Freespace 2 1999

Is it still worth playing?

You are a pilot fighting the mysterious aliens known as the Shivans while defending humans and their Vasudan allies. It is a 1999 space combat simulation, and you also get involved in putting down a rebellion. Missions have the player piloting a starfighter to destroy enemy fighters, scout behind enemy lines or escort other ships. The flight model is a looser interpretation of space physics, so ships are weightless and responsive, though they need constant engine power to move. A joystick is recommended, but the mouse works. In the pre-mission briefing the player reads the objectives and picks a ship and weapons, with more choices as the campaign goes on, though some missions fix them. The view is first person from the cockpit, with a fully customizable HUD. Dogfights flown by the cockpit view are still a reason to give it a try.