looking for a space combat game

[Alneyan]

Bring on the Kaysers to teach the heretical spawn proper manners!

Kidding aside, Ruatha titled his thread "space combat game", but added "simulator" in the post. I would agree that Freespace fits the bill of a more arcade-based game (though it's far from being Tyrian, or a similar game), instead of being a "true" simulator, pretty much like Vroom is hardly the same as a F1 simulation.

I am not sure about a suggestion in the simulation department though... but I will check out that Starshatter PvK mentioned.

[TheChin]

I like Starfleet Command. It's a bit different than Freespace as it's a 2D simulation (3D graphics, but combat happens on the X-Y axis with no Z). It has some nice scenarios and a plethora of ship types. As an old school fan of the board game Star Fleet Battles, it has another level of enjoyment for me being based on it.

[Iron Giant]

I've played most of those games (maybe all, iirc).

The best one, the one that really made me feel like I was in a space ship was Independance War 2.

In fact, I just bought it again. Its under $20 including shipping:

http://www.atari.com/us/games/iwar2/pc

[Alneyan]

On another note, Allegiance may be of interest to you: it is a multiplayer game with some strategy elements mixed in, where you can pilot a variety of vessels or act as the commander. I've found the game to be pretty enjoyable, and it's free, so you can't go wrong at that price tag.