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{{Distinguish2|physical concept of [[free space]]}} {{Infobox VG | image = freespace1box.jpg | caption = Box cover art for ''Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War'' | developer = [[Volition, Inc.]]<br />[[Hyperion Entertainment]] (Amiga version) | publisher = [[Interplay Entertainment]]<br />Haage & Partner Computer (Amiga version) | designer = Adam Pletcher<br />FreeSpace Team | engine = FreeSpace engine | version = 1.06 (January 5, 1999) | released = March 19, 1998<br /> ; ''Silent Threat'': October 1, 1998 ; ''Battle Pack'': January 1, 2003 ; Amiga version: December 2001<ref name="Amiga Flame staff">{{cite web | author = Amiga Flame staff | title = Released Games of 2001 | publisher = Amiga Flame | date = n.d. | url = http://www.amigaflame.com/amipast01.htm | accessdate = 2007-11-13 }} </ref> | genre = [[Space combat simulator]] | modes = [[Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] | ratings = [[Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]]: Everyone (6+)<br />[[Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle|USK]]: 12+<br />[[Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association|ELSPA]]: 3+<br />[[Office of Film and Literature Classification (Australia)|OFLC]]: G8+ | platforms = [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Amiga]] | media = 2 [[CD-ROM]]s | requirements = 133 [[Hertz|MHz]] [[Central processing unit|CPU]], 32 [[Megabyte|MB]] [[Random access memory|RAM]], 8X CD-ROM drive, [[DirectX]] 5.0, 240 MB available [[hard disk]] space, [[Windows 95]]<br />'''Amiga version'''<br />[[PowerPC]] or [[Motorola 68060|68060]] [[microprocessor|processor]], 64 MB (min. 48 MB free) RAM, 8X CD-ROM drive, [[3D computer graphics|3D]] [[Graphics processing unit#Graphics accelerators|accelerated graphics card]] (Warp3D supported) | input = [[Keyboard (computing)|Keyboard]], mouse, (optional) [[joystick]] }} '''''Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War''''' is a 1998 [[Space combat simulator|space combat simulation]] [[IBM PC compatible]] [[Personal computer game|computer game]] developed by [[Volition, Inc.]] when it was split off from [[Parallax Software]]. Published by [[Interplay Entertainment]], it is also known as '''''Conflict: FreeSpace – The Great War''''' in Europe. In 2001, it was [[porting|ported]] to the [[Amiga]] platform as '''''FreeSpace – The Great War''''' by [[Hyperion Entertainment]]. The story places the player in the role of a human pilot in the Galactic Terran Alliance, as it engages in war with the [[Extraterrestrial life in popular culture|alien]] Parliamentary Vasudan Empire. This war is interrupted by the appearance of the enigmatic and militant Shivans, who begin slaughtering Terrans and Vasudans alike. Putting aside their differences, the Terrans and Vasudans form an alliance, and the player is assigned to missions to stop the Shivans' [[Genocide|genocidal]] advance. The player pilots a [[starfighter]], and alongside competent AI [[Wingman|wingmen]], completes these missions to determine the fate of two races. Important battles in the story feature [[capital ship]]s, which dwarf the fighters piloted by the player, and explode spectacularly on destruction. ''Descent: FreeSpace'' was well received as a single-player space simulation that integrated all the desired features of its genre, but its multiplayer mode was plagued by lag and inaccurate tracking of statistics. Its expansion, '''''Silent Threat''''', which comprised additional missions, was also released in 1998. Its sequel, ''[[FreeSpace 2]]'', was released a year later in 1999. == Gameplay == ''Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War'' puts the player in a [[starfighter]] flying out on missions to investigate, protect, or destroy certain targets. Some have categorized it as a flight simulator, since it has more controls and commands than a typical arcade game.<ref name="alamode" /> However, its flight model is simple, akin to that of the game ''[[Star Wars: TIE Fighter|TIE Fighter]]'', though it incorporates some elements of [[Classical mechanics|Newtonian physics]] such as precise collision physics.<ref name="forcegood" /><ref name="gamewant" /> In the single-player mode, the player flies through a series of missions in a [[wikt:campaign|campaign]]. [[File:FS Asteroids Combat.jpg|thumbnail|200px|left|The HUD-only interface of ''FreeSpace'']] Before flying a mission, the player goes through a briefing, which details relevant information and objectives. Ships and weapons are selected following the briefing, adding an element of strategy to the missions.