A classic, based on a classic. A bit pricey, perhaps, but worth it; read on...
It takes place in the setting of an 'alternate universe' to the other two games in the franchise, but still brings the player the same basic experience: you start out as a simple freighter captain, trying to eke out your own existence in a big, strange universe. However, this game features a variety of plot strings (I believe six VERY different main plots in all, and several minor plot strings), a wide variety of ships and outfits to satisfy just about your every need, and a large galaxy of at least (read:i haven't counted, but probably much higher than my estimate) 100 different star systems to explore. Each system is unique, although usually only offering one or two ports (planets or space stations) to dock at, which can grow tiresome, but does prevent the player from being overwhelmed. Besides, this still means that there are hundreds of different locations to explore.
Each location offers its own short set of flavor text to explain a bit about its background and its existence or function. You end up with a lot of reading (optional, of course) and generally feel immersed in the gameworld.
Each inhabited planet, or space station, will offer one or more of the following services:
Bar - go here to hire escorts, or gamble a few bucks away at the races (or come here if you're looking to start or continue a plot string - some require this)
Mission BBS - random missions are available here. They range from low-pay, low-risk missions where you ferry a few passengers a few systems away, for something in the range of 5,000 credits... to the difficult, high-risk shipping missions you may get later in the game that can pay up to 500,000 credits.
Trade Center - the trade center lists what commidities are available for purchase and are being bought at the current port.
Shipyard - basically a car lot. Offers anything from your jalopies, used cars, and your top-of-the-line, super-equipped battleships.
Outfitters - this is where your purchase whatever you need for your ship. radar upgrades, jamming systems, weapons systems, gun turrets, missile launchers, ammunition, solar panels, marine platoons.... the list goes on and on.
(Note: the availability of commidities, ships, and outfits is random, and depends partly on chance, partly on what system you are in, what port you are docked at, and what missions you have completed. Hey, you have to work for what you want...)
~~
Graphics:
Let's face it. If you're looking for a spit n polished shooter, then look elsewhere. This game stays true to its roots, and while it may offer some beautiful renders of ships for sale it generally evokes memories from bygone eras of side-scrollers and Star Wars NES titles (well, not quite that bad). Still, the game does offer a few animations to please some enthusiasts, and watching space battles is still a blast despite the dated graphics.
~~Sound
The sound effects emitted from certain weapon systems (read:raven rockets, IR missile launchers) will grow tiresome after a while. I can respect the fact that it is a lot of work designing sound effects to suit such a variety of weapons (and ships), but I still wish there was more variety here. Oh well.
On the plus side, there is usually a nice, looping sound byte played whenever you land on a planet or station - by nice, i mean NOT a pain in the butt.
My last gripe is that there is very little in the way of voice feedback from other ships. The only voices in the game are those that you hear from your escort ships (if you have any), whenver you issue them an order.
~~
Gameplay:
I can't say enough. This is where the game REALLY shines... I don't know where to begin, so let's jump right into it.
The ability to hire and fire escort ships at will is an underrated feature seldom seen in... well, most other games on the market. You can hire combat-capable ships to fight (or die) for you, large cargo ships to haul a couple hundred tons of luxury goods so you can make a few million credits, or you can outright CAPTURE other ships and loot them and, if you're lucky enough, take them for your own or enslave the crew to work for you.
The variety of missions available, as well as the length and variety in main plot strings, adds a great deal of replay value to the game. You will, more often than not, be offered a unique experience each time you play the game. And if you get lost in a mission, just google the following phrase:
ev:nova walkthrough
That much explains itself.
There is quite a bit of text to read about each faction, ship, planet, etc etc, so at least in this regard you are deeply immersed. Whoever wrote the text for the mission plot strings deserves a reward for their brilliant authoring. Absolutely.
Lastly, the fact that the game is open ended and diverse, and long but not excruciatingly long means that you'll find yourself playing this game over and over and over. No plans for a sequel, but I'm confident there will be a few 3-D clones of the game produced... someday. Sure to keep its residence on my hard drive for quite a while (and even if it doesn't, Ambrosia keeps a database of registration keys in case you lose yours).
And that's why I rated this game so well.. Enjoy!