So far I only have one game that I had to use steam for (Fallout New Vegas) and have found steam to be VERY unfriendly and a nuisance... I personally love Impulse Driven and have many many games through them and by them. X3TC is one of many.

Yeah, it is a "Free Start" like beginning but as you play it, you realize each "Free Start" is actually a plot start in a different location and play style. X3TC takes a more casual approach with a more 'do as you want' play style than the previous X3:Reunion and X3 versions. I personally have mine modded up the ying-yang with realism mods and balancing mods so it becomes even harder in the beginning like real life would be and everything in the universe acts more intelligently, including and especially in a fight. You find the opponent trying to out think and out fight you than you would think a game would play... right down to fighting styles and strategies and how they will hit you or fire missiles at you! Makes for a more interesting game!

I've just recently gotten into Starpoint Gemini and found it a nice break (and great game) from the X-Universe. Granted, I do plan to keep visiting my 'home' and growing empire of stations and battle fleet often! 😎

Either start as a Terran <img src="' http://spacesimcentral.com/forum/public/style_emoticons//wink3.gi f"' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' /> or do the Terran Friend quest. Should have popped up within 5 minutes of you starting. The text of the mission is something along the lines of welcoming the Terrans to the federation or commonwealth etc. After doing this (it's quite long if I remember) you'll be given access to some parts of Terran space

After a few false starts (due to the steep(ish) learning curve and lack of spare time), I've finally gotten into this game. I am enjoying it, but it's not quite as polished as it could be, especially with the storyline missions interactions - seems a little clunky, and the briefings perhaps don't tell you as much as they should. All that said, it is proving to be a good distraction while I wait for Elite Dangerous.