In what looks like a merging of elements from his Wing Commander and Privateer creations, Chris Roberts will redefine the space combat sim once again later this year with Freelancer. The game's narrative is set in the early 30th century, when humans are traveling the stars and life on Earth no longer exists.
Humanity is divided into four factions based on the cultures of the old Earth nations.
It's an age of exploration and exploitation for humanity in the universe. You start the game by picking out a cargo space ship from a selection for sale by a dealer. After you buy and outfit your craft, it's time to hang out at a space station bar, where you pick up leads on freelance assignments, which usually entail shipping cargo to and from planets. Other available jobs have you working as a mercenary to protect ships. Or you can go to the shady side of the law and engage in piracy or transport contraband.