Having played too many FPS and RTS titles of late, my mind has grown somewhat numb owing to the mindless repetition they offer. Space Rangers 2 was a refreshing break from the linear monotony, offering a vast virtual gaming experience of galactic proportions

Rather than outlining the game’s boundaries, and then setting you off upon a defined journey, Space Rangers 2 hands over control entirely to yourself. You initially choose what race you want to play as, which has an effect on how the game plays out, and then decide what parameters you wish to play within. You can set not only the difficulty, but also how the rest of the galaxy interacts with you, what equipment you wish to start out with, and plenty more; allowing players to customise the game according to how they want to play.

There is an underlying storyline to the whole game, of how an alliance of nations must rise together to overthrow the invasion of the evil Dominators. The situation throughout the entire galaxy slowly evolves throughout the course of the game, according to how the battle is going. But you are not forced down any path; you can make your own choices. You can take up the role of a fighter and wage war with the fearsome Dominators, or perhaps become a merchant, and profit from heavily fluctuating prices across the solar systems as the war rages. You can even become a pirate and take your spaceship on missions of villainy and treachery.

There is a whole living, breathing, universe out there, and you are not the only one in it. There are hundreds and hundreds of other characters in the game, all wending their own separate paths throughout the galaxy, and all with their own personal agendas. You can even interact with these individuals, whether it is by asking for help, trading, arranging a deal, or simply by attacking them. And the attack option opens up a whole new arena of space-based combat, which although relatively basic, is a commendable addition to the game.

When landing on planets there are various places you can visit. Some places offer missions, other offer goods or services, and of course the Trading Centre allows you to flog your goods for vast sums of cash, or buy some sizzling new equipment for yourself.

On planets that have suffered invasion by the Dominators, a new RTS game element opens up. You firstly build your own custom robots, selecting from various bodies, weights, sizes, weapons etc, and then mass-produce them to fight the enemy. And not only can you fight in traditional RTS style, but you can also take control of individual units and charge them against the enemy lines yourself.

Graphics and sound are unexceptional, but suffice for their ordained purpose. Plus gameplay never feels quite as deep or detailed as games devoted to a specific genre. But it is the wholesome combination of them all put together that makes Space Rangers 2 so enjoyable.

And finally, BOGOF! No no, I’m not being rude, just using the acronym to describe what Space Rangers 2 has on offer. Buy One Get One Free! The full original Space Rangers game is included free when you buy Space Rangers 2. What superb value, etc!