Hi I just have a quick question. I am thinking of buying freespace 2 thanks to GOG because i heard from multipul websites that it it one of the best space combat sims of all time. My question is i am not very good with download mods such as the source engine mod( which i heard greatly enhances graphics) so I was wondering if the graphics still hold up today ? Also since i am new to space combat games does it work with a joystick?

Freespace 1 and 2 both work with joysticks and your modern operating systems - be aware some people have had compatibility issues with both (just like any old game), but in general they work. If you do have problems, come back, and post them here and/or contact GOG support to work through them.

They actually used to have an automated installer for the FSO engine, but unfortunately it no longer works. A new one is being worked on. However, the instructions for manual installation are not too bad if you want to give it a shot though I understand if you don't (manual installation instructions).

I really enjoyed FS2 and FS1 - I played them through the FSO engine on my Mac, (the engine may be different, but the campaign content is the same). I also enjoyed some of the mods (especially the Blue Planet series), but they require the FSO engine. You can also download some the total conversion mods (for Battlestar Galactica, Babylon 5, etc ...) which don't require installation of the FSO over your copy of FS2 (it's all self-contained in the download).

thanks for your quick reply! after reading the mod installation gide i think it looks easy enough to try so I was wondering if you could just tell me what are the top mods people use for for graphics.

The basic thing is you just have to install the engine and then the mediavps (which contain the high-res assets). Those two allow you to play FS2 with the new graphics. The exact graphical settings you can control from the launcher.

Let me know of your success, or if you run into problems. :)