My new favorite obsession on the computer is Transcendence, a space RPG in the likes of Tradewars, Elite, Space Trader [Palm OS version pictured at right, also available for the Pocket PC], or Freelancer .

Here’s the plot intro from the Transcendence website:

The call of the threat-scanner wakes you out of autopilot. A lone pirate ship, a Viking-class by the looks of it, approaches at full power, its turbolaser blasting away. You thrust towards it, aiming your slam cannon at its path. As you wait for the ship to come closer, you consider how you’ll loot the inevitable wreck. The Viking is sure to have some fuel, which you desperately need. And if you’re lucky, maybe the turbolaser will survive intact. You will need it if you are to survive the journey to the Galactic Core. At the right moment you open up with the slam cannon. Its deep thumps echo throughout your ship, and flame flowers bloom out of the Viking‘s hull.

The game actually has a lot of similarity to Nethack (here’s a Nethack screenshot: “@”) which has always been a favorite of mine. Like Nethack, it’s an action RPG. Like Nethack, the interface is simplistic compared to today’s 3D accelerated graphics. And most importantly, also like Nethack, the playability far surpasses most other games out there. Otherwise it wouldn’t be worth it because Transcendence doesn’t bring anything new to the table per se. But it’s the total package

I don’t have time to write a proper review although I really want to. It’s an extremely sold game with tons of variety in the spaceships you face, as well as the quests, weapons, armor, and miscellaneous equipment that you need out in the wild galaxy.

You owe it to yourself to check this out. And if you are on Linux, this game is not that intensive, it may very well run in WINE. Let me know if you get that to work.

Go get it!