X3: Reunion

 PC
User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 310 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 196 out of 310
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 310
  3. Negative: 89 out of 310
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  1. PeteNA
    Nov 15, 2009
    7
    For overall clarity of understanding the game rates a bit low. It's not that it's impossible, nor is it even complicated. Rating a game based on how complicated it is is just silly. If you can't understand it, it doesn't mean someone else can't. Chess is complicated for many people. That doesn't make it a bad game. No, what I mean by "clarity of For overall clarity of understanding the game rates a bit low. It's not that it's impossible, nor is it even complicated. Rating a game based on how complicated it is is just silly. If you can't understand it, it doesn't mean someone else can't. Chess is complicated for many people. That doesn't make it a bad game. No, what I mean by "clarity of understanding" is simply how well the game explains it's complications. For instance it's a bit tricky to navigate your way through certain menu options. At times it's a bit like shopping at Lowe's hardware. Certain items simply are not the aisles you would expect them to be in. The same seems true at times with X3: Reunion. I spotted a review from a user giving this game a zero (0) rating simply because the controls "could not be reconfigured to invert the mouse X axis." I'm sure Glen looked for that option, and probably didn't find it, but it does in fact exist in the game. The problem is the way the menus are broken down it's not under the heading most gamers would look for. For game play itself, the actual flow of the game and the abilities of the player to immerse themselves in the universe of X3, I'd say the game is impeccable. During play there is a sense of really being there. And when reality becomes suspended I personally feel "if only it could really happen!" Now that is suspension of disbelief! Another downfall of this game, and it can be a major one, is the tricky messaging system. Some messages that one would feel are key are left out of the message log. Now, most players will complain about this, and even I find it annoying as I have been spoiled by games like "Fallout 3" and "Oblivion" as well as others that keep very detailed "quest logs" The thing is us old school gamers should know better! We should be keeping notes on important quest details! (I'm 42 myself and I've been gaming since ZORK was a baby!) In fact I think the designers did this intentionally. No, not to make some of us moan and whine. I think they did it to make us THINK. You remember when gaming took thinking if you're older than 25. If you're younger than 25, I apologize, but yes at one point we actually did have to think to play computer games. We had to take notes by hand on paper with pens in order to remember what important things NPCs had said, or what details we had read in some note or on a sign. Other than the fact that this game has some glitchiness with the quest system at times (for instance your quest targets simply not being there when you get there and n o explanation then or later as t to why!) it really is worth the money you pay to play it. Speaking of which, I see a review by a man claiming to have pirated this software to try it. You know, I'm probably not the only member of law enforcement who reads these boards. Fortunately for you I'm just a local patrolman. Finally, in parting, let me say this: Reviewing a game you haven't even done more than play an hour of is not really a fair rating. Please keep in mind that when you read individual's reviews. Many of the people who rated this game on this page simply got frustrated within a few minutes or hours because they couldn't understand the game. That is not reviewing. That is ranting. And while some of those rants may help people, at least try to be fair. Granted, it may save gamers with low tolerance for thinking from buying this game.… Expand
  2. AndrewS.
    Mar 12, 2007
    10
    X3 is thus far the culmination of Egosoft's space series, following on from X-BTF, X-Tension and X2. As a simulation it's pretty realistic if you imagine space friction. (I have Private Pilots Licences for Single & Twin light aircraft, helicopters and TwinJet helicopters, and find it's not far removed from flying the real things). It takes some getting used to, don't X3 is thus far the culmination of Egosoft's space series, following on from X-BTF, X-Tension and X2. As a simulation it's pretty realistic if you imagine space friction. (I have Private Pilots Licences for Single & Twin light aircraft, helicopters and TwinJet helicopters, and find it's not far removed from flying the real things). It takes some getting used to, don't expect to learn it in a few hours - it takes most people a few weeks to learn, but if you stick with it, it affords an amazing experience of trading and fighting all in real time. It will certainly challenge most people if you want to trade properly as well as fight. People with low intelligence and or concentration will soon find that they cannot get past the first few hours, become frustrated and give up due to the complexity of the game initially, however, once you have spent some time learning the millions of controls, it becomes second nature and is the only game/simulation I have found which keeps people riveted for years. I know people who have been playing it for more than 2 years and are still thriving on it! When you do.… Expand
