Just read this thread as it mentioned stalker and now I have to butt in with a question. Several posts talk about mods, and mention mods fixing graphics and bugs. I remember when I first played SoC I had more than enough PC for the recommended reqs, and I had to turn graphics way down. Reviews stated at the time that the engine had some flaws with memory management on the graphics side or some such. Do any of these mods make the game run smoother and maybe help fix the firefight stutter problem that pops up once in a while?

Also, never got my hands on CoP. Is it a shorter game like CS, or will it keep me going for a while like SoC?

Hello all! I'm here on a mission. Having just had a big discussion about some classic space games like Freespace 2 and the original Privateer, the little group I game with has decided we should do something in space. Problem is we have specific wants in an online space game, and there's so many to choose from, so I was hoping if I dropped some specifics, maybe some fellow gamers could suggest something.

First, we would like a game free or cheap. Not everyone in the group can afford EVE Online...unfortunately. Beyond that, we are looking for strategy and customization from the planetary level to space combat on a galactic scale. We want to be able to control planets and resources, mine and salvage in space, form and break alliances. Also, building fleets, customizing ships with different weapons and such. Capital ships with beam weapons is a plus! :D If at all possible, something where design and fleet movements play a bigger role than who can pump out more ships. Also if possible, a game as simple to play as a standard RTS, but having the option to do more advanced micromanagement only if the player really wants to tweak.

If anyone has any ideas, or has played a game something like I described, please let me know? Thanks in advance!