I reviewed the original Flatspace, and I thought it was great. Flatspace 2 improves on the original open-ended, space-based game by enhancing the interface and providing a number of new features, such as an alien race and the introduction of guilds.

In Rise of the Scarrid, the humans are not alone in Flatspace. The Scarrid are a race of aliens that communicate with each other telepathically. The humans and Scarrids never did get along, but the current cold war just serves to heighten tensions. Flatspace is a dangerous place, and it isn't big enough for the both of them.

Much like the first game, you start out controlling a ship suitable to your job. For instance, Pirates get quick fighters with decent firepower while Traders get more cargo room and a scanner. Of course, you can play as the Scarrid as well, and they have their own unique job options. Of course, since Flatspace 2 is so open-ended, you don't need to stick with your day job. I've enjoyed earning extra cash killing aliens even though I was supposed to be transporting cargo. I've also mined a few asteroids and occasionally stole some floating cargo after a battle.

The map is separated into sectors, and the only way to travel between them is with your hyperdrive. Each sector can be home to any number of civilization structures, such as starcities, police outposts, manufacturing facilities, schools, or farms. Most of these places allow you to buy and sell commodities and equipment, improve your ship, and agree to missions. You can also buy newer ships as well as stations, and there are quite a few to choose from.

Missions take only a few forms. You can be asked to transport objects to another station, taxi people to their destinations, or capture or assassinate certain enemies. The farther away you need to carry someone or something, and the larger the object, the more money you can make. Of course, in Flatspace, the farther away you have to go, the more likely you might run into trouble.

Besides mysterious aliens you can't communicate with, you'll need to contend with pirates. Even if you aren't directly attacked, you might end up in the crossfire of a dogfight. On a number of occasions I've come out of hyperspace only to find my screen filled with ships, lifepods, missiles, and explosions. If you are participating in a fight, be aware of your surroundings. Other ships might pass by, and if you shoot them accidentally, they won't treat it like an accident.

The Scarrid have a clan system and like to fight in groups. If you play as the Scarrid, you can actually call in help to attack a target. Do not upset them if you don't think you can survive multiple attackers! They have a good memory and will attack unprovoked if you have a history of killing their clan members.

As in the original Flatspace, things are happening even when you aren't there. Each ship has its own agenda and you might recognize a ship from a different sector if you move about enough. New to this version of the game are the secrets strewn about. Sometimes you'll discover a secret by entering a specific base, but other times you can hyperjump right next to one. Another new feature is the guild system. By doing certain actions, such as making a profit off of an item you purchased or killing an alien, you gain points and improve your rank in one of a few guilds. Your rank provides access to some of the best items in the game.

Once again, there isn't too much of a story, but players should enjoy creating their own. There is actually fan-fiction available on the Flatspace website (lostinflatspace.com). The game looks and feels like the original game, but it is definitely easier for new players and great fun for veterans as well.

Graphics: +
Flatspace is more beautiful than ever. The models, special effects, and backgrounds enhance the immersiveness of the game.

Sound: +
The music can be epic or action-packed, but it is always beautiful. Audio plays a big role in this game by giving you clues as to when you're being attacked or if you are near someone who needs help.

Game Play: +
People complained that the first Flatspace game was difficult to play because it was too open-ended. When you started, you might not have any idea what to do first. Flatspace 2 drops you in front of a space station and tells you how to dock if you choose to do so. The controls are still fairly intuitive, and the new interface provides better ways for you to check your ship's status and buy products. It can still be very challenging, even on Easy difficulty.

Value: +
Even after you've mapped out the entire universe, you can just start a new game with a different random seed. You can also create a game with no humans or play a "classic Flatspace" game with no Scarrid. Each allows you to change the number of stations or police presence, among other options. Combat training allows you to practice straightforward dogfighting.

Concept: +
It's still fun to explore the universe, take odd jobs, or lay down your own law. It's fun thinking you can do anything, and in Flatspace 2, you can.

Fun: +
It is incredibly satisfying to come under heavy fire and still remain victorious. The same can be said for making a great profit on a trade, getting a huge kill bounty on a criminal, or finding a cool secret.

Overall: BUY
If you already have the original Flatspace, you might feel that it hasn't changed much; I'd suggest trying it out to see if you might prefer to play in a Flatspace that has Scarrid, guilds, and more items. Otherwise, I would strongly recommend this game to people who like involving simulations.