<ref name="sharky" /> When flying, the game's perspective is a [[First-person shooter|first-person view]] from within the [[cockpit]], but the only visible interface is that of the [[head-up display]] (HUD). The player can customize the HUD by changing its color, or by toggling the information displays.<ref name="allgame" /><ref name="combat" /> Missions must be successfully completed for the campaign to advance.<ref name="agdb" /> However, not all objectives must be met for a mission to be considered successful.<ref name="forcegood" /> Results of a mission can affect later missions; for example, an enemy capital ship allowed to flee in a particular mission may return in a later mission.<ref name="skoarfs"/> Completed missions can be replayed on the in-game mission simulator.<ref name="agdb" /> Training missions are mixed in with the regular missions (and can be skipped), gradually introducing players to advanced commands and techniques as the missions become more sophisticated.<ref name="combat" /><ref name="agdb" /> The game has been said to be easily playable with the keyboard alone, or together with a mouse or joystick.<ref name="sharky" /><ref name="gameover" /> The game features multiplayer matches [[Internet|online]] or over a [[local area network]] (LAN). Players can either band together to complete [[Cooperative gameplay|cooperative missions]], or split up into teams to battle against one another.<ref name="gamespot" /> [[Voice chat]] is available, although reviewers advised it to be used only on [[broadband]] or LAN.<ref name="gamerevo" /> Online gameplay was free over the services offered by Parallax Online, which also kept track of players' statistics and rankings.<ref name="gameover" /> == Plot and setting == ''FreeSpace'' takes place in a fictional future where humans have discovered how to travel long distances by jumping into [[Hyperspace (science fiction)|subspace]], and have spread among the stars as the Galactic Terran Alliance (GTA).<ref>{{cite web | author = Volition staff | title = FreeSpace Reference Bible | publisher = [[Volition, Inc.]] | pages = 4 | date = 1998-02-26 | url = http://www.volition-inc.com/fs/downloads/fsrefbible.zip | format = Word 97 | accessdate = 2007-11-09 }} </ref> The player is thrust into the game during the fourteenth year of war between the GTA and the [[Extraterrestrial life in popular culture|alien]] Parliamentary Vasudan Empire. The history behind this war is never explained, to keep opportunities open for unrestricted development of the story in sequels and expansions.<ref name="bibintro">{{cite web | author = Volition staff | title = FreeSpace Reference Bible | publisher = [[Volition, Inc.]] | pages = 2 | date = 1998-02-26 | url = http://www.volition-inc.com/fs/downloads/fsrefbible.zip | format = Word 97 | accessdate = 2007-11-09 }} </ref> The plotline was described by Volition as multi-pathed, and would branch slightly depending on the player's mission performance.<ref name="pletcher" /> This was intended to enhance the replayability value of the game. [[File:FS Concept Art.jpg|thumbnail|200px|left|Clockwise from top left: Vasudans, Shivans, Terrans]] The introduction movie serves as a prologue, giving players an idea of the story right from the start. It establishes a Terran-Vasudan war, and gives a short glimpse of the fearsome alien Shivans. The player flies several combat missions against the Vasudans before encountering advance elements of the Shivans, who attack the two races indiscriminately. Unable to target or even damage the Shivans with their primary weapons, players must embark on several missions for the new Terran-Vasudan alliance to catch up with the Shivans' technological superiority,<ref>{{cite web | author = Matt | title = Descent Freespace Review | publisher = Coolinfo.com | date = n.d. | url = http://www.coolinfo.com/gameinfo/reviews/freespace/freespace.htm | accessdate = 2007-11-13 }} </ref> while fending off a Vasudan [[Destructive cult|death cult]], the Hammer of Light.<ref>'''Hammer of Light:''' We are the Hammer of Light. The prophecy is your doom. {{cite video game | title = Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War | developer = Volition, Inc. | publisher = Interplay Entertainment | date = 1998-03-19 | platform = PC }} </ref> The player becomes instrumental in capturing the Shivan cruiser SC ''Taranis''.