I looked at some gameplay videos, and it looks like you navigate the galaxy in a ship that you design with parts that you've bought or picked up, can go on ground and fight, and trade stuff. I remember playing a game called Planet's Edge that have similar gameplay mechanics, except that space combat was in real-time, and ground combat is turn-based. I wonder if anyone knows that game, and can compare it to this series?

If you pick one of the two games in this series, which would you pick? I'm a bit limited in my budget, but would love to play this.

Thanks!

Most players say that Space Rangers 2 is better. It's essentially the same design but improved in a lot of ways. I've actually only played the first one, but it does sound like the sequel improves several aspects so I think it's safe to recommend the second game. Also the first game does not have ground combat; instead there is an arcade-style spaceship combat mode in hyperspace.

I've never played Planet's Edge so I can't compare Space Rangers to that, but I can say that Space Rangers is a lot of fun. It can be hard though... I recommend using the easy difficulty setting the first time, and reading the manual to learn some of the mechanics. There are also several threads in these forums with advice for new players.