Space exploration game

[Ronald Held]

I am looking to play one that does not involve combat, I have STO for that. I would prefer just exploring systems, meeting aliens, etc. Anything like that available for current Windows systems. Of course the more trek like the better.

[Robert Maxwell]

I think you'd be hard-pressed to find such a game that doesn't even have combat, but there do exist some where combat is generally optional. The X series allows you to play without getting involved in combat. Space Rangers is another.

[The Mirrorball Man]

Robert Maxwell wrote:

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The X series allows you to play without getting involved in combat.

The X series also allows you to play without getting involved in fun.

[Robert Maxwell]

The Mirrorball Man wrote:

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The X series also allows you to play without getting involved in fun.

If you really want a space sim devoid of fun, check out the Battlecruiser/Universal Combat series.

[Ronald Held]

Which x series games? Space rangers is still available?

[Robert Maxwell]

Well, X3: Reunion is the one I have. I haven't played that far into it, but others have told me you can avoid getting involved with combat if you want.

You can buy Space Rangers 2: Reboot on Impulse. I got my copy on Steam, apparently before distribution was moved to Impulse. You can also find it here.

[TheGodBen]

Ronald Held wrote:

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I am looking to play one that does not involve combat, I have STO for that. I would prefer just exploring systems, meeting aliens, etc. Anything like that available for current Windows systems. Of course the more trek like the better.

It's not quite what you're looking for, but Kerbal Space Program is a purely peaceful space exploration game. It doesn't have FTL or multiple star systems yet, although the devs have indicated a desire to include those features eventually. Right now it's about exploring a single solar system using mostly realistic physics, and the next update is due to include mining and basic colonisation features.

[Ronald Held]

Kerbal is not what I want as well as Orbiter. If the interface on Noctis were better, I might try it. Combat optional might work.

[Owain Taggart]

Robert Maxwell wrote:

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If you really want a space sim devoid of fun, check out the Battlecruiser/Universal Combat series.

Isn't that a torture simulator?

[Ronald Held]

No other suggestions? Or maybe maybe games which have mods for exploration?

[Robert Maxwell]

See if you can get your hands on Independence War 2: Edge of Chaos and then install the Torn Stars mod for it.

[smiki]

Not exactly what you're looking for but...

Celestia (3D astronomy program)? Universe Sandbox (interactive space gravity simulator)? Star Trek: A Final Unity (an old Star Trek point and click adventure, has plenty of meeting new species, exploring scenery, plays very much like a Trek episode except better-not limited by makeup/prosthetics etc...)? If you're considering Noctis then maybe Bridge Commander with Kobayashi Maru (you can play it without combat, just flying around scanning stuff)? Uhm... Spore (lots of new aliens to look at)? Err... Mass Effect?

[The Mirrorball Man]

Robert Maxwell wrote:

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If you really want a space sim devoid of fun, check out the Battlecruiser/Universal Combat series.

Oh, I had never heard of this one, but thank you, I found the reviews very entertaining!

[Ronald Held]

comments on Celestia or space engine

[Crazy Eddie]

Ronald Held wrote:

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I am looking to play one that does not involve combat, I have STO for that. I would prefer just exploring systems, meeting aliens, etc. Anything like that available for current Windows systems. Of course the more trek like the better.

Star Control II (The Ur-Quan Masters). Though not technically devoid of combat, fights are usually easy enough to avoid except for a few critical assignments, unless of course you get chased down by those goddamn slylandro probes that keep trying to eat you no matter what you say to them. Of course, tracking down the Slylandro and complaining to them about their omnicidal space probes is an interesting task on its own.

Also, if you have a gamesave of Mass Effect 2 from any point after the Suicide Mission; almost all of the combat missions are done at that point, so there's nothing much to do BUT explore.