<ref>'''Admiral Wolf:''' Congratulations, Alpha 1. You were instrumental in the first capture of a major Shivan vessel! {{cite video game | title = Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War | developer = Volition, Inc. | publisher = Interplay Entertainment | date = 1998-03-19 | platform = PC }} </ref> The promise of rewards for capturing the ''Taranis'' turns out to be a [[MacGuffin]]. Its capture only serves as an introduction for the game's main [[boss (video games)|boss]], the Shivan superdestroyer SD ''Lucifer''. The ''Lucifer'' makes its entrance by destroying the captured ''Taranis'' and many other allied ships, putting an end to the encouraging mood which was being built up till then.<ref>'''Admiral Shima:''' I wish your reassignments could have come under better circumstances. The loss of the ''Galatea'' is a great blow to all of us. We've lost many friends and loved ones. We also lost many great pilots.{{cite video game | title = Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War | developer = Volition, Inc. | publisher = Interplay Entertainment | date = 1998-03-19 | platform = PC }} </ref> At certain points during the campaign, [[monologue]]s by members of an extinct race, the Ancients, are told in [[Cutscene#Animated cutscenes|pre-rendered cutscenes]].<ref name="gamepow">{{cite web | author = GamePower staff | title = GamePower talks to FreeSpace producer | publisher = GamePower | date = 1998-01-29 | url = http://www.descent2.com/archives/articles/art0042.html | accessdate = 2007-11-18 }} </ref> With an undertone of sadness, they detail the Ancients' encounters with the Shivans [[wikt:millennium|millennia]] ago, suggesting the long history of the Shivans' actions, and their effects on developing [[Sentience|sentient]] species.<ref>{{cite web | author = Volition staff | title = FreeSpace Reference Bible | publisher = [[Volition, Inc.]] | pages = 25 | date = 1998-02-26 | url = http://www.volition-inc.com/fs/downloads/fsrefbible.zip | format = Word 97 | accessdate = 2007-11-09 }} </ref> They also [[Foreshadowing|foreshadow]] the destruction of a homeworld and, more importantly, reveal the [[plot coupon|secret]] to destroying the ''Lucifer''.<ref name="gameworl">{{cite web | author = Brett Quinton | title = Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War | publisher = PC Gameworld | date = 2002-09-20 | url = http://www.gwn.com/reviews/gamereview.php/id/106/p/0/title/Descent_FreeSpace_-_The_Great_War.html | accessdate = 2007-11-09 }} </ref> The destruction of the ''Lucifer'' in the subspace between the [[Solar System|Sol]] and [[Delta Serpentis]] jump nodes marks a [[twist ending|twist in the ending]]; the subspace corridor is destroyed and Sol is cut off from the Terran survivors outside who must face the possibility of meeting the Shivans again.<ref>'''Protagonist:''' All the jump points from Earth have been destroyed. But the Shivans can rebuild them. I’m told we can expect them again. But not in my lifetime. Such is liberation. May you live to see your home. {{cite video game | title = Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War | developer = Volition, Inc. | publisher = Interplay Entertainment | date = 1998-03-19 | platform = PC }} </ref> The expansion ''Silent Threat'' continues the story in a straightforward manner. The player joins the Galactic Terran Intelligence (GTI) while the Terran-Vasudan alliance is in a fragile state, and is told to preserve the alliance by ruthlessly pacifying rebellious elements and fending off remnants of the Shivan forces.<ref name="stwant">{{cite web | author = Warren Liu | title = Review: Descent: Freespace - Silent Threat | publisher = GamersWanted.com | date = 1998-10-14 | url = http://www.gamerswanted.com/PC/318/news/65/ | accessdate = 2007-11-13 }} </ref> However, it all turns out to be a [[cover-up]],<ref>'''Admiral Scott:''' Therefore, we suspect the Loki-class fighters were engaged in a GTI cover up. The attack on your wing in the Beta Aquilae system may have been a botched attempt to cover up the Einstein's existence. {{cite video game | title = Descent: FreeSpace — Silent Threat | developer = Volition, Inc. | publisher = Interplay Entertainment | date = 1998-10-01 | platform = PC }} </ref> as the GTI is plotting a [[Coup d'état|coup]],<ref>'''GTA Commander:''' The conspiracy is not confined to a rogue element within the GTI, but involves officers in the highest echelon of the intelligence directorate. Although their objectives remain unclear, command believes the conspirators intend to overthrow the GTA government and dissolve the GTA treaty. {{cite video game | title = Descent: FreeSpace — Silent Threat | developer = Volition, Inc. | publisher = Interplay Entertainment | date = 1998-10-01 | platform = PC }} </ref> and has constructed a Terran-Shivan hybrid superdestroyer of their own, the GTD ''Hades'', which the player must destroy.