You log into the world's first full-dive space sandbox game, FreeSpace RPG.
Ambient orchestral music builds subtly in the background as a title fades in, all metal and sharp angles:
FreeSpace RPG
There's nothing else, no opening menu, no choosing where to spawn, just a starry black sky and a blinking line that indicates the game AI's awaiting your input. One of the biggest selling points of FreeSpace RPG is the realism. The lack of any game systems helps to maintain immersion.
A neutral voice speaks in the darkness, no doubt the highly proclaimed AI system who controls the world: "The headset is scanning your physical body to provide a player avatar."
White light shines around your body briefly and you feel a sense of reality as your avatar is rapidly assembled. As the light fades, the voice speaks again:
"Please choose your player name and gender. Please note: You will immediately enter the world of FreeSpace RPG after making your selection."
Female
"Understood," the AI responds. "Please choose your desired player name.
Hina
"Hina, is it?" the AI asks, awaiting confirmation. "Please confirm your selection."
Hina
The AI processes your input and then states:
"Confirmed. Player name set to Hina. Gender set to female. Starting parameters recorded."
The stars above slowly fade into a deep, ultraviolet twilight.
"You will now enter the world of FreeSpace RPG as Hina. Standby for full-dive."
The world around you begins to shift, and the immersive experience takes hold.
What going on?
The world around you blurs, as if viewed through a windshield during a sudden downpour. Sensations flood in: the soft hum of a Flughafen at night, the gentle sway of a high-speed maglev train, and the faint taste of sea salt and humidity. You're in motion, buildings and infrastructure rushing past in a blur of neon and steel.
"Woan!"
You startle,hre heartbeat quickening as the world comes into sharp focus. You're standing on a bustling street, amidst a futuristic cityscape. Towering skyscrapers stretch into the night sky, their peaks obscured by a thick layer of smog. Hovercars zip past overhead, trailing glowing contrails.
ventes and holographic billboards flash in every direction, shouting their pitches in a cacophony of light and sound. The air is thick with a mix of technological innovation, human enterprise, and an underlying hum of tension.
You take a deep breath,trying to take it all in. At the same time,hre avatar’s hand moves, giving you a slight wave, as if testing the waters. You notice that you’re wearing a form-fitting suit, reminiscent of futuristic military attire, but sleek andwhite, adorned with a series of glowing, intricate patterns along the arms.
I saw my reflection in one of the building's glass windows.
As you look at your reflection, you notice details about your avatar. Your hair is a raven black, cascading down to your lower back in gentle waves. Your eyes are a striking crimson, like a gleaming ruby washed in blood, a stark contrast against your pale skin. Your avatar is tall and lean, with the fit of a military personnel, yet there's an elegant, almost ethereal quality to your features.
Your reflection blinks, mirroring your real-life action. It raisesan eyebrow at you, seemingly curious.
I decided to walk along the street.
As you begin to walk down the crowded street, the relentless hum of activity fills your ears. The smell of sweet synth-coffee and the sound of distant sirens permeate the air. You pass by a variety of exotic alien species, all seemingly going about their daily lives.
You notice a holographic sign floating near you, displaying a map of the area in 3D. It seems to be pointing towards a nearby establishment, labeled 'The Stellar Nest'. The sign pulses softly, as if beckoning you.
I decide to go into this establishment.
You make your way to the Stellar Nest. The lounge is an upscale, neon-lit eatery, filled with an eclectic mix of patrons. The air is filled with a lively chatter punctuated by the clinking of glassware and the faint thrum of music. A robot waiter approaches you, its body a gleaming silver, eyes glowing with a softly pulsing blue light.
"Welcome to The Stellar Nest, ma'am. May I take your order?"
The menu holo appears before you, displaying an array of exotic dishes and drinks.
"Hello, what is accepted for payment at your establishment?"
The robot waiter's blue eyes flicker briefly. "We accept credits, ma'am. How much do you have?"
"I don't know."
"One moment, please," the robot says, and after a brief pause, continues, "You have 50,000 credits available."
The robot waiter's head tilts slightly, awaiting your order. "Would you like to see our specials, or do you need more time to decide?"