One Of The Elite Classics

Posted on 2011-06-02 18:12:34 byLantisdrag013:

While I've been a member of GOG.com for almost two years now, I've always been one to stay on the sidelines and not be actively involved - this game has brought about change. In a gamer's day when space sims were still highly marketable and computer games in general were on top, Origin Systems (We miss you Richard & Robert Garriot) struck gold with the release of "Wingread more Commander," a masterpiece space sim with Christopher Roberts' in the cockpit. No less popular, and (a little) more non-linear than it's predecessors, Privateer puts you in the pilot's seat of a freelancer simply trying to ply his trade in a most hazardous, yet lucrative 'world' (for lack of a better term). Taking place during the Terran-Kilrathi war, dangers abound, ranging from the obvious Kilrathi, to space pirates, to the Military itself. With the freedom to decide which side you want to favor (albeit with no real change in the storyline), it gives a little flare to gameplay, and adds an element that keeps you playing, even when repetition would have had you moving on to something else after a while. As a freelance Merc, you have the options of trading commodities, legal or otherwise, from planet to planet - even space stations - , collecting bounties on rogue pirates' and their factions, fending off the Kilrathi threat for the Military, and more. What's more, you have the the option to purchase new ships (although your limited to 3 choices), and the purchasing and upgrading of said ship is half of what Privateer is all about. You will spend countless hours saving up the money for weapons or tech upgrades, hunting down the bad guys just for fun, and pursuing a decent storyline. Trust me when I say more hours will be put in to playing the missions of your choice vs. the storyline... as the story itself is not very long, and you face an inevitable death without upgrading, but somehow this game WILL keep you playing. If you've never had an opportunity to play this title (or any Origin game, for that matter) do yourself a favor and try it out. I promise you that there is little else where $5.99 could be better spent. As a game veteran of over 25 years, I have to say "Hats off to the staff!" Thanks GOG! You guys have done wonders in resurrecting gone-but-not-forgotten titles, but this day is one I've been waiting for. I look forward to seeing what other great titles are in store for us!