I have played since 1999 with X-BTF and have follwed every game they have. in my X3 Reunion I have literally a year in time which is about 5 months in game. I just restarted a X3 TC game after 6 months of playing it. The games are kinda sand box which I hate to say can keep me going for a while.
If not familiar there is no multiplayer and combat to me is easy. The auto aim software makes hitting rather easy. however you have to ahve a good ship or they can pop yea in no time,lol.
The community is a lot like here, folks have lots of knowledge and for the most part rather friendly. They get #%&*$# when yea post in worng forums after being told several times,lol. There is lots of guides to explain everything so any questions the guides will help.


Bullet

As a long time Wing Cmdr/Freespace/X-Wing/TIE Fighter player, I found myself unable to get into X3. Granted I only tried for a few hours, but it seemed very different from what I was used to and couldn't make the leap with the time I had.

Just as a contrasting view, since I don't know your background and what you might expect.



The Jedi Master

Yeah, it is not a straight-ahead shoot 'em up. Then again, one of the great things about the game, especially TC and Albion Prelude, is that it allows you to play it how you want to play it. I ignore the empire/station building component entirely, and focus more on combat, a few basic trades, site seeing (it's a gorgeous game), and exploration (abandoned ships, etc)


PS- I think it plays MUCH better with a full HOTAS. Like a flight sim, really- all the axes of movement, track ir, and ability to use throttle, stick, and rudder pedals. I rarely use the keyboard or mouse. The key is to have a good HOTAS profile. I have a CH HOTAS and use the x3 profile on CH Hanger from Abe Besson, though I've modified it to suit my needs.

I started play TC last year after I found it in the bargain box. Great potential and can be addictive.

I only scratched the surface and installed only a few mods. Was exploring and slowly building up my ship.

Then my SSD died and my save-games were gone. ATM I`m too frustrated to start again.

Hmmm... the lack of multiplayer is really disappointing though...