X2: The Threat | |
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Developer(s) |
Egosoft Freeverse Software (Mac OS X version) |
Publisher(s) |
Virtual Programming (OS X) Linux Game Publishing (Linux) |
Distributor(s) | Valve Corporation (Steam) |
Series | X |
Engine | X2 Engine |
Platform(s) | Linux, Mac OS X, Windows |
Release | July 21, 2006 (Steam) |
Genre(s) | Space simulation |
Mode(s) | Single-player |
Aggregate score | |
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Aggregator | Score |
Metacritic | 72 |
Review scores | |
Publication | Score |
IGN | 7.3/10 |
GameSpot | 7.2/10 |
Eurogamer | 5/10 |
X2: The Threat (stylized as X²: The Threat) is a space simulation video game developed by Egosoft for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X. It is part of the X Computer Game Series. It was released in 2003 and is a sequel to X: Beyond the Frontier. Freeverse Software ported the game to Mac OS X in 2004/2005, while Linux Game Publishing produced their Linux port in 2005/2006.
The sequel to this game is X3: Reunion (2005).
As with the originals, X2: The Threat is a Space trading and combat simulator set in the fictional X-Universe, a network of sectors, linked by large space gates. The game features a new graphics engine, a much expanded Universe and 60 different flyable ships, along with a number of new missions available to the player. Unlike the expansion pack, X-Tension, which was almost entirely open-ended, X2: The Threat has a clear background story involving an aggressive alien race known as the Khaak. However, the game remains open-ended and the players are free to pursue the plot at their own pace, if at all.
X2: The Threat was generally well received by critics, with many reviewers praising the graphics and the amount of freedom offered to the player. Common complaints were that X2: The Threat, like its predecessors, was quite slow paced and had a steep learning curve.