What is FreeSpace 2?
FreeSpace 2 is a space combat simulation created by Volition, Inc. and is published by Interplay Productions. The game is the sequel to the award-winning FreeSpace and offers a number of technology, gameplay, and storyline improvements. In addition to an even more detailed and involved campaign, FreeSpace 2 offers improved multiplayer options to fly with and against your best friends.

"Our goal for FreeSpace 2 is to set a new standard in both multiplayer and single-player space combat-sims, encompassing heart-pounding dogfights and spectacular visual effects," stated Mike Kulas, President of Volition.

What are the features in FreeSpace 2?
In addition to many of the same impressive features from the original FreeSpace, which received excellent reviews and several awards, FreeSpace 2 offers these new features:

• An extensive new storyline is offered in the new single-player campaign with over 30 missions! The new scenarios include flying with Vasudan squadrons, piloting advanced stealth fighters, and "painting" targets with TAG (Target Acquisition & Guidance) missiles.
• Fly in over 90 missions from both single and multi player modes.
• Intuitive in-game messaging system allows you to command up to eleven squadmates in battle. Order the improved AI to defend, attack, disarm or disable your target.
• An in-depth combat system enables players to target and destroy subsystems, disabling engines, defensive turrets, missile batteries, and fighterbays.
• Armed with cutting-edge weaponry, new fighters and bombers hurl the player into complex, fast-paced WWII-style dogfights.
• An innovative and immersive nebula environment changes gameplay dynamics. Impaired visibility, communications, and targeting ability create opportunities for ambush and new combat tactics.
• Encounter 90 space-faring vessels, including these new ships classes:

Juggernauts, with over 80 turrets, span six kilometers from bow to stern and are virtually indestructible.
Stealth fighters are engineered to minimize their EM signatures, rendering them invisible to sensors except at very close range.
AWACS enable allied ships to target hostiles in the volatile environment of the nebula.
Gas miners gather deuterium-rich nebular gas to fuel fusion-powered vessels.


• Encounter over 115 different objects in space, from space vessels to cargo containers and sentry guns.
• Pilot one of 25 different ships, both Terran and Vasudan, in single or multiplayer.
• Improved multiplayer performance. Up to 12 players can battle in dogfight, team vs. team (8 players max.), and cooperative missions via LAN, TCP/IP, and modem.
• Parallax Online (PXO), a free multiplayer matching service, records player rankings and lists available on-line game servers.
• "SquadWar" pits squadron against squadron in a multiplayer battle for control of the universe. PXO tracks the results.
• Create and customize singleplayer and multiplayer scenarios with FRED 2, the new and improved mission editor. Exchange missions with other designers in the FreeSpace on-line community.
• 3D acceleration (required) improves frame rate and generates stunning graphics (e.g., higher polygon detail for ships and "free" alpha blending and fogging for nebula effects).
• Supports the latest hardware innovations, such as Pentium III, EAX, A3D, Force Feedback, and Voice Messaging.

Does FreeSpace 2 have a new engine?
No. FreeSpace 2 builds on the prior FreeSpace engine, using 3D hardware acceleration features to improve frame rates and graphics (such as the new nebula effect, new weapon effects, and higher polygon details for ships).

Does FreeSpace 2 require 3D acceleration?
Yes. As the system requirements state, FreeSpace 2 will require 3D acceleration (either Glide or D3D) to play.

What is the storyline behind FreeSpace 2?
Improving the storyline was a major focus for Volition, who had two writers work on the story. Here is an overview of the storyline, according to the Interplay FS2 Story Webpage:

The year is 2367. Thirty-two years have passed since the Great War. The only jump node to Sol collapsed long ago, isolating Earth from the Galactic Terran-Vasudan Alliance (GTVA), a new government uniting old enemies. As the Terrans and Vasudans struggle to rebuild their civilizations, civil war erupts in the Polaris system. A rogue Terran admiral declares war against the Vasudans, and his rebellion threatens the stability of the Alliance.
Without warning, the Shivans return, and the GTVA launches a crusade to eliminate their Great War nemesis. Once again, the Alliance must crush the Shivan onslaught or else face annihilation.

What is the multiplayer like in FreeSpace 2?
The multiplayer mode has been extensively worked on by Volition Inc. Several multiplayer beta tests were conducted to improve the networking performance and make improvements to the game.

Adding to the excitement, FreeSpace 2 features a variety of multiplayer options appealing to both deathmatch and teamplay crowds. The multiplayer mode includes support for competitive, as well as cooperative play, and "SquadWar" provides the ability to engage in multiplayer squadron battles for control of territory in the universe.

What are the system requirements to play FreeSpace 2?
Here are the basic system requirements, but a faster system is recommended for the full effect:

Pentium II 200Mhz
32 Mb RAM
Win 95/98/NT
3D Graphics Accelerator (supports Glide or D3D)
250Mb Hard Drive Space
8X or faster CD-ROM Drive
Direct Sound compliant sound card
100% Microsoft-compatible mouse (joystick recommended)
Multiplayer: 8 player TCP/IP over LAN or Internet

Where can I buy FreeSpace 2?
Almost anywhere online or at your local retailers.

Where can I get more information about FreeSpace 2?
Our sister site, FreeSpace Watch extensively covers both FreeSpace and FreeSpace 2. You should be able to find most anything there related to FS2 (except, of course, missions/mods/etc., which are right here!) and even some l33t humor! H4W!