X3: Terran Conflict - Initial Thoughts

About the Game (From the Steam Store Page)

It is the year 2938. The long wished-for encounter of the X Universe and the Earth holds both joy and sorrow for the people. Despite flourishing trade, the clash of the diverse races, cultures and life forms creates new tensions, mistrust and open conflict that need to be overcome!

Experience the brilliant climax of the legendary X-Trilogy , and take your place in the history of the X Universe.

Largest X Universe ever.
New faction: the Terrans – inhabitants of the Earth.
More jobs and non-linear missions than ever before.
More than 100 new spaceships, new ship classes and weapon systems.
Re-designed user interface for comfortable control by mouse, keyboard and joystick.
New group management tool.
Large battleships can be boarded by an outside team.

Previous Playtime

0 hours

Expectations and Prior Experience

I am going into this one almost completely blind. The Steam Store description is not a lot of help. I know it's a strategy game, and that spaceships are important, but I don't know if it's primarily a ship combat game, or whether economy and exploration are more important. It's also apparently the fourth game in a series, but Jondera, who I have to thank for this game, assures me that the plot will be adequately summarized relatively early on.

Looking at the screenshots and videos, X3:Terran Conflict seems to have plenty of sci-fi spectacle, which I like, but also, at least vaguely, looks like it might have RTS elements, which makes me nervous. However, I really have nothing to base this on. It could just as easily be one of those games where combat is rare and/or easy enough to not be too much of a problem.

Basically, it boils down to the ratio of spaceship porn to my precious spaceships getting unceremoniously blown up. If it's favorable, I'll probably like the game. If it's unfavorable, I probably won't.