<ref>'''GTA Commander:''' Reconnaissance also has evidence of a large-scale prototype construction involving Shivan technology, but no data regarding the configuration and capability of this vessel could be gathered. {{cite video game | title = Descent: FreeSpace — Silent Threat | developer = Volition, Inc. | publisher = Interplay Entertainment | date = 1998-10-01 | platform = PC }} </ref> == Development == ''FreeSpace'' was Volition's first project after the split from [[Parallax Software]], which also spawned Outrage Entertainment.<ref name="pletcher">{{cite news | author = Mike Fine | title = Descent: Free "Speech". An Interview with Adam Pletcher | publisher = 3D Gamers | date = 1998-05-01 | url = http://www.3dgamers.com/articles/more/7/ | accessdate = 2007-10-31 }} </ref> It is not part of the [[Canon (fiction)|canon]] of the ''[[Descent (video game)|Descent]]'' computer game series, and contained none of its ideas and only small portions of its code.<ref name="asrale">{{cite web | author = Asrale | title = Volition Interview | publisher = PlanetDescent | date = 2000-09-11 | url = http://www.planetdescent.com/site/articles/asrale/9-11-00-asrale-volition.asp | accessdate = 2007-10-31 | archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20071028150427/http://www.planetdescent.com/site/articles/asrale/9-11-00-asrale-volition.asp| archivedate = October 28, 2007}} </ref><ref>{{cite web | author = [[Tom Chick]] | title = FreeSpace Preview | publisher = GamePower | date = 1998-01-29 | url = http://www.descent2.com/archives/articles/art0041.html | accessdate = 2007-11-18 }} </ref> It was only prefixed with ''Descent'' to avoid trademark issues with Mijenix Corporation's "FreeSpace", a [[disk compression]] utility.<ref name="volchat">{{cite web | author = Michael Diedrich (Zarathud) | title = Chat with Volition | publisher = FreeSpace Watch | date = 1998-11-20 | url = http://freespace.volitionwatch.com/editorials/11-20-98.shtml | accessdate = 2007-10-30 }} </ref><ref name="danint">{{cite web | author = Gwar | title = Interview with Dan Wentz | publisher = Descentia | date = 1998-01-03 | url = http://www.descent2.com/archives/articles/art0039.html | accessdate = 2007-11-18 }} </ref> Volition also used the term "FreeSpace" in the game to initially describe what became later known as subspace.<ref name="bibintro" /> The game was conceived by Adam Pletcher, with all the features of space simulator games his team had found to be fun. The games ''[[Star Wars: TIE Fighter|TIE Fighter]]'' and ''[[Wing Commander (video game)|Wing Commander]]'' were their primary inspirations, and those influences made their way into the game's flight model,<ref name="pletcher" /> along with the influence of historical [[World War II|WWII]] [[dogfight]]s. Themes from the fiction of ''[[Star Wars]]'', ''[[Space: Above and Beyond]]'', and ''[[Ender's Game]]'' form a part in shaping the background and story of the ''FreeSpace'' world. The chaotic battles between masses of ships commonly found in science-fiction [[anime]] became one of the features of ''FreeSpace''.<ref>{{cite web | author = Chris Jensen | title = FreeSpace Preview | publisher = Ogr.com | date = 1998-01-28 | url = http://www.descent2.com/archives/articles/art0040.html | accessdate = 2007-11-18 }} </ref> Begun with a crew of five, the project grew to a staff of 17.<ref name="danint" /> The game's code was built from scratch. Most of the software modules were interlinked with each other, increasing the job's complexity and difficulty. The code incorporated small portions of ''Descent'''s code for specific functions.<ref name="asrale" /> Kulas, who had worked on several versions of ''[[Microsoft Flight Simulator|Flight Simulator]]'' and ''Descent'', brought his experience into the game's [[Game artificial intelligence|artificial intelligence]] (AI). The game's difficulty levels are based on advancing the enemy AI, rather than simply increasing damage and "[[Health (game mechanism)|hit points]]" of enemies.<ref>{{cite web | author = Jason Ocampo | title = FreeSpace Preview | publisher = ''[[Computer Games Magazine|Strategy Plus]]'' | date = 1998-01-03 | url = http://www.descent2.com/archives/articles/art0039.html | accessdate = 2007-11-18 }} </ref> Some realism was incorporated into the game's physics, such that an impact on one part of a [[starfighter]]'s body will send it spinning appropriately, unlike sphere-based collision detection, in which an impact would simply 'push' the starfighter in a particular direction. Due to time and budget constraints, many of the initially planned cutscenes and stories were cut from the final product.