To all SSC Station occupants
Thank you for the donations over the past year (2024), it is much appreciated. I am still trying to figure out how to migrate the forums to another community software (probably phpbb) but in the meantime I have updated the forum software to the latest version. SSC has been around a while so their is some very long time members here still using the site, thanks for making SSC home and sorry I haven't been as vocal as I should be in the forums I will try to improve my posting frequency.
Thank you again to all of the members that do take the time to donate a little, it helps keep this station functioning on the outer reaches of space.
-D1-
I don't know if this is the appropriate subforum to put such a thread in so I apologize if it isn't.
Anyway, nowadays I mostly play Kerbal Space Program to satisfy my stargazing needs. That's all fine and dandy but there is one tiny problem with a game of such (sandbox) nature - it tends to be unstable at times. I don't mean the game itself, to be clear, but the mods, which I consider absolutely essential, create all sorts of situations which bring my blood pressure to dangerous levels.
I have decided that I need another space game to play on days during which I don't feel like dealing with bugs and glitches. The problem is, I seriously can't make my mind up on one. That's where those of you willing to help come in.
I'd like some recommendations based on those specifications:
- The game has to be able to run on Windows 7 or at least on Windows XP
- I need to be able to set 1280x960 resolution in the game
- The game has to have a cockpit view for the starship
- The ship has to be controlled by the player (that is with a mouse or a joystick, no point and click stuff)
- (connected with the above) - the game has to be a first person shooter kind of deal, no strategy games
Think you can help me?
Try Space Engineers, it has everything you asked for and a nice sandbox, survival, and multiplayer mode. It's somewhat similar to Minecraft, kind of like comparing building block to an Erector set; check it out on Steam for $20
Some older games which fit the bill would be Freelancer, Darkstar1 and Spaceforce, if you download them from Steam, Gamergate ect their should be no problems with running them on Windows 7 but check the steam forums just in case and also they should all be very cheap to buy now, not sure about the resolution.
A really under-rated game is Evochron Mercenary. It is available on Steam. It has many significant flaws, but it is great as a space flight simulator. It has realistic physics so it feels much like Independence War. The weapons are all the same, the missions are all the same, in fact many of the "Elite-type" aspects of it are terrible, but it is definitely worth playing just for the flight model. In fact, I hope the folks at Star Citizen have taken notice of it.
I've just gotten to start playing Elite Dangerous, which is very good, but Evochron gives you much more of the feeling of flying a spaceship than Elite ever will.
Ascent fits the bill if you stick with the combat contracts (now quite viable) and that by "cockpit view" you mean "first person view". The first person view doesn't show bits of cockpit, it's got a glass HUD instead.
Disclaimer: I'm the developer so I'm biased as hell.
On a side-note, if you go for Freelancer then you'll need the Global Server Workaround in order to play online multiplayer - and you'll often find more activity in the various mods that are available. The cockpit view is hidden away too as the default is outside the ship. To switch in (or out) cockpit view you need to press CTRL+V. I will have to say this though, if you're after a newtonian flight model, then you're best going for something else, but the control setup is pretty much identical to most PC FPS games.
If you'd rather have an open-ended single-player game, then have a peek at oolite, Pioneer and FFED3D. All are unofficial remakes of Elite, Elite 2 and First Encounters (in that order) but should also fit your needs - including the screen resolutions you're after.
Vendetta Online (I'll send you a 2-week friend key if you are interested. After that, the sub is only $1 per month if you have an Android phone, iPad, or other tablet. Cross-platform with PC/Mac/Linux included).
"Why", you ask?
The Eschatology of Vendetta Online
The Varieties of PvP Experience
/2c
You should definitely try Starlancer. One of the best space sim dogfighting games I've ever played. It's quite old but I assure you, you'll fall in love with that one 🙂
It's good to unload your stress after playing kerbals and smashing your rocket for umpteenth time.
Don't know about the resolution, but should be playable on Windows 7. Check the web on that.
You should definitely try Starlancer.
Demo/trial has 2 missions not available in full version.
You should definitely try Starlancer. One of the best space sim dogfighting games I've ever played. It's quite old but I assure you, you'll fall in love with that one 🙂
It's good to unload your stress after playing kerbals and smashing your rocket for umpteenth time.
Don't know about the resolution, but should be playable on Windows 7. Check the web on that.
IMHO Starlancer's rather unstable on Win7, expect some random, albeit quite rare CTDs in-game.