So, of course, first thing to notice is the very nice breathtaking graphics and the attention to detail is first class, even after 2 years, there isn't a space game to match the complex looking structures and the space sectors with giant asteroids and view of various planets, and for the first looker it could be dizzying experience, but in a good way. In this point of view, as well as the promise of a large space-based economy (and the speed and complexity of doing) has been the same since the first game (X:The Frontier), and while it certainly has a depth and replayability no doubt, it could be its' Achilles' heel at the same time. The main emphasis of the game is to start with little cash and junky spacecraft and slowly (!) gain reputation first, then make some wealth and then finally build your trade empire and perhaps a big fleet and rule a piece of the galaxy.

You can also just fly around and shoot other spaceships and treat it as a shooter, but the more you'd get into the game, you will realize, that this game wasn't intended for that purpose, but that's more like just an afterthought.

X3: Terran Conflict is the 5th installment of the series (X:The frontier X-tension X2:The threat X3:Reunion X3:Terran Conflict), which is a game following its long tradition of a space sort-of-simulation (it's more like a management and accounting simulation in space), which allows you to fly your spaceship from one sector to another in a huge huge galaxy filled with various aliens, who are ready to trade with you and help or- if you are hostile to them - or become your enemy and wage a war at you. I know this game has been out for a quite while now, but reading upon the reviews posted by professional gaming sites, I was a bit disappointed how they weren't so accurate as they should have been, although places like metacritic did list some sites, which were close to the bulls' eye on the strengths and weaknesses and overall score.

X3 terran conflict wiki