<ref>{{cite web | author = Volition staff | title = FreeSpace Reference Bible | publisher = [[Volition, Inc.]] | pages = 7 | date = 1998-02-26 | url = http://www.volition-inc.com/fs/downloads/fsrefbible.zip | format = Word 97 | accessdate = 2007-11-09 }} </ref> Examples of such cuts include a campaign path where the Terran-Vasudan alliance goes on a retreat, and scenes of racial tension within the alliance.<ref>{{cite web | author = Volition staff | title = FreeSpace Reference Bible | publisher = [[Volition, Inc.]] | pages = 19–21 | date = 1998-02-26 | url = http://www.volition-inc.com/fs/downloads/fsrefbible.zip | format = Word 97 | accessdate = 2007-11-09 }} </ref> Despite the promise of a [[deathmatch (gaming)|deathmatch]] mode for multiplayer,<ref name="gamepow" /> it was cut from the final product.<ref name="gamespot" /> The expansion ''Silent Threat'' also suffered the same fate of cuts due to budgetary and time concerns.<ref name="volchat" /> [[3D Realms|Apogee Software]] announced on December 12, 1997 that they would be exclusively publishing ''FreeSpace'' for the first three months before handing the publishing rights back to [[Interplay Entertainment]].<ref>{{cite news | author = PC Gamer staff | title = Apogee has rights on FreeSpace | publisher = ''[[PC Gamer]]'' | date = 1997-12-12 | url = http://www.descent2.com/archives/articles/art0027.html | accessdate = 2007-11-18 }} </ref> This was part of their agreement with Interplay for the latter's purchase of the rights to ''Descent'', and Apogee decided to release ''FreeSpace'' as [[shareware]], with themselves as the merchant of the registered version. Interplay, however, bought the full rights to ''FreeSpace'' from Apogee in late April, 1998, keeping the ownership of the game solely to themselves.<ref>{{cite web | author = Samuel Stoddard | title = The Apogee FAQ | publisher = Hall of Light Amiga database | date = 2005-09-30 | url = http://www.rinkworks.com/apogee/ | accessdate = 2007-11-13 }} </ref> Volition aimed for a quality release, and promised to deliver a product without major bugs. Minor [[Software bug|bugs]] would be fixed in a prompt manner.<ref name="pletcher" /> The shipped game, however, had deficiencies admitted by the team, such as problems with the multiplayer code, and a few design issues.<ref name="volchat" /> The game underwent four patches, which resolved most of the bugs, and improved the multiplayer performance.<ref name="chronic" /> Complaints about an online mission giving unfair scores led to Volition removing the mission from scoring play.<ref>{{cite web | author = Volition staff | title = The Meeting | publisher = [[Volition, Inc.]] | date = 1999-01-15 | url = http://www.volition-inc.com/fs/ | accessdate = 2007-11-13 }} </ref> Another patch allowed [[Environmental audio extensions|EAX]] capability to be enabled for [[Creative Technology|Creative]] [[Sound Blaster]] [[sound card]]s.<ref>{{cite web | author = GameSpot staff | title = Descent Freespace v1.06 EAX Sound Patch | publisher = [[GameSpot]] | date = 1999-02-25 | url = http://www.gamespot.com/pc/sim/descentfreespacethegw/download_2539859.html | accessdate = 2007-11-13 }} </ref> Interplay played its part in drumming up the community's interest by holding contests, and expanding material for the ''FreeSpace'' universe.<ref name="chronic">{{cite web | author = Michael Diedrich (Zarathud) | title = FreeSpace Chronicled - The First Three Months | publisher = FreeSpace Watch | date = 1999-09-13 | url = http://freespace.volitionwatch.com/editorials/09-13-98.shtml | accessdate = 2007-11-14 }} </ref> Meanwhile, Volition created official star maps, and released Vasudan voice clips and story development notes. Interplay hired science-fiction writers such as [[Fred Saberhagen]], [[Simon Hawke]], and [[Jeff Grubb]] to write weekly ''FreeSpace'' stories for two months.<ref>{{cite web | author = Interplay staff | title = FreeSpace Stories | publisher = [[Interplay Entertainment]] | date = 1998-11-17 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20010306081600/http://www.interplay.com/FreeSpace/stories.html | accessdate = 2007-11-14 }} </ref> Preparing for ''Silent Threat''{{'}}s release, Interplay held a contest from July 28 to August 25, 1998, in which the submitted fan-designed missions could win their authors prizes such as free copies of ''Silent Threat'', ''FreeSpace'' apparel, and gaming hardware.