X²: The Threat
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| X²: The Threat | |
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| Developer(s) | Egosoft Freeverse Software (Mac OS X version) |
| Publisher(s) | Deep Silver (EU) Enlight (NA) Virtual Programming (Mac OS X version) Linux Game Publishing (Linux version) |
| Distributor(s) | Valve Corporation (Steam) |
| Engine | X² Engine |
| Version | 1.5 |
| Platform(s) | Linux, Mac OS X, Windows |
| Release date | 2003 July 21, 2006 (Steam) |
| Genre(s) | Space simulation |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
| Rating(s) | ESRB: Teen (T) |
| Media | CD-ROM, Steam |
| Input methods | Keyboard, Mouse, Joystick |
X²: The Threat is a computer game developed by Egosoft for Windows. It is part of the X Computer Game Series. It was released in 2003 and is a sequel to X: Beyond the Frontier. Freeverse Software ported the game to Mac OS X in 2004/2005, while Linux Game Publishing produced their Linux port in 2005/2006.
The sequel to this game is X3: Reunion (2005).
Contents |
[edit] Gameplay
As with the originals, X²: The Threat is a Space trading and combat simulator set in the fictional X-Universe, a network of sectors, linked by large space gates. The game features a new graphics engine, a much expanded Universe and 60 different flyable ships, along with a number of new missions available to the player. Unlike the expansion pack, X-Tension, which was almost entirely open-ended, X²: The Threat has a clear background story involving an aggressive alien race known as the Kha'ak. However, the game remains open-ended and the player is free to pursue the plot at their own pace, if at all.
X²: The Threat was generally well received by critics, with many reviewers praising the graphics and the amount of freedom offered to the player. Common complaints were that X²: The Threat, like its predecessors, was quite slow paced and had a steep learning curve.
[edit] Plot
The player takes the role of Julian Gardna, a Pirate and thief. Early on, the Kha'ak, a hostile alien race, emerge to threaten the X-Universe. The player is asked to undertake a series of missions to uncover their origins, their intentions, and to determine their connection to his missing father. Ultimately, Julian must fight off a massive attack by Kha'ak, rescuing numerous other characters in the process. Key non-player characters include:
- Bret Serra: rogue, pirate and Julian's closest friend;
- Ban Danna: the head of Argon Secret Service who shares a close relationship with Julian's father dating back to the previous game, X: Beyond the Frontier;
- Elena Kho, Chief Executive in the influential Terracorp corporation;
- Saya Kho, daughter of Elena Kho;
- Kyle Brennan, Julian's father, founder of Terracorp, and protagonist from the previous games.
Due to the expense of completing the plot, the player is periodically prompted to break away from the plot and increase their resources through trade and other open-ended play.
[edit] Open Ended
X2 is set within the X-Universe, which consists of 130 sectors connected by two-way jumpgates. The main area of each sector typically contains several stations and at least one gate. The game is open-ended allowing the player to go where they like, when they like, doing whatever they like; a player is limited only by their in-game status and resources. As such, a driving force of the game is to acquire credits - the universal currency - and status.
Using credits a player can buy wares from a station, for a price. These wares may then be flown to another station where they can be sold, ideally for a higher price. However, prices vary - from minute to minute, second to second - depending on demand. The less of a ware there is, the higher its price. As such, the X-Universe has a truly dynamic market-driven economy. A player can capitalise on emergent trends to make vast profits; or as easily, can waste money and time on a bad cargo choice. As a player builds profits they can buy equipment, weapons, ships, and even stations (to produce more wares, weapons and equipment). The player can acquire an unlimited number of ships and stations, of varying size, shape and function. A player can set their own goals, devise their own missions, and choose their own path in how they wish to shape the universe.
The game contains numerous races. Status affects how races, and individuals respond to the player, and what kind of missions are offered. A player status is categorised according to 'Mercantile' skill, 'Combat' skill, and a 'Notoriety' ranking for each race.
[edit] Ships
- M1 Carrier: Can hold many fighters. They specialise in defence rather than attacking ability.
- M2 Destroyer: Can hold a few fighters. They have about 18 lasers spaced over 6 turret positions.
- M6 Corvette: Small capital ships. They are more manoeuvrable than large capital ships and have better shields and weapons than the fighters. Can hold one M5 fighter.
- M3 Fighter: A heavy fighter. Has larger shields and weapons than the M4 as well as a larger cargobay.
- M4 Interceptor: Medium shielded and armed fighter. Quick and effective on patrols.
- M5 Scout: The lightest ship. Minimal shields and weapons. The fastest class of ship.
- TL Large Transporter: The largest ships. Can carry stations to their building location. Can dock fighters, TP and TS class ships. Vast cargo space.
- TS Small Transporter: A ship made for hauling bulk quantities of wares between stations. Slow, well shielded with light turret defences.
