FreeSpace 2

 PC
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. GamePro
    100
    Whether you've played the original or not, Freespace 2 takes its place among the greatest space-flight sims of all-time.
  2. Gamezilla!
    97
    If you are any kind of space combat game fan, don't let this one get away!
  3. PC Gameworld
    96
    It is highly addictive, due mainly to the trite but compelling story, is great fun to play, and should provide as much of a challenge to those who aren't familiar with this genre as it does to space-sim veterans.
  5. GameSpot
    94
    One of the best space sims ever made and is a solid candidate for game of the year.
  6. PC Gamer
    93
    Breathtaking action, atmosphere, story, and graphics come together to create a truly compelling combat experience. [Jan 2000, p.172]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. GameSpy
    92
    From beginning to end, the involving storyline and varying mission types will keep you wanting more, which is provided by the sufficient multiplayer capabilities, and the interesting SquadWar ladder system.
  8. Game Revolution
    91
    The new ships, new weapons (such as the extraordinarily nasty TAG missile...you'll see), the unbelievably large cap ships, and just the sheer joy of playing this title makes it an easy pick for space combat sim of the year.
  9. Hot Games
    90
    Multiplayer of course shines, and there's never been a better excuse to splash out for that cable modem than the multi-tiered dogfights possible in FreeSpace 2. The best of its kind yet.
  10. All Game Guide
    90
    As far as I'm concerned, there's nothing like this in the genre, much less among the space sims released in 1999. Is it an all-time classic? Probably not, but it's damn close.
  11. CPUGamer
    90
    The final mission is by far the coolest and depending on how you finish it depends on the final cut scene.
  12. Computer Games Magazine
    90
    The emphasis on story and involving missions, combined with great visuals, audio, and exceptional control make this a top-notch game.
  13. Adrenaline Vault
    90
    Manages to do what few sequels can--retain all of the good things in the original and improve on them, while still incorporating new features and gameplay elements never before seen.
  14. Yahoo!
    90
    The enemy AI isn't really what it should be. This is a minor criticism, but when a game reaches this level things like this tend to stand out.
  15. IGN
    89
    Still very derivative of the games that came before it. What's different this time around is that Volition has added to the genre instead of just cloning it.
  16. Electric Playground
    85
    Graphically, FreeSpace 2 is absolutely stunning.
  17. Eurogamer
    70
    But playing the game makes you realise just how little effect any one pilot has on a war, and how futile and dehumanising the whole thing is. I'm sure it wasn't meant to, but there you go... The world's first pacifist space combat sim?

Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best PC Game of 1999
7
#7 Most Discussed PC Game of 1999
6
#6 Most Shared PC Game of 1999

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 159 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 139 out of 159
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 159
  3. Negative: 13 out of 159
  1. iceonfire1
    Dec 15, 2011
    10
    Absolutely excellent game. It has an elegantly simple (but very compelling) plot, and excellent graphics. Although it involves enough controlsAbsolutely excellent game. It has an elegantly simple (but very compelling) plot, and excellent graphics. Although it involves enough controls to blur the line between 'simulator' and 'game,' this is actually a highlight--the control scheme is well-designed and unobtrusive. Ever 2-3 years I try it out again and find that I instinctively remember how to play and shortly thereafter why I liked it so much.

    Even better, the original Freespace 2 has been vastly improved since it's release (see the Freespace Source Code Project). My only regret while playing this was that I could never find anyone on the multiplayer servers, despite rumors of crazy tournament-based fun, etc.    … Full Review »
  2. Bucciamarcia
    Dec 14, 2011
    10
    It's a shame this game didn't get the attention it deserves, because it's a real masterpiece. I very rarely give a perfect score, butIt's a shame this game didn't get the attention it deserves, because it's a real masterpiece. I very rarely give a perfect score, but Freespace 2 deserves it. The graphics, although old, are still more spectacular than most games I've seen in the past few years. The sound effects and the soundtrack could not have been done better, the gameplay is amazing and the plot and storytelling are among the best I've seen. If you like space simulators, you need to buy this game.… Full Review »
  3. iiee
    Oct 25, 2010
    10
    Greatest combat space sim ever made fullstop. Probably my favourite PC game ever and one of the last of dead breed of games the combat spaceGreatest combat space sim ever made fullstop. Probably my favourite PC game ever and one of the last of dead breed of games the combat space sim. If you ever enjoyed Tie fighter/X-wing/rogue squadron then get yourself a joystick and grab this game and freespace source code project (the community upgrade) and prepare to fall in love.… Full Review »
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