  3. PhilipD.
    Jun 30, 2007
    9
    I'm not surprised that many people here don't like the game- I'm equally unsurprised that plenty love it. X3 is the only game I know which allows you to accumulate a fortune properly. It's hard work, very slow paced and at times VERY VERY BORING, but once you have enough money to buy that new Station or Destroyer, it's worth it. It can be more satisfying than any I'm not surprised that many people here don't like the game- I'm equally unsurprised that plenty love it. X3 is the only game I know which allows you to accumulate a fortune properly. It's hard work, very slow paced and at times VERY VERY BORING, but once you have enough money to buy that new Station or Destroyer, it's worth it. It can be more satisfying than any other game out there, but to get to it you have to dedicate hours of your life- weeks, even. The controls are appalling. I managed to get 10,000,000 credits on X2, through weeks of play. I had an armada of ships, but not nearly enough money for one of those 40,000,000 credit beasts. THIS IS A GOOD THING. I'm fed up of games which become easy once you get the best the game has to offer. This game will reward you time and time again for your hard work. What was today's achievement was yesterday's aspirations. When I moved from X2 to X3, I was bewildered by everything again. It really feels like an entire world and it will take a good 6 or 7 hours to get accustomed to it. The graphics is amazing and the voice acting is terrible. The infamous Starforce protection system has been removed in the latest patch. It runs with out a disc, so there's no reason for you not to give it a go. You'll need a beast of a machine to play it on highest everything, but this isn't the sort of game where frame rates matter- most of the time you'll be staring at spreadsheets and figures. Please, give this game a chance. If you have the patience, you'll be rewarded. It makes a great deal of very little, but you won't care. You'll spend hours watching massive tankers drive past, then suddenly you'll have enough money to buy one of your own. You'll think about your next moves when you're not playing it, and whilst you are playing it, more and more possibilities open up to you- where do you explore next? Is there a lucrative profit to be made in a sector? This game is unlike any you've ever played before. If somebody could merge this with Elder Scrolls Oblivion we'd have the best game ever. There would be armies fighting in real time about the map, massive businesses opening up, and a 500,000,000 gold sword for sale. This game is an aquired taste. You won't enjoy it straight away. You're dropped in the deep end and you'll have to find a rock to save yourself. Once you learn the ways of the universe, you'll begin to appreciate it, and exploiting this game is the most satisfying thing of all. It's a shame that some people can't appreciate these elements, though I agree that it's a VERY time consuming game and that some people would rather have a quick online game on Face2 or De_dust2 . Although this is only single player, it feels very alive. Nothing is static in this universe and there are plenty of things to see and do. Enjoy.… Expand
  4. MattN.
    Nov 30, 2005
    9
    Well I've only logged about 3 hours or so on this game but I have so far had no problems which was quite a relief after all the horror stories I've read about this games bugs (I have downloaded the patch 1.2.01). The graphics are fantastic - worlds, ships and effects and it's not the system hog I was expecting and I'm running at res. 1600x1050 (P4 3.4Ghz, 2 gigs RAM, Well I've only logged about 3 hours or so on this game but I have so far had no problems which was quite a relief after all the horror stories I've read about this games bugs (I have downloaded the patch 1.2.01). The graphics are fantastic - worlds, ships and effects and it's not the system hog I was expecting and I'm running at res. 1600x1050 (P4 3.4Ghz, 2 gigs RAM, Geforce 6800). The frame rate does drop for a split second when an enemy ship ship explodes (oh and strangely the cut scenes are a bit jerky) but other than that the frame rate is fine and frankly dropping the resolution would probably cure that. Dog fights are great fun using either the mouse or the joystick (I'm using a joystick). Only downside is at the moment I still don't really know what the hell I doing in terms of trading etc (and a lot of buttons to memorize). It's a real nice change of pace from everything else I've been playing, I do think this game is going to become extremely addictive.… Expand
  5. TonyA.
    May 8, 2006
    8
    The initial game was buggy, but after updating to 1.2 it got pretty good but 1.4.03 has all the bugs worked on my system. I can now play and very much enjoy this game. This game is not for everyone, and it is slow to start, but after some persistant playing it is turning out to be a great game. If you liked XBTF or X2 then you will love this game. But if you hated these other games you The initial game was buggy, but after updating to 1.2 it got pretty good but 1.4.03 has all the bugs worked on my system. I can now play and very much enjoy this game. This game is not for everyone, and it is slow to start, but after some persistant playing it is turning out to be a great game. If you liked XBTF or X2 then you will love this game. But if you hated these other games you will not like X3. If you buy X3 go to egosoft's web site and download the patches and look over the scripts, these will make the game much more enjoyable.… Expand
  6. AntonyC.
    Jul 22, 2006
    9
    if you have 1.0 of this game your missing out of the most in death space sim ever better than freelacher and its past as X2 same kind of gameplay that X2 had but this time it all fits togever and works like nuffing you have ever seen befor this is a truw game that is worthy of being in the same leage as elite.