- TP Passenger Transporter: Fast ships with good cargo space. Needed for passenger missions. Usually protected by a turret.
| Argon | Boron | Paranid | Split | Teladi | Pirates | Xenon | Kha'ak | |
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| M1 Carrier | Colossus | Shark | Zeus | Raptor | Condor | N/A | J | Kha’ak Carrier |
| M2 Destroyer | Titan | Ray | Odysseus | Python | Phoenix | N/A | K | Kha’ak Destroyer |
| M6 Corvette | Centaur | Hydra | Nemesis | Dragon | Osprey | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| M3 Fighter | Nova | Barracuda | Perseus | Mamba | Falcon | Orinoco | L | Kha'ak Fighter |
| M4 Interceptor | Buster | Mako | Pericles | Scorpion | Buzzard | Bayamon | M | Kha'ak Interceptor |
| M5 Scout | Discoverer | Octopus | Pegasus | Jaguar | Harrier | Mandalay | N | Kha'ak Scout |
| TL Large Transporter | Mammoth | Orca | Hercules | Elephant | Albatross | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| TS Small Transporter | Mercury | Dolphin | Demeter | Caiman | Vulture | Pirate Ship | N/A | N/A |
| TP Personnel Transporter | Express | Manta | Hermes | Iguana | Toucan | N/A | N/A | N/A |
[edit] Factions
[edit] Argon Federation
The descendants of the original Human colonists who survived the conflict with the emergent Terraformers, they have largely suppressed the memories of their origins and regard Earth as something of a fairy-tale.
Argon ships can be identified by distinctive pale blue exhaust trails and are considered the most balanced of all ships available.
[edit] Boron Kingdom
An aquatic species which evolved in the ammonia-rich oceans of their home world. They are open and friendly but seem to lack the devious cunning of the other races, having great trouble understanding the motives behind such actions as betrayal and spite.
Boron ships are built almost entirely by hand-analogue, as a result they are usually quite expensive. Boron ships tend to be reasonably fast, manoeuvrable, and adequately shielded at the cost of fire-power.
[edit] Teladi Company
A reptilian species of scavengers and merchants driven by an insatiable desire for financial gain, they are quite approachable so long as you have money but will renege on a deal if they believe it is profitable to do so.
Teladi ships are built in vast orbital sweatshops from cannibalised parts of other races ships that they have bought, traded, or "borrowed". Teladi ships are usually slower but have more cargo capacity than those of the other races. Teladi fighters tend to have less fire-power than those of the other races while their capital ships are more expensive and have more shielding and fire-power than those of the other races. Teladi ships can be identified by their green exhaust trails.
[edit] Paranid Empire
A race of heat-adapted insectoids, the Paranid have a very closed society based worship of a supreme being/entity called "Xaar" (A title often adopted by various Imperial heads of state.) They barely tolerate trade and are often considered to be abrupt in their dealing with others.
Paranid ships are built in hi-tech dual workshops. The ships tend to have good shielding and above-average hull plating at the expense of fire-power and cargo holds. Paranid ships can be identified by yellow exhaust trails.
[edit] Split Dynasty
The Split are a race of violent, often crude humanoids with short tempers and even shorter vocabulary. They are a martial race who take great pleasure in combat, especially against the Boron whom they believe to be evilly sly and bent on their destruction.
Split ships are built with one purpose in mind - Combat. All ships can carry offensive armament (including freighters) and they are usually the fastest in their respective class. While powerful and manoeuvrable, Split ships are weakly shielded. Split ships can be identified by vivid red exhaust trails.
[edit] Pirates
Not a race in and of themselves, more of a collection of individuals from other races. They are often involved in many areas of the X economy, both legal and otherwise.
Pirate ships can be any of the main race ships, but they do have some "native" designs which are more suited to their needs. Their ships leave yellow/white exhaust trails.
[edit] Xenon
The Xenon were originally created by Humans centuries ago as terraforming tools, who after years of continuous use started to think independently and eventually turned on their creators.
Xenon ships seem to be very sturdy, and have little trouble manoeuvring even at high speeds. Their ships leave yellow/white exhaust trails.
[edit] Kha'ak
Very little is known about the Kha'ak. They attack all races on sight (even Xenon) and press the battle regardless of casualties.
Kha'ak ships have beam weapons and are fast and agile. Their fighters often enter a sector joined together in a "cluster". Kha'ak ships have very weak armour, making them particularly susceptible to shots and collisions. Kha'ak ships leave purple trails.
[edit] Gallery
[edit] External links
- Official page
- X²: The Threat at MobyGames
- Review of X2: The Threat at PC Gameworld
- The X Universe a forum, wiki and community site based around the X series of games by Egosoft, including several mods and other projects related to the series.
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