I finally learned that there were demos of these games. I had seen the full games on Steam, but no demos on Steam, so I didn't try them out. Unfortunately, after downloading and installing the X3 demo, it turns out the demo refuses to run because the StarForce drivers won't install. Vista 64 will not install drivers that aren't digitally signed. I'm actually glad this happened, because I don't want to be "infected" by StarForce (I realize it isn't a virus, but IMO it might as well be).
Anyway, this whole situation has still left me unable to try before I buy. I noticed some of you have X series avatars (that's what triggered my impulse to look for a demo). What is this game like? Is it anything like X-Wing and Tie Fighter? Is it more like Freelancer? I really haven't been able to figure out if I would like this game or not.