<ref>{{cite web | author = Interplay staff | title = Descent: FreeSpace Mission Design Contest | publisher = [[Interplay Entertainment]] | date = 1998-11-18 | url = http://web.archive.org/web/20010307171402/www.interplay.com/FreeSpace/missions/fredrule.html#judge | accessdate = 2007-11-14 }} </ref> Entries were judged by a panel from ''[[PC Gamer]]'', and qualified entries constituted half of the missions in ''Silent Threat''.<ref name="stwant" /><ref>{{cite web | author = FreeSpace Watch staff | title = Silent Threat Information | publisher = FreeSpace Watch | date = n.d. | url = http://freespace.volitionwatch.com/fs1/st/ | accessdate = 2007-11-13 }} </ref> On December 14, 1999, [[Hyperion Entertainment]] announced their acquisition of the license to [[Porting|port]] ''FreeSpace'' to the [[Amiga]] system.<ref>{{cite press release | title = Hyperion licences "Freespace: The Great War" for Amiga | publisher = [[Hyperion Entertainment]] | date = 1999-12-14 | url = http://www.hyperion-entertainment.biz:8080/news/news21 | accessdate = 2007-11-13 }} </ref> The publisher was changed to Haage & Partner Computer on October 18, 2001.<ref>{{cite web | author = Haage & Partner Computer staff | title = News Archive 2001 | publisher = Haage & Partner Computer | date = 2001-12-31 | url = http://www.haage-partner.de/amiga/misc/h_new2001e.htm | accessdate = 2007-11-13 }} </ref> Despite the game's official release being announced for December 2001,<ref name="Amiga Flame staff" /> the approval to do so could only be gotten on January 7, 2002.<ref>{{cite web | author = Haage & Partner Computer staff | title = News Archive 2002 | publisher = Haage & Partner Computer | date = 2002-07-10 | url = http://www.haage-partner.de/amiga/misc/h_newe.htm | accessdate = 2007-11-13 }} </ref> The game was shipped without a printed manual,<ref name="agdb">{{cite web | author = Seppo Typpö | title = FreeSpace – The Great War | publisher = The Amiga Games Database | date = n.d. | url = http://www.angusm.demon.co.uk/AGDB/DBA1/FSpace.html | accessdate = 2007-11-18 }} </ref> but had additional German and [[French language]] support.<ref name="totalami" /> Hyperion had stated they would port over ''Silent Threat'' if the ''FreeSpace'' port sold well. To date, ''Silent Threat'' has yet to be ported over to the Amiga platform. ==Reception== The game has been re-released by Good Old Games(http://www.gog.com/en/frontpage/) in 2009 and is digitaly downloadable from the site. {{VG Reviews |Allgame = 4 / 5<ref name="allgame" /> |CVG = 8.9 / 10<ref name="cvgrev">{{cite web | author = Richie Shoemaker | title = Conflict: FreeSpace – The Great War | publisher = ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' | date = 2001-08-13 | url = http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=2847 | accessdate = 2007-11-13 }} </ref> |GSpot = 8.9 / 10<ref name="gamespot">{{cite web | author = Stefan "Desslock" Janicki | title = Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War | publisher = [[GameSpot]] | date = 1998-07-22 | url = http://www.gamespot.com/pc/sim/descentfreespacethegw/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;review | accessdate = 2007-11-13 }} </ref> |GamePro = 4.5 / 5<ref>{{cite web | author = Michael E. Ryan | title = Review: Descent: Freespace | publisher = ''[[GamePro]]'' | date = 2000-11-24 | url = http://www.gamepro.com/computer/pc/games/reviews/829.shtml | accessdate = 2007-11-13 }} </ref> |GameRev = A-<ref name="gamerevo">{{cite web | author = Mark Cooke | title = Descent: Freespace — PC | publisher = [[Game Revolution]] | date = 2004-06-05 | url = http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/pc/descent_freespace | accessdate = 2007-11-13 }} </ref> |rev1 = ''Total Amiga'' |rev1Score = 5 / 5<ref name="totalami">{{cite journal | last = Sutton | first = Mick | date = February 18, 2002 | title = Descent: Freespace | journal = Total Amiga | issue = 10 | pages = 30–32 | publisher = South Essex Amiga Link | location = Essex, England | url = http://www.totalamiga.org/pdf/totalamiga_10.