While the Rebel Galaxy franchise has it's own stories, lore and protagonists.... Rebel Galaxy Outlaw is a game that gets me as close to living in the world of Firefly as any game can(to date). A Sci-Fi 'Western', living and breathing. Seeing it in action makes me appreciate all that attracted me to it.
It was a long wait. 2 years of a wait as the game developed and more with it's Epic exclusivity and more development time. But then it hit Steam. With only myself and a ton of other games to play further delaying me really get into it... Too many games and not enough time.... An eternal struggle. A journey worth the wait.
Gaming wise it tickles all my nostalgic rose tinted memories of older sci-fi space shooters which I 'grew up' on on PC in the 90's/2000's. Privateer 2, Freespace 1 &2, Wing Commander 3,4 & Prophecy...This game pays a lot of homage to them. I appreciate that a lot; Pity the bulk of lower steam reviews don't see it that way.
Jumping from system to system be it hunting pirates or trading. It has the same type of systems as Privateer 2's galaxy; Which makes it so familiar. Large but not so big as to be incomprehensible. With police and trade ships going about their own business.
Docking at stations or planets gaining contracts to intercept or escort those traders or get tips on space loot. Rebel Galaxy Outlaw adds so much more to the ol'school mix.
The traffic control of stations; the planetary on ramps all add to the feel of the universe. The 'little things' that add so much without notice.
The comms system to interact or goad spacefarers/pirates and interact with the police also adds to the mix. As does the PDA to sort and inform in and out of game information/options.
The combat is so very similar to Freespace, Freespace 2 in fitting your ship and grinding down shields for that perfect missile hit. The biggest upgrade to combat in this game compared to the older titles is the target lock auto tracking system that is semi-auto-aim-esque for your gun systems. I appreciate that as a casual gamer with nostalgia but there are harder modes of gameplay and so the game caters to the more hardcore among us as well; Choice matters.
A tractor beam; Being able to pull in cargo and 'capture' ejected pilots all adds to the bank balance. Unless like me you don't time things well and run over the cargo, destroying 'it' and damaging your ship.... Or tractor in illegal good with a cop beside you....
With bars being in every port of call hard gamblers can even visit such places as a casino station... It does look the part. Tacky but very Vegas lights. Hilarious. It reminds me of the Bacchus from Space Above and Beyond.
The vanity flair of dashboard pics and statues is another fun element to the game. I've posted about my Forged character from Trochlight III and his dashboard counterpart.
The difference above in the cockpit layout/displays is due to my upgrade from Platypus to Sonora. An upgrade that looks better on paper than in person.
Despite being able to do more in the newer ship it doesn't feel as hardy even if it is 'better'. The Platypus may be a lump of junk but it soaks damage and keeps going. Maybe that's the point of the 'feel' and uniqueness of the ships. Balance, give and take. More nuanced than many may think.
I'm hoping a final upgrade to a Coyote brings more enjoyment balance with it....
Or maybe a slow but weapon filled Durston for survival might be better....
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