A joystick should improve the immersion factor but you don't need it. I don't have one and I fly Black Shark just fine.

So if I can fly reasonably well in Freelancer, I can also do well flying with a mouse in X3?

I have been flying entirely using mouse and keyboard and find it works quite well.

Thanks.
Now my task of resisting the desire to purchase it until I have more money just got harder. Of course, it's only £11 at Gamersgate, which isn't much...

You'll do reasonably well once you've figured out what to do. It's basically a steer and wait, a while, before you arrive at your destination. It's outer space so not much in your way. No take offs and landings, no trimming and I don't think gravity is modeled at all.



That's even cheaper than steam. Go for it if you have any interest in space and exploration.

It's WELL worth 11 bucks.

I had trouble getting started, had a couple failed attempts. It is really big in what you can do. I found a good guide that helped me get going using the 'Humble Trader' start.

Let us know if you get it and have any questions!

IF you end up enjoying it, you've got a years' worth of gaming before you, easy. It's kinda like Oblivion Elder Scrolls, but from the POV of a spaceship.

I tried to get it, but Gamersgate, or rather whatever the payment company is, took my money and didn't give me the game. Sigh.

I've actually played x3 Reunion before, so am looking forwards to finally getting it. Hopefully the support ticket I sent off gets answered promptly, and the issue gets resolved.

Got it!

Now to download a big bunch of mods, and explore!

Ooohh... Gamersgate (US site) is selling X3 TC for US$14.95 - much cheaper than the US$19.99 price on Steam. Works out to less than S$20 in my currency. Considering some of the more popular boxed games retail at S$50 - S$70 on release, it's a steal.
Question is (looking nervously at Flying Toaster's post above) can they be trusted?
Sorely tempted to buy, but I've got Planescape Torment, Fallout 1 & 2 lined up to play on my comp, and I've yet to finish Mass Effect 2... There's no time to play all these great games!!