Jumpgate and Jumpgate Evolution
Hi all. Just to add to the list of space sim games in this thread I can personally recommend;
Jumpgate (
http://www.jossh.com) (now known as Jumpgate Classic (2001))
It is a true twitch based space combat game like no other and has been running since 2001. While its graphics show their age in comparison to other, newer games, it certainly has the largest portion of that old Elite magic of any space sim game I have played and its gameplay is tremendous.
For the pure adrenaline rush of space combat nothing beats it as it is you at the controls flying on your own skills and using your knowledge in a near Newtonian universe. And there is no point and click, sit back and watch gameplay. Its you and your wits vs the universe. Seriously, if your an Elite fan this game is worth checking out.
One of the hardest things for new pilots to do in Jumpgate, is dock - sound familiar? But once learned you'll soon forget all the times you splash on the stations surface.
Heres a vid link of some ingame movies including one of me and some of my squadmates on a tour of space, nothing fancy but you can get the look of the game.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=7_ZWeEeHfvo
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=hBX8cq0BCdE
Next
I would HIGHLY recommend
Jumpgate Evolution (
http://www.jumpgateevolution.com) as THE game to watch. Created by Netdevil and to be published by Codemasters it will be going beta this year and is THE game for hands on pilots. Just check out the vid on the frontpage of the official site.
Incidentally the Jumpgate Evolution (JGE) devs are in the UK march 14th and 15th in Birmingham for the Connect08 event Codemasters are running and there will be a first look/play opportunity there with guaranteed beta keys.
No list of space games is complete without mention of Netdevil's Jumpgate.