Space simulators were born sometime ago, at the time of Elite and Space Raiders . Their story is rather confusing, and revealing the ancestor of the genre is not taken even by its hard-liners admirers. But the title of the standard over time deserved a series of games X from the German company Egosoft . At the dawn of the 21st century, in 1999, X: Beyond the Frontier marked the beginning of a cosmopolitan line with the unique romance of the vast expanse of the universe, the development of sectors and futuristic battles with pirates. Then, long hours of interstellar cargo transportation and ornate dialogues in an extremely aggressive environment were enthralled no less similar in the concept of "Corsairs" and "Truckers". But times have changed, as well as preferences, gain experience, and developers themselves the X . The series was to be reborn. X Rebirth waited for many years. But no one even in the worst nightmares could not assume that during the restart of different classics Egosoft can fall face to face in the mud.
From the very beginning to the very end X followed the concept of a large sandbox. The player was in the thick of events as an inexperienced pilot of the ship. He survived, traded and explored the world. With the help of the plot, the game showed what you can do. In X he never had a special role, as, for example, in Mass Effect . Sooner or later you went to conquer the starry expanses. X Rebirth in a similar key uses a storyline for a comfortable immersion of beginners in the "X-Universe".
World Xhas always been huge. It consists of sectors. They represent a small area of outer space that is not directly related to other sectors. Constructed by the ancient race of the Forerunner, the stargate gates are the portal for jumping between clusters - associations of sectors. For example, X3: Terran Conflict included about 200 such areas. In X Rebirth, they were significantly reduced in number and size, dividing the sector into zones. Egosoft explains this decision with the desire to make each region unique and memorable.
And, it should be noted, the designers did their best. Any modular station for the trade, production or basing of the fleet is distinguished by something special. And nearby there are certainly various objects like asteroids, a lost ship, a giant star or space debris. The total number of interest in each sector is increased at times. Gigantic machinas, fighters, traders and many other NPCs in incredible numbers inhabit X Rebirth . And they honestly move between the key points. They trade, fight, communicate with each other and react to the player's actions. With the help of new physics, we can even "draw" to a large spaceship and travel with it.
Speedways were used to move between sectors of sectors. It is enough to fly into the stream - it will pick you up and die to the nearest exit point. According to a similar scheme, interplanetary flights are now being carried out. The authors with their help decided to save the players from long hours of waiting for the path, although in fact the situation has changed little. Cargo transportation still takes an unacceptably long time. But the star gate now does not work. In X Rebirth , an unknown problem occurred with them, disabling all portals. At this event, a part of the plot is tied.
From the very beginning, we are in the Albion sector. Corporation Johnferko built all over the world of the highway based on transorbital accelerators. With their help in the free sectors, construction of large settlements with branches of key economic sectors was started. That's only after the disconnection of the portals to establish communication between the populated areas of space was difficult. The Commonwealth of the Planets has collapsed, and the Alliance of Worlds has appeared with the purpose of restoration of habitual way of life, trade and development.
The main goal in X Rebirth is to help the Alliance as much as possible. Against the background of rumors about the possibility to restore the gates in space, different forces begin to act. Compared to X3: Terran Conflict In the world there have been significant changes. Some sectors, being cut off from state associations, changed the production chains, began to focus on other resources and make completely unexpected political decisions to survive in difficult times. The true fans of the series will appreciate such a deep dive into the history of the X .
X Rebirth is permeated with the freedom of action, which is seasoned by moving around stations, visiting compartments on your own ship, communicating with NPCs, improved artificial intelligence and, of course, changed for the better by graphics. Separate praise deserves a stunning sound quality. Of course, it does not spread in space, but X Rebirthfull of impressive authentic sounds of working factories, swept by a number of asteroids, the effects of explosions and the stunning melodies of the composer Alexei Zakharov . First impressions of the game is given by her atmosphere!
At the same time, in the early stages of the exploration of the universe, we learn the features of the gameplay. Secondary character in the face of partner Yishi (Yisha) periodically helps us in the passage. Apparently, it was about this help the developers said, when they promised a low entry threshold for beginners - an easy and unobtrusive mode of learning within the framework of the common history. For this, the intricate interface of X3 was also replaced Terran Conflicton interaction with NPC. The ship's status indicator and other information, which used to occupy space on the screen, was transferred to the cockpit's side elements.
The game is much simplified management, which is clearly sharpened under the gamepad. In the X Rebirth,circular menus with small text are used for orders, trading and choosing other actions. EgosoftDo not foresee any customization of the interface. The protagonist is placed inside the ship with a first-person view. It's too bad, but we can not turn our heads and look around. You can not adjust the FOV level to extend the viewing angle. Because of this, a very interesting battle system becomes uncomfortable. We have to be on the alert - the flanks are not visible, and the rear is always vulnerable. Although some comfort can be achieved with a controller with analog sticks. Curiously, X Rebirth does not support joysticks for flight simulators.
In the wanderings of the "X-Universe" we rejoice in the beautiful landscapes of the cosmic spaces behind the helm of our own ship with the crew and even the helper in the pilot's seat. X Rebirth was to become a grandiose space simulator. I should have. But she did not. Egosoft failed to ensure the game a smooth start in normal technical condition. Instead of the expected furore, longtime fans and newcomers received a rough disc, which is not only difficult to play - it will not be possible to launch it on every computer. The developers have already apologized for their oversight. Although the patches to fix what they have done, it will be very difficult, if at all possible.
I have no idea how to rate this game it has so many good sides and bad ones aswell.
The thing that i loved is that the game has Huge and detailed world, but on the other hand the graphic isnt that good.
So i'd say Rate would be 7/10
Great article