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2007-11-14 }} </ref> |GR = 82.0%<ref>{{cite web | title = Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War Reviews | publisher = [[Game Rankings]] | url = http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/197099.asp | accessdate = 2007-11-12 }} </ref> }} ''FreeSpace'', which was placed 20th in ''[[PC Gamer#PC Gamer UK|PC Gamer UK]]''{{'}}s 1999 Top 100 Awards,<ref>{{cite journal | author = PC Gamer UK staff | year = 1999 | month = June | title = The Top 100 Awards | journal = [[PC Gamer#PC Gamer UK|PC Gamer UK]] | accessdate = 2007-09-14 }} </ref> was frequently compared to ''[[Wing Commander: Prophecy]]'' and ''[[Star Wars: X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter|X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter]]'' in its reviews, and stood up well against them. It has been said to be a combination of the two games, possessing the better qualities of each; the plot is fairly epic, but the player is still just a pilot caught up in it all, fighting amongst fleets of starships.<ref name="allgame">{{cite web | author = Beth Wasden | title = Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War | publisher = [[Allgame]] | date = n.d. | url = http://www.allgame.com/cg/agg.dll?p=agg&sql=1:14536~T1 | accessdate = 2007-10-26 }} </ref><ref name="skoarfs">{{cite web | author = Reevus | title = Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War | publisher = SKOAR! | date = n.d. | url = http://www.skoar.com/Story.php?StoryTitle=Descent:%20Freespace%20-%20The%20Great%20War&StoryId=1075&GroupId=5 | accessdate = 2007-11-13 }} </ref> As the game took inspiration from space simulation classics and offered comparatively little of its own innovation, it was called unoriginal by a few reviewers.<ref name="alamode">{{cite web | author = Greg Miller | title = Review of:Descent: FREESPACE (The Great War) | publisher = PC Alamode | date = n.d. | url = http://www.alamopc.org/pcalamode/reviews/archive1/rev349.html | accessdate = 2007-11-13 }} </ref><ref name="sharky">{{cite web | author = Anders Hammervald | title = Conflict: Freespace Review | publisher = Sharky Extreme | date = 1999-04-26 | url = http://www.sharkygames.com/games/reviews/volation/freespace/ | accessdate = 2007-11-13 }} </ref> Most reviewers glossed over the game's story, but a few found it lacking the depth needed to captivate the player.<ref name="allgame" /><ref name="combat" /> Some suggested that the game would have been better if the player had a greater role in controlling the outcome of the story. Without this impetus, these reviewers found themselves simply playing a "very sweet looking arcade title",<ref name="combat" /> and felt detached from their wingmen and environment.<ref name="gamewant" /> This feeling was made worse in ''Silent Threat'' with its "cold and inhuman" briefings and non-player characters.<ref name="stwant" /> [[File:FS Explosion.gif|thumbnail|200px|left|The explosions in the game impressed many reviewers.]] Several reviewers praised ''FreeSpace''{{'}}s graphics, claiming asteroids are realistically rendered against softly glowing [[nebula]]e, while galaxies and stars of varying colors lay in the background.<ref name="combat" /><ref name="gameover" /><ref name="gamerevo" /><ref name="totalami" /> Others felt differently, stating the [[3D computer graphics|3D effects]] were less spectacular than those of the software rendered version, the nebulae were unconvincing, and the ships' textures were blurry and lacking detail.<ref name="alamode" /><ref name="forcegood" /><ref>{{cite web | author = Randy Widell | title = Descent: FreeSpace | publisher = GameGenie.com | date = n.d. | url = http://www.gamegenie.com/reviews/pc/descentfs.html | accessdate = 2007-11-13 }} </ref> However, reviewers unanimously agreed the explosions in ''FreeSpace'' were the most spectacular they had ever seen, and were impressed with the many small details of capital ships breaking up. Sharky Extreme was dismayed by the game's inability to go beyond 640x480 screen size.<ref name="sharky" /> The game's AI also received praise from reviewers,<ref name="cvgrev" /> as the player's [[Wingman|wingmen]] were competent on their own and could be trusted with orders, even to the extent of co-ordinating attacks on capital ships.<ref name="forcegood">{{cite web | author = Stoo | title = A Force for Good — review of Conflict: Freespace | publisher = A Force for Good | month = November | year = 2002 | url = http://www.forceforgood.co.uk/reviewpage.php?selected=29 | accessdate = 2007-11-09 }} </ref><ref name="agdb" /><ref name="skoarfs"/> Likewise, the player's enemies acted in concert with each other to achieve their squadron's objectives.