Things are not always what they appear. The news that the planned expansion pack for X2: The threat (X2: The Return) has been cancelled would ordinarily be greeted with gloom. However, peering behind the damping veneer of negativity, a new and far more joyous spectacle greets the eye.

The reason behind the cancellation is that the intended updates for the expansion pack were so huge and encompassing that the developers were finding it too restrictive to squeeze all that content into the lithe, albeit aging, body of the X2 engine. Thus they decided to scrap the update and plump for a whole new sequel in the X universe that would give them the creative and technical freedom to shift the iconic X series into echelons new.

The intriguingly titled X3: Reunion promises great things. Graphics are the first to be overhauled, with the enchanting beauty of X2 being thoroughly surpassed by the brand new engine being developed specifically for X3, and which takes full advantage of the latest Direct X 9 technology.

The economy model and AI have also undergone a comprehensive refurbishment, hopefully resulting in an even more immersive setting than the self-sustaining and fully autonomous universe seen in X2. X3 looks to transcend its own benchmark in the space combat/trading genre.

Console fans will be excited to learn that the game will definitely be ported to at least one of their gaming machines. Which console will have that honour is yet to be announced. We’ll bring you word as soon as our spies have infiltrated the X hangar. Expect a release in Q3 of this year for both PC and the mystery console.

Adam Shirley