Greetings, everyone!
Having FreeSpace 2 back in my life again is literally a wish come true (I have never played the first one, nor have I tried to - FreeSpace 2 gives me absolutely everything I want in a game). I don't remember how long it has been since I last played it, but I would guess that it's been close to 7 years. I don't remember when I began playing it, but I'd say that I probably played it for a handful of years (anywhere from like 2-3 years to 4-6 years - I'm really not sure). During the time I played it though, it was my most favorite game EVER. I couldn't get enough of it, and I always played the retail SP campaign (I don't like MP or user-made campaigns for some reason).
Then in March of 2008, I replaced my dinosaur computer with one that Overclock.net helped me build (and I was referred to OCN by an online friend that I met in the game called Subspace!) I had Windows XP on this new computer, but the video card was fairly modern. When I tried FreeSpace 2 on this new computer, the graphics just didn't look quite right - they looked degraded or something. It was much too distracting for me to enjoy the game, and it broke my heart. I blamed the video card, saying "it's just too new. I need to think about building a legacy machine for FreeSpace 2". lol I came close to doing it, too! I never did, so I honestly believed that my days of playing FreeSpace 2 were over. It was like the death of a really good friend - perhaps like the loss of a BEST friend.
2-3 years ago or so, a friend introduced me to Freelancer (he is also the one who introduced me to FreeSpace 2). Naturally, I loved it, but I still wanted to play FreeSpace 2 again. Don't get me wrong: Freelancer is great (!!!), but to me, nothing can beat FreeSpace 2. Nothing! So, I began using Freelancer to satisfy my hunger and desire for FreeSpace 2. Fortunately, it did an OK job, but I was never 100% satisfied. I'd say that I was perhaps 75-90% satisfied at all times, depending on the day. Again, retail SP campaign only - that's just how I am with video games.
Finally, yesterday happened. lol Yep, I couldn't take it anymore. I reached a point where I desperately needed to get my FreeSpace 2 fix, and I needed it NOW. lol So, I Googled "freespace 2 in windows 7 64-bit", and that lead me to FSO! I was blown away, and I still am. So, here I am, trying to remember how I used to ride this extremely awesome proverbial bike and having an absolute BLAST doing so! Like I said, I "knew" that I'd NEVER play FreeSpace 2 ever again, and it broke my heart. So, when I went through the first part of the first training module yesterday, every last bit of it was EXTREMELY fun. I was having so much fun and I was so happy that I would've been extremely embarrassed if someone had walked in on me. I mean, like I said, I was all super giddy and super happy while just running through that first part of the first training module! LOL I've never been this excited and happy about getting something back in my life. Ever. To be honest, this is really the only video game that I have ever wanted ever since I stopped playing it due to upgrading to a modern computer. It has been a challenge to fill that void, and I've spent a LOT of money on games in a feeble attempt to do so. Sure, I acquired some games that I really love playing, but nothing leaves me feeling 100% satisfied except for FreeSpace 2.
So yeah, I'm EXTREMELY happy to have FreeSpace 2 back in my life, and I owe it all to everyone who helped create FSO and to everyone who helps maintain it and keep it alive! THANK YOU!!
If I am dreaming, then let me never wake. If I'm awake, then let me never sleep. I'm so happy right now that I could probably cry tears of joy. I know, I know: it's just a video game. However, I trust that many of you understand and would (or do) feel the same way. I mean, otherwise, FSO wouldn't exist - or at least continue to be so passionately maintained.
This is awesome (and a bit surreal)!