  7. MikeB.
    Jul 29, 2006
    9
    X3:Reunion is a fantastic game. And to all those who experience problems with X3 (performence, etc.) i just can say: buy a better computer or don't buy such a game!! The game impresses with graphics and realism, AI and many possibilities to create an own empire. It's EGOSOFT's fault, that the game is not complete, but EGOSOFT is patching and updating it, to fix all X3:Reunion is a fantastic game. And to all those who experience problems with X3 (performence, etc.) i just can say: buy a better computer or don't buy such a game!! The game impresses with graphics and realism, AI and many possibilities to create an own empire. It's EGOSOFT's fault, that the game is not complete, but EGOSOFT is patching and updating it, to fix all Problemes. And for that the game gets a 9 from me. Because the small ammount of Problems at the Moment (v 1.4.03) will be fixed and only the small ammount of battles InGame avoids a 10.… Expand
  8. RayR.
    Aug 9, 2006
    9
    First off, I LOVE sim games....no matter what the sim is......flight, life, fight, or driving....dun matter...love
  9. ErikL.
    Sep 2, 2006
    9
    Very detailed and pretty, as well as challenging. "Cinematics" and voicework are the only parts that are annoying.
  10. laplace
    Sep 9, 2006
    10
    Insane learning curve, but ridiculously addictive once you get the hang of it. As others have noted, the game shipped originally as a Beta, choked with bugs, CTD's and missing content. Now however, thanks to Egosoft spewing out patches and addons, it has finally become the game it was meant to be. Update 2.0 will make it game of the year for me. Sorry Bethesda.
  11. AlanR.
    Jan 4, 2007
    9
    A very good game, once you learn the game menus (which could have been better. The game has a Huge area to explore and amazing graphics, however it could use more interactivity on bases and in space The explosions are only ok compared to the rest of the graphics.
  12. JustMe
    Feb 13, 2008
    10
    Well the fact that people give 5 or below are the ones that have no interest in a game that need wits, or have no patience to learn the game for at least 6 hours(yes it took me 6 hours to catch the basics). This is is not all it is, with mods and scripts, you can do ANYTHING. Best of all, 3 years into the years now, this game is very stable, and has a lot, yes a lot of scripts and mods Well the fact that people give 5 or below are the ones that have no interest in a game that need wits, or have no patience to learn the game for at least 6 hours(yes it took me 6 hours to catch the basics). This is is not all it is, with mods and scripts, you can do ANYTHING. Best of all, 3 years into the years now, this game is very stable, and has a lot, yes a lot of scripts and mods available for FREE. The normal mode is already extra-ordinary, with mods/script, there is nothing else like it.… Expand
  13. RalphP.
    Jun 3, 2008
    10
    The best space sim ever. Yup there are games that do this and more but this one gets it right. The best forum as well.
  14. reclaimer.
    Jul 27, 2008
    9
    It ain't perfect and it isn't a total piece of excrement. If only the XTM developers/egosost(whoever was responsible) would hurry up and fix the upper turrets on the odin i.e they end up having 4 cannons visable on each individual turret when there sould be 2, lets not mention they don't move. People tend to notice little things and 4 buggy turrets right in front of your It ain't perfect and it isn't a total piece of excrement. If only the XTM developers/egosost(whoever was responsible) would hurry up and fix the upper turrets on the odin i.e they end up having 4 cannons visable on each individual turret when there sould be 2, lets not mention they don't move. People tend to notice little things and 4 buggy turrets right in front of your HUD smacks of extremely poor effort. Still, if you don't cheat it will take a hell of a lot to get everything from it. So it gets a nine for staying power and an awesome mod community.… Expand
  15. HenryT.
    Nov 22, 2005
    10
    If you ever wanted a modern version of Elite, this is it. I experienced none of the packaging problems listed.
