Despite Elite's astounding success, appeal and depth (for a game that spanned a few meager KBs), few developers dared to improve on its unique formula. Privateer and Freelancer are two outstanding examples, but there are few others. Even Microsoft's attempt at a MMO game based on this concept met with very limited success. That is odd, considering that this kind of game seems ideally suited to online multiplayer.
Very few gamers outside Germany even know about Egosoft and its X game. However, it seems it was successful enough to spawn a sequel, which seems to be the first "true" Elite successor. It has its share of bugs, its interface is overcomplicated (until one learns the shortcuts), combat is harsh (no, not hard, HARSH is the word) and the cutscenes are below par (as far as character models go, anyway). However, it has exactly what Freelancer lacked: depth, truly wide open possibilities and a large scope. How many games are you aware of that permit you to fly a great capital ship, simultaneously issuing (or assuming control of) turrets and space fighters? Or build your own merchant fleet or industrial empire? It takes loads of time to even start thinking about what to do with your hard-earned credits, but at least now there always is something to do with them. Given enough time, X2 could play like a trading/management game, a full-fledged space combat sim or a little bit of both. The graphics in-flight are stunning too. Bugs and cutscenes aside, this game is a true gem for the patient player, especially fans of Elite who were left wanting after Freelancer.
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