Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

X³: Terran Conflict builds on the sandbox legacy of the X series by offering an enormous universe to explore and master. From the very beginning, you choose between a variety of starting scenarios—whether you’re a Terran soldier fresh off the patrol, an Argon merchant with ambitions of empire, or another background entirely. Each opening scenario alters your initial resources, access to ships and equipment, and the lens through which you see the burgeoning conflict between Terrans, Argons, and the returning Xenon threat. As you unlock more scenarios, the depth and replayability expand, making each new run feel fresh and challenging.

The core of gameplay revolves around trade, combat, and empire-building. You can pilot ships yourself, chart trade routes between bustling stations, and manufacture goods by constructing elaborate factory chains. Alternatively, you can hire AI pilots to ferry goods or form squadrons that protect your freighters against pirates and Xenon incursions. The game’s mission guidance system—upgraded from Reunion—plots objectives directly into your HUD, keeping you focused on your next target or rendezvous point without endless menu-diving.

Combat is as varied as the trading. Light fighters skirmish in wide-open space, capital ships exchange volleys of torpedoes, and ground assaults are handled by trainable soldiers you can deploy to seize enemy vessels from within. The Xenon AI remains relentless and adaptive, forcing you to consider fleet composition and defensive tactics. Whether you’re intercepting a Xenon patrol or escorting a valuable cargo convoy, the dynamic encounters keep the challenge high and the stakes meaningful.

Graphics

Graphically, X³: Terran Conflict shows marked improvements over its predecessors. The Terran sectors glimmer with sleek, white-and-silver station designs that contrast sharply with the darker, grittier Xenon citadels. Lighting effects have been enhanced to bring out the shimmer on ship hulls and the glow of engine trails. Stations feel alive with procedurally animated docking bays, cargo transports, and environmental details that signal a living, breathing universe.

The addition of hundreds of new ship and station models for Terrans and other factions enriches the visual variety. From nimble escort fighters to sprawling carrier dreadnoughts, each vessel has its own silhouette and color scheme that helps distinguish friend from foe in the heat of battle. Camera controls let you zoom in for a close-up on cockpits or pull back for a tactical overview, making both dogfights and large-scale engagements satisfying to watch.

Usability has also received a visual uplift. The menu UI is now fully mouse-driven, a welcome departure from Reunion’s keyboard-only approach. Context-sensitive tooltips, clearer inventory panels, and an improved radar display simplify navigation through complex systems. Even veteran X players will appreciate the streamlined interface that reduces friction and lets them focus on exploration, commerce, and combat.

Story

Set three years after the events of X³: Reunion, Terran Conflict picks up as the long-lost Terran race re-emerges into the X-Universe. Julian Gardna’s discovery of Earth united the Terrans with the other races, but uneasy alliances and cultural misunderstandings persist. When a Terran patrol uncovers signals of a renewed Xenon offensive, the fragile peace teeters on the brink of war. You witness these developments firsthand, whether you’re an insider soldier or an astute merchant tracking supply lines.

The narrative unfolds organically through mission briefings, faction dialogues, and in-space events. You’ll unravel the mystery behind the Xenon resurgence and its ties to other races, deciding how deeply to involve yourself in the conflict. Allies become rivals, traders risk their fortunes, and military strikes can tip the balance of power. This dynamic storytelling ensures that your actions feel consequential—alien races remember favors and betrayals alike.

Despite its sprawling scope, the story never feels overwhelming. Optional side missions, rumor-based quests, and emergent pirate activity add flavor without derailing the main arc. You can pursue a purely economic path, focusing on resource acquisition and station building, or immerse yourself in frontline skirmishes to push back the Xenon menace. This blend of sandbox freedom and narrative thrust makes Terran Conflict one of the more engaging chapters in the X saga.

Overall Experience

X³: Terran Conflict delivers an incredibly deep and open-ended space sim experience. Its mix of trading, combat, and empire-building appeals to a wide range of players—from meticulous traders to dogfight aficionados. The learning curve can be steep, especially when managing complex factory networks or coordinating large fleets, but an in-game tutorial and incremental mission structure help newcomers find their footing.

Modability and community support further extend the game’s lifespan. A wealth of fan-made add-ons enhances graphics, introduces new ships, and refines gameplay mechanics. These community contributions keep the universe evolving long after the official story concludes, ensuring fresh challenges and new content for veteran captains.

While the interface improvements make navigation smoother, some console commands and hotkeys remain essential for power users. A handful of UX quirks—such as overly detailed inventory menus and occasional pathfinding issues for hired ships—can momentarily pull you out of the immersion. However, these minor annoyances are outweighed by the scale, depth, and replayability that define X³: Terran Conflict.

In the end, Terran Conflict stands as a high watermark for space simulation. Its combination of a richly detailed universe, robust economy, varied combat, and compelling story makes it a must-play for fans of the genre. Whether you’re forging a trading empire or waging all-out war on the Xenon, every session brings new discoveries and strategic challenges that keep you returning to the cockpit.

Retro Replay Score

7.3/10