Despite the numerous space simulators that have tried, none have come near to rivalling the open-ended and vast nature of the 1984 classic ‘Elite’. <br><br>Still we live in hope that one day a developer will stumble onto the winning equation, with KOCH Media’s recently acquired ‘X2: The Threat’ holding the flame alight for wannabe space traders.<br><br>Well underway at EgoSoft, X2 tells the age-old story of a universe at war, a universe of smugglers, businessmen, bounty hunters and traders, each trying to make their mark on a universe in constant flux.<br><br>Having attempted to steal a star ship and its valuable cargo, you find yourself with the cold reality of a lengthy sentence on a penal world. En-route to hard labour, you are brought before a senior member of the Argon Federation’s Security Force, an offer of redemption and freedom on the table. Seizing the opportunity, you set forth with your new life, hauling freight for TerraCorp. It’s not long however, before your dark past catches up with you and the discovery of a new race and their destructive intentions forces you to face your past and discover your true identity.<br><br>X2: The Threat is scheduled for release towards the end of the year; we’’’ have a closer look soon.