  16. AphaelG.
    Nov 1, 2006
    10
    Steep learning curve, unbelievable complex and immense in size. It'll keep you happy for many, many hours.
  17. GregoryA.
    Oct 29, 2006
    10
    All of the X games have been close to perfect, I perfer slow econemy vrs fast paced trade. the graphics are seccond to none even on my computer, the combat system is amazing, specifically beacause its first person altho you can controll many ships, the game engine itself is a work of art. X3: reunion is no exception,! The only people who cant stand to play this either have no interest in All of the X games have been close to perfect, I perfer slow econemy vrs fast paced trade. the graphics are seccond to none even on my computer, the combat system is amazing, specifically beacause its first person altho you can controll many ships, the game engine itself is a work of art. X3: reunion is no exception,! The only people who cant stand to play this either have no interest in space games, or cant micro manage anything... the controlls are hard to master but if you played the others you should be used to how the general setups are for the x games... rated 10 for its close to perfection gameplay... Quote: Stratagy first… Expand
  18. MichaelR.
    Jan 9, 2006
    9
    Great! Graphicall, it is one of the best-looking games on the market. It runs wonderfully on my pc with graphics maxed out. Combat is spectacular - nice effects and easy to fly with the mouse. So many game options, too - you can follow the campaign, or ignore it and play as an explorer, pirate or merchant.
  19. JohnG.
    Mar 1, 2006
    9
    At last they've almost perfected it. All we need to do now is be able to land on the planets and I think I'd give it 11 out of 10. Great Game for us old boys who actually like some stimulation in a game.
  20. SteveL.
    Jul 28, 2006
    10
    I love this game.
  21. ChristopherP.
    Aug 2, 2006
    10
    I only played this game for say 2-3 hours, I was blown away, graphics/sounds/effects/ everying done superb, but the lip-sync sucks to be honest, I dont really care about the manule, I always just play the game and learn it from just doing it, Well I have to rate this game 10/10, It is very good, WEE pretty pictures, and the planets looks very realistic, and yes, BLOODY HELL the AI can I only played this game for say 2-3 hours, I was blown away, graphics/sounds/effects/ everying done superb, but the lip-sync sucks to be honest, I dont really care about the manule, I always just play the game and learn it from just doing it, Well I have to rate this game 10/10, It is very good, WEE pretty pictures, and the planets looks very realistic, and yes, BLOODY HELL the AI can bloody diss you an everything. Good job EgoSoft, another good X series.… Expand
  22. JC.
    Aug 6, 2006
    10
    Quick and Dirty players beware, this game is not a one night stand. Learning curve is astronomical, but once you understand the method to all the maddness, the controls ARE intuitive, gameplay IS immense, and you will realize how stupid those game reviews really are. It's like EVE Online, a rather unknown MMO, not for the dull witted or the un-educated player. This game requires Quick and Dirty players beware, this game is not a one night stand. Learning curve is astronomical, but once you understand the method to all the maddness, the controls ARE intuitive, gameplay IS immense, and you will realize how stupid those game reviews really are. It's like EVE Online, a rather unknown MMO, not for the dull witted or the un-educated player. This game requires basic economic understanding to "build" a profitable business in-game. Ship combat is somewhat frustrating at first, but when you build a fleet, it gets interesting (macro/micromanagment). The game is sporadically buggy, game saves sometimes do not save/load, and other random crashes to desktop, in addition, the hardware requirements are relatively high for best results. If you do buy this game, i suggest googling newbie's guides to X3, as there is a large community base for this game, it will ease the burden.… Expand
  23. Michael
    Sep 10, 2006
    8
    This game offers a great deal of open-ended play with excellent graphics. It's user-interface is very complicated, and takes some getting used to, but once you have spent some time learning your way around it, it turns out to be powerful and customizable. I have not had any problems with creashes or instability. Make sure to get all of the updates and patches. Overall, it is a bit This game offers a great deal of open-ended play with excellent graphics. It's user-interface is very complicated, and takes some getting used to, but once you have spent some time learning your way around it, it turns out to be powerful and customizable. I have not had any problems with creashes or instability. Make sure to get all of the updates and patches. Overall, it is a bit rough around the edges, but once you get into it, it is a great game.… Expand
  24. CharlesR.
    Sep 25, 2006
    10
    Excellent involving game with great graphics and immersive world, want to forget you really exist, be in the X3 world!
