Cheat Index - X3: The Reunion Computer Review

Like many other space games that put you in charge of a spaceship or two to start and little else, your path to success through X3 involves missions, combat, trade and ship development. Most game titles of this type claim that you can pursue any number of paths to win. Hey, be a trader! Be a freelance mercenary! Be a space cadet! They don't tell you that being a mercenary or space cadet plays as pretty much the same thing in their universe, or that you can only trade up to a certain point before the storyline forcibly kicks in, or prevents you from finding any better ships and equipment for sale until you do more plot missions. Some of these games are really well made, and a few are classics; but the ability to pursue a profession of your choice in them is deceptive.

X3 takes place in a huge universe: 130 named sectors, each with its own events, micro-economy, and people in charge. Some sectors, like Boron space, are well-patrolled and good places to start out as a novice, but they lack the kind of bargains and action that a more advanced trader or combat jockey will enjoy. Others, like the Paranid sectors, provide more opportunities for traders in search of a great deal, but also numerous pirates looking to feast on those same traders. There are a variety of plants and factories scattered about producing and demanding any of more than 100 items, as primary or intermediate resources, and finished products. There are also other traders, various policing forces, taxis, independent travelers, pirates (as already noted), and the Khaak and Xenon, two mysterious races who prefer reducing the rest of existence to interstellar rubble.

X3 is broad. Yes, it has a plot, but you can choose to ignore it for literally as long as you want without suffering any penalties while you explore the universe, seek out its more than half a dozen races, and involve yourself in trade and/or combat. (There's even an option that allows you to play a completely plotless game, setting your own personal goals.) Seek out space combat right away, if you prefer, or just buy and sell; or use your renowned financial acumen to make a fortune; purchase a fleet of ships, upgrade their equipment and software, and become a flying space terror.

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