The
Egosoft Website
(thanks
Frans) has details on how the X2:
The Return, their space combat expansion, has become X3: Reunion, a full-fledged sequel:
EGOSOFT today announces the beginning of a new era
for the X series of space combat/trading games. The planned expansion for
the award winning PC CDROM title, X²: THE THREAT known as X²: THE RETURN has
been cancelled. The essence of the expansion pack has been used to give
birth to the next generation of X game, in the form of X³: REUNION, the
first multi format product, set in the X universe.
During the creation of X²: THE RETURN, it became
apparent to EGOSOFT that the expansion pack had taken on a life of its own.
With so many ideas from the fan community, waiting to be implemented into an
already crowded expansion game and development of the X³ engine moving at a
rapid pace behind the scenes, the conception of a full, stand alone game
became the logical choice.
X³: REUNION utilises a new generation game engine, developed to immerse
the player into the most realistic, living universe, ever experienced.
Extensive development has gone into the X³ engine, making full use of
DirectX 9 technology, to create dramatic visual effects and stunningly
realistic starships. The economy model in X³: REUNION is more complex than
any previous X game. Coupled with the massively enhanced A.L. (Artificial
Life) system, X³: REUNION will present players with an ever changing,
evolving universe; where a player’s actions really can shape the future of
the universe. Community involvement has been extensive, throughout the
development process and the launch of X³: REUNION will see many innovative
fan creations in the final retail game. X³: REUNION will also be the first
chance for players to experience the thrills of deep space trading on a
format other than PC, with the launch of a console version (TBA).