Freespace 2 is a space combat simulator published in 1998. Long heralded by fans as the epitome of the genre, it was also sadly one of the last truly great games of its type.

In the game, you play as an anonymous pilot of the Terran Alliance, fighting for galactic peace. However, the plot quickly turns, as it appears that the Shivan threat (thought defeated in Freespace: the Great War) has returned.

The gameplay is mission based, with each mission giving you a set of often-changing objectives to be accomplished ranging from interception to recon to patrol. Just like others in the genre, the game takes place completely from the cockpit of your ship, although your ships and the scale of the forces you command change over the course of the game -- eventually orchestrating full fighter wing engagements.

The game has an amazing plot and beautifully rendered enviroments, with a truly epic sense of scale. Couple that with an intense and fun multiplayer experience, and you have one grand game in your hands.