In X Beyond the Frontier you searched for a way home after being stranded in a distant area of space know as the X Universe. Now its time to go back! A new THREAT is rising in the X Universe.

In X², the player takes on the role of a pilot indigenous to the X-Universe. The story begins with our soon-to-be hero and his companion attempting to steal a ship and after a failed, action packed escape attempt in a dense nebulae, he soon finds himself aboard a security ship, destined to live out his days on the cold, prison-mining world of Artur.

En-route the ship is stopped by an impressive battle cruiser under command of a man named Ban Danna, a high-ranking member of the secret service of the Argon Federation. He gave Kyle (from X-BTF) lots of help in the past in his quest to defeat the Xenon and Kyle is now a key member of the corporation known as TerraCorp.

Ban Danna is well known and respected throughout the Universe and the security ship Captain doesn’t hesitate to hand over the player when Ban Danna requests him. Bewildered, the player is unsure what awaits him, but Ban Danna is calm and forceful as he explains that it is wrong to waste away a life on illegal pirate activities and this is his last and only chance of redemption. The player jumps at the chance of a life outside the mining world and promises to follow a life of potential prosperity instead of piracy. A job with TerraCorp hauling freight seems a good bargain and he forges ahead in his new career.

But it isn’t long before his past catches up with him as he learns the real reason that he was saved from oblivion. Lost ships and technologies have to be found, journeys from Kingdom End to the new frontiers and beyond beckon, as the mystery unfolds. The discovery of a new race named the “Khaak” and their destructive intentions brings adventure fraught with danger and intrigue. The revelations from his past begin to emerge and these must be faced as he discovers his true identity and also that of his father. The correct decisions to be taken cause a dilemma with a struggle between his conscious and his loyalties.

But he must face them with strength if he is to unravel this web and meet the challenges that await him. Within a dynamic Universe and a plot expertly weaved together with a series of moving cut-scenes, planet locations and characters of interest, the story of “The Threat” is waiting to be told.

Key Features

• Graduated learning curve allows for immediate action.
• Absolute state of the art graphics engine utilising all the latest Direct X capabilities.
• Heart thumping storyline and missions.
• Large dynamic universe to interact with and explore.
• Thousands of objects including, stations, ships, a myriad of weapons, commodities to trade and different races with their own agendas and technologies.
• Build your own empire with all of these objects at your disposal as a trader, bounty hunter, pirate, miner or a cunning combination of them all.

Graphics

A completely rewritten 3D engine based on DirectX9 encompasses many visual effects such as volumetric Nebulae (gas clouds) that have a real impact in the game (you can hide in them), many new engine, shield, weapon and explosion effects. Objects cast real dynamic 3D shadows! Dynamic DP3 bump mapping allows a previously unseen level of detail. The built-in Automatic Quality Control (AQC) system changes the visual quality to achieve the highest possible frame rates on any given, supported system.

Here you can see an example of the multiple window views, which are fully configurable and allow you to view and control other ships and positions on your own vessel. Also notice that "Recording Started" is displayed in the bottom left corner. This is the built-in 3d capture system. This allows you to record your feats, swap them with other players for playback and upload them to the "Hall of Fame" for all the world to see!

 
Weapons

Many defensive and offensive systems are available. Hull strengths, different shield systems, enemy radar tracking devices and warning systems make up some of the defensive capabilities. There are numerous offensive laser systems, with associated damage properties, rates of fire and ship placement (front, back, top, bottom) along with a large collection of missiles for ship to ship and ship to station attrition.

Proximity mines, area protection laser batteries and stealth devices are all at your disposal. If you can afford it, you can buy it, but there are also more direct methods of acquiring items for your fleet. You could simply take it, if you dare!