Space games

You cast a wide net. How hardcore do you want to go? There's I-War 1 & 2, which are a couple of years old and hardcore, but has a bit of trading as well as missions and freeform combat (can get old fast, though, unless you follow the story). On the opposite end is Freelancer, which is like a FPS in space.

How much do you want to fly on your own versus follow a story? If you want freeform action, there's the excellent X series of games (X2 and I think a sequel, but I haven't played that one). Freelancer leads you by the nose, but you get some freedom later in the story. There's also the Freespace games, which are a bit older.

If you don't hate top-down arcade fun, there's also Ambrosia Software's nicely done Escape Velocity, with lotso weapons, upgrades and blasting fun.

I haven't played it, but there is also the VERY hardcore Star Shatter, which was an indie project. I've heard it plays like a hardcore fighter sim.

space games are my fav.

all around fav game is x series link

for just a good fight and not really trading and everythign, I suggest freelancer, star lancer, freespace, freespace 2... and quick combat mode from star trek bridge commander.

these are my favourite games... I have loads more, but cant think of them..

Log another vote for the X series. Especially keep an eye out for X3: Reunion - but pick up any and every title in the series that you can find (X: Beyond the Frontier, X-Tension, and X2: The Threat to date).

A bit old and I'm not sure if it fits your bill but Strange Adventures in Infinite Space is really fun.

shmoove

Freespace 2 is one of the best games of any type I've ever played.

check out my game here. We are big fans of most of the games already mentioned in this thread, and are trying to make an action title with lots of cool space ships to choose from.

We'll have a playbe demo ready by the end of this month.

How about searching this site for some space games developed by this community. You should find some simple, quick to download and try games, including some 3D games too, like 3D asteroids games with 'from the cockpit' views.

Here's a link to my company's 3D first person asteroids shooter where you pilot a flying saucer:
www.closeapproach.com

Thanks Shmoove :) Weird Worlds is going to be out sometime this fall as well...

Thanks for the suggestions, guys. I'll be trying them out as the week progresses.