Freespace

Create your own detailed missions using FRED, the fully featured mission editor. There are three unique species, each with its own strengths, weaknesses, tactics, ships, and fighting characteristics, driven by an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system. Choose from eight different fighters and bombers, then outfit them with a wide array of advanced weaponry. Selectively target ship subsystems, defensive turrets, and fighter bays with an in-depth HUD combat system.

The Terrans and the Vasudans have been embroiled in a lengthy conflict, stemming from a "misunderstanding" during the first formal meeting of the two species. During this war, a mysterious third alien species enters the scene and begins wrecking havoc upon the Terrans and the Vasudans. Hence, the long time foes turn into allies in order to defend their homeworlds from an even more significant threat: the Shivans.

The graphics in this game are outstanding. Flying alongside a two kilometer-long enemy capital ship is not uncommon here. The mission design is very good and the story will keep you interested. Although the list of controls may seem daunting, you only need to know a few of them to effectively play the game. The music is appropriately epic throughout and the sound effects are great with a set of headphones. The sound of Shivan fighters streaming by your craft is unforgettable.

Even cooler is that the designers included FRED, the FReespace EDitor. This easy-to-use program lets you do virtually everything the designers themselves did. There are also many awesome user-made missions out there for after you beat the main campaign.

I'd say that the only real flaw to this game is the multiplayer. Although they fixed the code in FreeSpace 2, the original still lags quite a bit. But, the single-player game is worth the price of admission alone! For the current price of this game, it's a steal! Don't miss your chance to check out this superb game.