<ref name="combat" /><ref name="gameover" /><ref>{{cite web | author = Stephen Fulljames | title = Descent: Freespace | publisher = ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' | date = 2001-08-15 | url = http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=7460 | accessdate = 2007-11-13 }} </ref> Despite one reviewer's glowing praise for the ''FreeSpace''{{'}}s online multiplayer over [[cable modem]]s,<ref name="gameover">{{cite web | author = TraderX | title = Review: Descent: Freespace | publisher = Game Over Online Magazine | date = 1998-06-07 | url = http://www.game-over.com/reviews/pc/Descent_FreeSpace.html | accessdate = 2007-11-13 }} </ref> the majority at that time were on [[dial-up access]] and roundly condemned the online multiplayer mode. The chief complaint was lag.<ref>{{cite web | author = Joe Koenig (Elemental) | title = The Major Problem: LAG! | publisher = FreeSpace Watch | date = 1998-06-10 | url = http://freespace.volitionwatch.com/editorials/06-10-98.shtml | accessdate = 2007-11-13 }} </ref> GameSpot's Desslock was amazed the game dared to advertise as being able to support 16 players online when it could not even support two players on [[56k modem]]s. Combatsim.com's Fitzgerald called the multiplayer "bug ridden" after experiencing many of his shots not registering hits or kills on enemy ships after over 40 minutes of play; all of it due to [[lag]].<ref name="combat">{{cite web | author = Maurice Fitzgerald | title = Descent Freespace | publisher = Combatsim.com | date = 1998-07-17 | url = http://www.combatsim.com/memb123/archive/htm/htm_arc1/descent1.htm | accessdate = 2007-11-18 }} </ref> Other reviewers found their situations similar with their guns only firing seconds after depressing the trigger, and their ships randomly jumping over the playing area.<ref name="gamewant">{{cite web | author = Warren Liu | title = Review: Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War | publisher = GamersWanted.com | date = 1998-09-20 | url = http://www.gamerswanted.com/PC/137/reviews/1/ | accessdate = 2007-11-13 }} </ref><ref name="skoarfs"/> ''Silent Threat'' was judged to be a decent but uninspired add-on. The campaign missions were either standard escort or destroy missions, and offered no new equipment which were unable to compete against the older equipment.<ref name="stwant" /><ref>{{cite web | author = Reevus | title = Descent: Freespace Silent Threat | publisher = SKOAR! | date = n.d. | url = http://www.skoar.com/Story.php?StoryTitle=Descent:%20Freespace%20Silent%20Threat&StoryId=901&GroupId=5 | accessdate = 2007-11-13 }} </ref> The stand-alone missions, however, were toasted for the way they were conceived. The contest-winning entries gave breadth to the game's variety of missions, and encouraged greater community participation. This was made possible with the free editor, FreeSpace Editor (FRED), which has been called the best of its kind. With the ability to import personal audio and 3D animation files, the editor allows users the same capability as Volition to create their own missions.<ref name="gamewant" /> The possibilities offered by the editor resulted in a call to the community to stop the flood of "[[Battle of Endor]]"-type missions, and to design missions following Volition's Jason Hoffoss' [[Zen]] philosophy of accomplishing more with less.<ref>{{cite web | author = Michael Diedrich (Zarathud) | title = FRED and the Battle of Endor Syndrome | publisher = FreeSpace Watch | date = 1998-08-05 | url = http://freespace.volitionwatch.com/editorials/08-05-98.shtml | accessdate = 2007-11-13 }} </ref> == See also == * [[FreeSpace 2 Source Code Project]] == References == {{reflist|3}} == External links == * [http://web.archive.org/web/20080130114227/http://www.volition-inc.com/fs/ Official ''FreeSpace – The Great War'' website] (archived) * [http://www.hyperion-entertainment.biz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52&Itemid=58 ''FreeSpace – The Great War''] — Hyperion Entertainment's website for the Amiga port * {{moby game|id=/descent-freespace-the-great-war|name=''Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War''}} * {{imdb title|0169922|Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War}} {{Descent}} [[Category:1998 video games]] [[Category:Amiga games]] [[Category:Cooperative video games]] [[Category:FreeSpace series]] [[Category:Science fiction video games]] [[Category:Space combat simulators]] [[Category:Video games with expansion packs]] [[Category:Windows games]] [[Category:MOGs in space]] [[cs:Freespace]] [[da:Conflict: FreeSpace - The Great War]] [[de:Freespace]] [[fr:Descent: FreeSpace]] [[ru:Descent: FreeSpace]] [[sk:FreeSpace]] {{good article}}
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