The Games of Christmas '08: GPU Performance Part II

X3: Terran Conflict

From Homeworld to Freelancer to Freespace 2, I am a fan of anything to do with space combat so when the newest iteration of the X-games was announced, I was on board. It should also be noted that this is one of the few games in this article that is PC-only without the usual console-developed feel to it. X3: Terran Conflict is a stand-alone expansion to X3: Reunion (released in 2007) and focuses on four distinct gameplay elements: Trade, Fight, Build, Think. This can get a bit complicated so bear with me while I try to explain things.

The game focuses around open-ended gameplay where the player is free to choose from a number of different missions at any time. These missions can be completed in any order you see fit and are accessible throughout the 160 different sectors which are connected via jumpgates. It is up to you to choose missions which will be beneficial both monetary-wise and status-wise. Status will allow you to increase your stats while the monetary system in X3 is based around credits.


With the credits you get from running missions, you will be able to what the game calls “wares”. Since the X3 engine focuses on a market-driven economy, you purchase wares in the hope of selling them for a higher price in a different sector for a profit. There are laws of supply and demand here as well so if a ware is sought-after, you will make a healthy profit from it but if there is an abundance of it, you may actually loose money. As you build up your fortune, you will be able to build factories to take advantage of niche markets and eventually become a pivotal figure in the game universe.


Combat is another huge aspect of Terran Conflict since you will have to defend your interests quite often and the more exciting missions involve you duking it out with several other ships. While many have complained that using a mouse to control the three dimensional movement of a fighter, using a joystick is a possibility and it actually adds quite a bit to the immersion.


The visuals in X3:TC are simply stunning. All of the ships are rendered in amazing detail through the use of Egosoft’s proprietary game engine along with the hard work and dedication of a group from the X-Tended Mod team. Yes, that’s right; some of the minds behind one of the most popular mods for X3: Reunion have been put to work developing this game and their TLC really shows.

All in all, if you love space-based games you should really check this one out but if you are expecting the instant gratification that comes with guns blazing from start to finish, you may need to look somewhere else. This is a thinker’s game as much as it is a combat simulation.