Microsoft has also on hand showcasing a number of upcoming titles, most notably were Freelancer and Dungeon Siege, which were only being shown in a private viewing theater. We had the chance to scope out Freelancer and were quite impressed from what we were shown. The Freelancer universe is set in the year 3000, with your character playing a mercenary pilot for hire. Freelancer exists in a persistent universe, that operates independently and proceeds regardless of your character's actions, just like real life. Earning money is the driving force of this game, and as you complete more missions, you can purchase upgrades to your ship, or a brand new ship entirely.
Graphics are simply amazing in Freelancer.
Rings of planets, stars, space stations, and other ships are rendered in amazing detail. So many details have been thought through, down to the details of which maneuvering thrusters fire when you turn the ship a certain direction, and the lighting coming off those thrusters reflects off the surface of the ship. The realism is a notch up over any other space flight sim released yet, and from first impressions this game should be a winner. We need to get at least a little sleep before tomorrow's onslaught of gaming madness and eye candy.