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It seems to me that space games only come in a few types; you have RTS(Starcraft comes to mind), FPS(IE: in the cockpit of some space fighter like TIE Fighter),and 4x (Sword of Stars).

IMHO not one of these types has anything to do with realistic space flight or future space combat. Granted, a realistic space sim would probably be pretty boring. I have played many space based games over the years.The best one? Hard to say, I really liked Rules of Engagement way back when( early 90's) it really woke me up to the vast distances involved in any kind of space travel. It also fit my ideal of what a space combat game should be like. More like chess, less like a fast paced shooter (I know the graphic were terrible, who wants to watch a few pixels move around a small display). Homeworld would have to take first place. Ship to ship combat is great, and just a little more realistic than most (it's about putting the most tonnage in the right place at the right time). Bridge Commander had great possibilities, but the combat just turned into FPS type, the last thing ship to ship combat would be like (IMHO). Star Fury was ok (I really enjoyed building ships for it). I really like customizing my ships in that game (probably the funnest part of the game for me). Just a few games that come to mind.

My purpose of writing this thread is to get some input on what people think would make up a great space combat game. So what do you think would make a great space combat sim?

Mike

I liked Elite and Eve was fun

Being space flight is still in its infancy, there isn't enough knowledge to make a realistic space fighter/exploration game, but the best one I know of is Eve Online, basically a point and click "sit on your arse all night" game, but the graphics are nice and the sound tracks give that feeling of being alone in space.

why not? there is a massive amount of printed material on space flight, and even more on space flight fiction. I don't think this is the reason that space games are lacking. I think they just haven't been explored as much as other genres.

You may have a point there Jason.

When I think of ship to ship combat in space, seems to me it would be more like "Silent Hunter"(minus a lot of the stealth). Your course would be plotted, to achieve a position to engage the enemy with as much of the odds in your favor that you can make them.
Even all the "Star Trek" games to date in up in a "Flight Sim" mode for combat. I never saw Capt. Kirk with a joy stick!

Anyone read Dave Weber's, Honor Harrington series?

Mike

Oh, I wanted to mention......

Realism is not the primary goal. Game play is.
A Space Combat sims needs to give you the feeling that your in control of a Star ship. That is where most fail. If you succeed in that, your probably closer to realism.

Mike

Elite is still the master in my eyes; I like how you are free to go anywhere and you never know what is coming. Set the game speed to slowest, set a course for the nearest planet and go make yourself a cup of coffee - now that's space travel. I really like the adjustable speed, I think that is very important for any free-roaming game, not just in space. You should be able to play the game at your own pace. Now I think about it I think the game speed was altered in the emulator not the actual game lol but the point is still valid.