Independence War 2: The Edge of Chaos Review

The trade system, which is a crucial element in games like this has been excellently designed. All you have to do is trade an item for another item. The trade screen shows a list of all the items on offer and the items you need to make the deal. But, if you can't find something you want, you can always create it. Any goods you steal can be recycled and then used to manufacture new goods, though you must have a blueprint for every specific item you want to make. Another great feature is that you can sell these new items in exactly the same way as you normally would and even recycle them again if you like.

Ka-boom - you're gone!

Damage Report.

The equipment that can be attached to any of the ships is incredible and highly configurable. You can choose from four different predefined weapons layouts but, if you're still not satisfied, you can also build your own. Furthermore, you can choose what defense systems you want your ship to have, what kind of propulsion systems, and many more vessels' setup features... As if that wasn't enough, there's a vast encyclopedia, giving immense detail on every single item, which adds an entirely new experience to experimenting and assembling the right equipment foe each and every ship. There is a huge selection of 20 types of weapons with six enhancements for each, and six categories of missile, along with detachable turrets that act as wingmen when they are not wired up to you. There are also powerful defense systems - shields, countermeasures and mines. The right choice in weapons and equipment will fully influence the further plot development, when you have to form an alliance against the evil corporations that dominate that part of the universe and lead it into a war for independence. You will be frequently informed of your progress through e-mail messages sent by your allies, and through the in-game cut-scenes. Unfortunately, the game has no FMV sequences that would properly reward the players for their efforts in the game.

The in-game graphics are a real treat. The developers, Particle Systems, designed an advanced Flux visual system, which is responsible for the visuals rich in color, detail and effects. The ships and stations all have an exceedingly high polygon count and have been perfectly designed. The stars and nebulae look even better. Sound is fortunately just as good as, if not even better than the graphics.

The Edge of Chaos is a very demanding game, which will provide sufficient fun only to the most consistent players. It will take you quite some time and nerves to finish it. Those of you who like comparisons, I might compare it to X - Beyond the Frontier and Terminus, for its balance between space combat and trade elements or FreeSpace 2, for its action. The Edge of Chaos however, surpasses all these games when it comes to storyline, graphics, sound, interface and the incredibly realistic Newtonian physics. Unfortunately, with its obvious downsides - the long learning curve, mission ambiguity and complexity of dogfights - it will only get a small number of dedicated fans, and probably a negative response from wider audiences.