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1999 · Egosoft · Business simulation · Science

X-Tension

X: Beyond The Frontier is the first part in the X-Universe series of games developed by Egosoft.

Released: 1 July 1999
Platforms: Windows
Genres: Business simulation Science Simulation Space opera Space trading and combat Strategy
Developers: Egosoft
Publishers: THQ
Modes: Single-player
Perspective: First person Third person
Themes: Action Science fiction Sandbox Open world 4X (explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate)
Country: Germany
Age ratings: ESRB T
Languages: English, German
Time to beat: 31hmain story85hcompletionist

About

X: Beyond the Frontier is a video game created by Egosoft for Windows. The first of the X series, it is a space trading and combat simulator game, mostly set in the fictional X-Universe. Upon release, it was frequently compared to the older Elite.

An expansion, X-Tension, was released in 2000. Four full sequels have since followed: X2: The Threat in 2003, X3: Reunion in 2005, X3: Terran Conflict in 2008, and X4: Foundations in 2018. X: Beyond the Frontier and X-Tension were released together as X-Gold in 2000. A novel, Farnham's Legend, is based on the plot of X: Beyond the Frontier.

›Story

The Human Race had advanced to the point where we could travel among the stars, we developed giant automated machines to help us colonise other worlds, but there was a fault in their programming and they turned and attacked. Forcing us to lay a trap to protect Earth and exiling the Human race to stay on Earth once again.

500 Years later Kyle Brennan starts his journey by piloting an experimental ship equipped with a new piece of technology allowing it to cross vast distances on its own. However it malfunctions and traps him in a group of sectors inhabited by Aliens, hunted and with no way home, this is his story of survival... Beyond the Frontier...

Players say

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The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

There are fifty-four star systems in the X Universe, and within each one there are numerous installations. There is at least one space station in each system, and they range from ordinary factories like solar power plants to shipyards. By trading with them the player makes a profit, which allows one to upgrade the X-Perimental Shuttle with new weapons, better shields, and increased cargo space.

It is possible to trade within a single system, but the player can earn credits much quicker by exploring other systems via the jump gates. Eventually, the player will be able to buy factories and thus earn much greater income.

Reception

X: Beyond the Frontier received "average" reviews according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. Computer Games Strategy Plus gave it a mixed review over a month before it was released Stateside.

The game was praised for its open-ended gameplay and the large number of systems to explore. The economy in the X Universe is dynamic, with the price of goods varying with supply and demand. For example, selling a large amount of one particular product to a single station will result in the price for further consignments dropping in proportion to their demand.