Free Space Simulation Games
Whether players want an intergalactic dogfight, a realistic simulation of modern spaceflight or a chance to voyage through a limitless galaxy, they can find a video game that explores their interests. It's far trickier to find such a title that's also free, but such games do exist and gamers can download them immediately off of the Internet.
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Orbiter
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From the controls in the cockpit to the physics of orbital insertion, "Orbiter" emphasizes authenticity. Players assume control of a NASA space shuttle and take it through launch, orbit and a rendezvous with the international space station. They can simulate other missions, as well, including landing on the moon. Fans of the game have developed mods, which add the ability to fly to other planets and even land on them. Players can design their own rockets and see how these shuttles fare under realistic conditions.
Noctis
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"Noctis" is an adventure in limitless space. Players fly their shuttle through a galaxy with hundreds of thousands of procedurally generated solar systems. Each one has planets and moons, and some even support sentient life. The shuttle isn't equipped with photon torpedoes or laser beams, though. The objective of "Noctis" is not to conquer, but to see. As players discover new solar systems, they can name the planets and stars. If they upload this information to the "Noctis" developers, the names will appear in the next release. With its low resolution graphics, "Noctis" might not be pretty to look at, but it offers a richly detailed universe to those who are willing to overlook its visual shortcomings.
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Ascii Sector
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"Ascii Sector" recreates the universe entirely with ASCII characters. The game has no textures, no models and no animations. However, it renders everything in 3D by using letters, numbers and punctuation. Players can focus on exploring this odd universe, or they can busy themselves with quests, mercantilism and combat. The "Ascii Sector" universe is a place of both economic diversity and factional strife. The game offers many opportunities to earn money, which in turn players can spend on superior spacecraft and fuel for future expeditions. The controls can be tricky, but the website provides thorough documentation.
Allegiance
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Microsoft released the multiplayer space fighter "Allegiance" in 1999. Since then, they've made it freeware so that anyone can enjoy this classic. The game features elements from several genres, including real-time strategy and first-person shooters. Players can focus on developing research facilities, manufacturing ships and engaging in other strategic affairs, or they can jump into the cockpit of a fighter jet and fly into battle. "Allegiance" has a diverse range of spacecraft to pilot, from zippy jets to formidable juggernauts. Each is viable and leads to dramatically different styles of gameplay.
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