmmm. It looks like SR2 and its expansion are going for $15 each on Amazon, so SR probably means SR1. It might be a few years before GOG even gets a chance at securing the rights to SR2... but confirmation from a buyer who's already familiar with all of them would be nice.

The more I look into it, the more likely I think you're correct.

SR2 does, in fact, have hyperspace arcade.

The difference in enemies, however, confirms that this is Space Rangers 2. SR 1 mentions the others in the back story, but they are never seen in game.

Cool deal, thanks for clearing that up. I have finally got the hang of it, and it is a nice change of pace from the rest of the game. Even though this isn't the 'preferred' version, it is still a fun game; I'll probably get the sequel if it is offered here.

My only real gripe with the game is the steep learning curve. However, it does give it a bit of that 'old school' feel. The whole "here, let me rape you until you figure out how to do it right" bit reminds me of some of the sink-or-swim games of the late '80s and early '90s.

If it's like the 2nd one, the key for me to starting out was to go immediately to the planet you start on and using your starting money to upgrade a few components a get a cheap second weapon if you are playing a merchant. I don't know if this game lets you choose bonus components at character creation, but they were placed on the planet in SR2 rather than on the ship, something I failed to realize at first.

There is no on-planet storage in SR1, so that isn't an issue. As for choosing bonus components, I think you get different starting components/ship in SR1 depending on what race and background is picked. Is that what you meant? There is no option to directly choose a component.

There were a few things that I figured out that make starting out much easier in SR1:

1) You can see the current prices and quantity of goods at any planet by using the search function in the Info screen while landed at a planet/base. It doesn't let you look up those details for bases though, but no huge loss.

2) In the Hyperspace Arcade Battles, flying backwards and spamming Photon Guns at a pursuer is very effective (early on, anyway). Since the Photon Gun will follow the target somewhat (10 - 15 degree angle leeway), a player can dodge their fire and snag power-ups without letting up on the opponent at all. Putting a gun on each firing button allows them to be fired simultaneously doubling the damage (works with any two weapons, AFAIK, but I have only tested it with a Photon Gun on one button and a Zip Gun on the other, so far).

3) Fast engines are a must early on. There are many times where you need to race across a Klissan contested system to complete a mission on time (or just to get out of the way of pirates). The second tier engine (450 speed) seems adequate to outrun 90% of hostiles early on, and upgrading it to around the 500 speed range (I know 450 +60 is an option) allows one to outrun 99% of hostiles.

4) A repair droid is a waste of space early on. Unless you find a good deal on a really small droid, the space is probably better used for another weapon or just leaving it for more trade capacity. An extra 5 - 10 hullpoints a day isn't going to help that much when you are getting gang-banged by Klissans anyway.

Ah. That's a bit different then.

In SR2, you do still get different starting ships depending on race and class, but in addition you get to pick some better components in the startup screen.

The thing is, your components, depending on background, are not adequate to complete the tutorial, which kindof threw me at first.

Is this entirely freeroaming? Like a 2d Freelancer / X game? I'd definitely dig into that.

Yeah. It is a sandbox game where the over-arching mission is 'Get rid of the Klissans". How you do it is entirely up to you. You can be a trader, be a bounty hunter, or just pirate everyone. As long as you end up dealing with the Big Bad Evil Guy (Malpacha, or something like that), then you win. All this is explained in the the manual and/or in the first 5 minutes of the game, so I am not spoiling anything here :).

Yes, although wandering into enemy controlled territory isn't always a bright idea, unless you're ready to do something about that.

Thanks!

The more I read, the better this game sounds.

From what I can tell the available demo is for SR2. Before I waste time with DL and installation, does anyone know if the demo provides a fair gameplay sample for this earlier version of SR?