Despite some problems, this is an ambitious title that, when given patience, proves to be a fun and solid game.
If you've never heard of the X series, here's a quick explanation. X3: Terran Conflict is the sequel and standalone expansion to X3: Reunion. The X series are sandbox games, meaning there is no linear gameplay. You can fight pirates, be a pirate, trade, build space stations, and the like. There are few, if any, limits of what you can do. A word of warning: This game is a time eater, and it is not for the impatient. The game requires lots of time to get into and advance. Don't expect to be flying a big ship and have millions of credits within the first few days. However, if you have the patience, this game will become a gem for you, because there is so much you can do in this game. Playing this game can create a sense of wonder, whether you're attacking pirates, or just watching a fleet fly by.
Terran Conflict isn't much different from Reunion is terms of how the game plays (this is a standalone expansion, after all.), but there are a lot of cool new features. First and foremost, the UI has been completely overhauled. It is now mouse driven and easier to use. Giving lots of orders is still a pain, as you still have to use the annoying Command Console for most orders. There are a few shortcuts in the orders menu, such as "Protect me", but other much used commands still require the console. Still, the UI is a big improvement, and much needed one. Combat has been much improved, using a click and drag method of steering and aiming, allowing your ship to fire off center, making it a bit easier, and adding a new dimension to the system. There are many new unique weapons in the game, not just ten weapons with three variants each. Missiles have also been improved, making them worth using.
Another big improvement (probably the biggest) is the mission system. Missions have been grouped into four categories: Trade, Fight, Build, and Think, which is also the game's slogan. The descriptions are self explanatory. Fight missions have you blowing things up, Trade missions have you running goods, Build missions have you building stations for clients, and Think missions tend to be miscellaneous, such as transporting passengers and finding lost ships. Again, doing loads of missions to make enough money to buy new ships and stations can be tedious at times, but that's what the X series are about: working your way to the rewards. Buying your first destroyer or carrier is a very satisfying experience. If this still sounds too boring, keep in mind that the rewards for missions are much, much higher, so you'll be making your first million much, much faster. You no longer have to dock at stations to accept missions, and the range for contacting station has been greatly increased, so you'll spend more time doing missions, and less time flying around to accept them.
Since the game runs on the same engine as Reunion, the graphics are still top notch, though they have higher system requirement, which is odd. Still, most PC's will be able to run everything on high, and even if yours can't, the game still looks very nice on Medium and even Low settings.
Sounds are all right in terms of quality. The game has the usual sci-fi style sounds effect, and they aren't great, but not bad either. Voice acting is horrible. Characters often speak with monotones and other irritating things. Clearly the people that voiced the characters are amateurs.
Now every game has problems. I am reviewing Terran Conflict at patch 2.1, so many of the bugs are gone. Still this is a very disturbing trend for Egosoft, whose games are known to be horribly bugged at launch. Since TC is a stand-alone expansion for Reunion (also bugged at launch), this should not have happened in my opinion. However, compared to Reunion at launch, TC is of much better quality.
Another annoying thing is how objects in this series have been recycled through each game. Some of the character portraits and objects have dated back to the first X Game. With all the new stations and ships Egosoft made for this game, one would think to just redo them. Another problem with the game is how the universe just seems to be dead. Ships just fly around, not really doing much. Sure, merchants will trade goods, and militaries will attack pirates that come into civilized territory, but there really isn't much. It just doesn't seem alive or dynamic. Finally, the learning curve is very steep, and can take a long time to get into.
To end on a positive note, the X series has an amazing community. They are very helpful to new players, and create a great deal of excellent mods. Register on the Egosoft forum and ask lots of questions. It is worth it.
Bottom line: In an age of console and quick, simplified gameplay, X3: Terran Conflict stands out as an example of what the PC is capable of.
Highs: Great graphics, deep gameplay, multiple storylines, large universe, better mission system, improved UI, good online community.
Lows: Still hard to get into, takes time to make progress, terrible voice acting, awful AI, storylines aren't very good, lack of multiplayer, lacks polish.