Privateer 2: The Darkening

Privateer 2: The Darkening

Company type	Video game
Industry	Video games
Founded	1996
Founder	Origin Systems / Electronic Arts
Products	Space flight simulation video game

Privateer 2: The Darkening is a space flight simulation title released in 1996 for MS-DOS, distributed by Electronic Arts under the Origin Systems label. It acts as a continuation of Wing Commander: Privateer.

This installment incorporates live-action video sequences penned by Diane Duane and directed by Steve Hilliker, showcasing an impressive ensemble cast including Clive Owen, Mathilda May, John Hurt, Christopher Walken, Brian Blessed, and Amanda Pays. The onboard computer, Dani, is voiced by Dani Behr. Additionally, actors David Warner and Jürgen Prochnow, who later appeared in the Wing Commander movie, are part of the cast. Filming took place at England’s renowned Pinewood Studios.

After the game’s launch, several developers from EA Manchester established Warthog Games, recognized for creating the space simulation Starlancer. In 2013, an emulated version of Privateer 2 was reissued for Windows through GOG.com.

Synopsis

The narrative unfolds within the Tri-System Confederation, a distant region in the Wing Commander universe with a history spanning three millennia. Set in the year 2790, the story begins when the cargo vessel Canera crashes on planet Crius. Ser Lev Arris (portrayed by Clive Owen), the only survivor, regains consciousness from cryogenic sleep suffering from amnesia and lacking all records prior to two weeks before the crash. Players take on his role as a privateer navigating intricate political tensions while piecing together his forgotten past.

Development

The production of the game involved a budget estimated at $5 million.

Reception

A reviewer from Next Generation remarked that Privateer 2 "revitalized the genre," commending its visual presentation, smooth frame rate, flight controls, extensive joystick compatibility, and customizable ships despite some technical issues and absence of Windows 95 support. The critique highlighted the heavy use of live-action footage for storytelling but valued the option to bypass it. Conversely, Greg Kasavin of GameSpot offered a more critical perspective, describing the game as feeling hurried and somewhat detached from the core Wing Commander franchise. Nevertheless, he praised its robust flight system, graphics quality, storyline, acting performances, and considerable duration. In 1996, Privateer 2 was nominated as runner-up for Computer Game Entertainment's "Best Action Game" award, ultimately losing to Duke Nukem 3D. The editors characterized it as "fluid, immersive and enjoyable," albeit less open-ended compared to its predecessor.

Andy Butcher from Arcane gave the game a score of 7 out of 10, recognizing it as a commendable effort to merge interactive cinematic elements with gameplay. He observed that while space combat and trading can become monotonous after completing the main storyline, side missions provide additional replay opportunities. He summarized it as "entertaining while it lasts," though not quite reaching the status of a '90s era Elite.

External links

• Privateer 2: The Darkening at Wing Commander Encyclopedia