  25. Ketraar
    Jan 8, 2007
    9
    Still the best Space-Trade-Fight-Think-Sim there is. And now with the 2.0.02 Path and the new ships/missions almoust perfect. No other game gives you that much fun, for so long time. I played all 4 games of this sequel and this one is the best of all, because of the graphics. There are some minor things that can be improved in the next one, such as making complex bulding easier, and maybe Still the best Space-Trade-Fight-Think-Sim there is. And now with the 2.0.02 Path and the new ships/missions almoust perfect. No other game gives you that much fun, for so long time. I played all 4 games of this sequel and this one is the best of all, because of the graphics. There are some minor things that can be improved in the next one, such as making complex bulding easier, and maybe an longer Story, but until then I will enjoy playing it. Not every day, but often.… Expand
  26. GranjowN.
    Jan 9, 2007
    10
    X3 is the best game I know at the moment. Something that is cool: You can not simply start it and just know everything (as it is in other games). You always discover new things and you have got aims to reach, sometimes quite high ones. You don't find that in any other current game. Well, some guys which rated the game with a bad rating will have had problems with the aspect X3 is the best game I know at the moment. Something that is cool: You can not simply start it and just know everything (as it is in other games). You always discover new things and you have got aims to reach, sometimes quite high ones. You don't find that in any other current game. Well, some guys which rated the game with a bad rating will have had problems with the aspect «THINK». That is something which belongs to the game, but there are people which have troubles with that. Something I've never seen in any game: Both the community and Egosoft, the publisher. They work together like nowhere else.… Expand
  27. RW
    Mar 22, 2007
    10
    Engrossing and complex. Cerebral expereince broken by moments or terrific space combat.
  28. J.B.
    Jul 23, 2007
    9
    Ive spent lots of hours on this game and I don't regret it. It's a "very large" universe with lots of things to do, like creating a huge empire consisting of hundreds of ships, from small to capital ships and factories, from large ones to entire complexes. It doesn't stop there, why not making a script to meet your empires needs? Don't forget to check out the mods then Ive spent lots of hours on this game and I don't regret it. It's a "very large" universe with lots of things to do, like creating a huge empire consisting of hundreds of ships, from small to capital ships and factories, from large ones to entire complexes. It doesn't stop there, why not making a script to meet your empires needs? Don't forget to check out the mods then fans made! My only question is: When may we see X4 hit the stores?… Expand
  29. Ashnak
    Jul 27, 2007
    10
    Yes the game was buggy on 1st release - if people bothered to read the forums (at egosoft.com) they would have found that this was due to untenable deadlines being set by the publisher as was the requirement for starfarce. The guys at egosoft have done a tremendous amount of support on this and release 2.0 is excellent. To play this game the biggest boost in performance is through a Yes the game was buggy on 1st release - if people bothered to read the forums (at egosoft.com) they would have found that this was due to untenable deadlines being set by the publisher as was the requirement for starfarce. The guys at egosoft have done a tremendous amount of support on this and release 2.0 is excellent. To play this game the biggest boost in performance is through a 256-bit 256MB gfx card - anything below is just a waste. A final note to the impetuous - if you are fickle enough to present criticism to a product because yo don't have the patience to do real research don't bother casting comment - this game is not meant for you as you lack imagination and creativity.… Expand
  30. Jonte
    Sep 7, 2007
    10
    This game got evry thing you can play like pirate/trader/ or mission and the world is big so you have much time on you.The hard thing is only to know all meny and stuffs then its will be really cool.
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Awards & Rankings

97
#97 Best PC Game of 2005
13
#13 Most Discussed PC Game of 2005
27
#27 Most Shared PC Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 32
  3. Negative: 4 out of 32
  1. AceGamez
    100
    By far the most engrossing game released so far this millennium.
  2. GameZone
    90
    The eye candy will lure you in, the gameplay will keep you intrigued and the free-roaming feel will keep you occupied for hours. X3 – Reunion takes the X franchise to new heights.
    Read full review
  3. Boomtown
    80
    X3 is a great game, but if Egosoft grasped the challenge and offered immersion of the type seen in "Freelancer" and similar ship handling, combined with its own beautiful and complex universe, then we might finally have a game that deserves to called the new "Elite."
See all critic reviews »