However it compels the player to explore the universe, and uses gameplay mechanics to add to the story. There are no branching paths, nor is it very deep. The plot is quite basic and a bit lack luster. However it's a good thing in an AMAZING game.Ģnd is the plot. It actually is a good map system, and in most games wouldn't even be a con. Here are the ONLY (IMO of course) two cons.ġst, the map system is very clunky, and involves moving manually through sectors.
There are near NO cons, and those that exist are extremely minor. I just wish there was more of it, each track is done so wonderfully, and if there where a few more, I feel I could have put this as a major pro. The music is great, and each of the tunes fits the situation wonderfully. Lasers and the like are all represented by distinct sounds, and each char (with the speech pack) can talk.
The soundtrack, while basic, does a great job of causing sweat to drip of your face. Still, they're more than enough to live with. Thankfully, they are livable, and are not near as bad as some games of the time. At the time of launch they where absolutely amazing, sadly by now they are a tad outdated. There is not much to say about the graphics. The sensation of buying a new ship and upgrading with to tachyon laers is near unrivaled in the game industry.Īnother thing to note is the fact that you can join GUILDS! There are only 2 (mercenary and merchant) but both pay high, and encourage variety in gameplay. In the beginning, you don't even have a jump drive to travel to other systems! slowly but surely you work your way up the ladder slowly earning better lasers and ships. You start off with a base ship and very basic equipment. One more important part of the gameplay, is the sense of progression. You can spend as much time wandering the mysterious depths of space as you dog fighting.
Killing police or innocents is not restricted by the game, and you can even side with the evil kil'rathi. You can act as an illegal mercenary who spends most of their time in illegal space, or as a merchant trading to the troy system. This brings me to the next big part of this game, the fact that you aren't limited in what you can do, unlike most space sims. (especially for the space sim genre, where most characters have about as much personality as a bag of yeast.) Given a distinctive personality, and a practical anti hero, he's a unique character. With the main character being the crown jewel. Upgrades actually affect how your ship looks, and each part can be seen before buying it.ĭifferent characters in the story and universe actually feel distinct. Each ship has a different cockpit, complete with functioning scanners and displays. The level of detail in privateer is what's probably the MOST immersive part of it! From going to bars in one of the many landing stations to hear rumors, to the different feel of each system. choosing ecms or ff missiles can be an important choice that will decide weather you live or die. Using either 2 of one type of laser, or 1 of 2 different types can be the difference between life and death. The difference while upgrading factors in quite a bit as well. As well as systems in game actually failing or not working at optimal pace when damaged. Getting shot at means you'll get damage to your cockpit. The gameplay (like pretty much everything in the game) adds to the immersion and feel of the game. It's not extremely advanced, but it does the job while feeling fun. Traveling on the other hand is fun and simple. The soundtrack causes your heart to speed up when damaged, and the fear of your shields being down and being a laser from death is an adrenaline pump.
In addition, tension is applied during combat splendidly. Slowly hitting enemies with lasers while avoiding getting missile locked. From the amazing fights, to traveling the universe, prepare to experience the universe!īut how does Privateer play? The dog fights follow wing commander's formula of ww2 style dog fights. Every little detail pushes the very limits of immersion, and puts you in the pilot seat. Set in the Gemini sector of the wing commander universe, Privateer is a game all about immersion. From the functional but great looking hud, to the great and varied options when you land in one of the many landing zones. Everything fuses immersion and fun with surgical precision. Everything from the graphics (obviously dated, but near the very best of their time) to the soundtrack are absolutely breath taking. Privateer shakes that very belief to its core. Sure some have smaller flaws, or ones that don't affect the game much. Every game, no matter how amazing has flaws. By abdulahadbawany | Review Date: JI am a firm believer that there is no such thing as a perfect game.