I think this game satisfies a niche - clear, engaging controls accompanied by ostensibly simple mechanics, that actually turn out to have a fair bit of depth to them! Despite being the continuation of a mobile game, it's more than detailed enough for PC.

Interstellar Pilot 2 can essentially be played however you'd like, with opportunities for pure combat (bounty hunting, mercenary missions, etc), trading, or even constructing full production chains spanning across multiple sectors, complete with mining and factories, requiring cargo transfers by dedicated hauler ships. I've particularly enjoyed the strategy aspect; diplomacy is simulated, and prices around the universe are affected by various factors. Your positioning of fleets matters - it takes a while for them to move around, and you need to preemptively defend sectors while managing your finances.

Bandits will try to meddle with your trade routes and stations - escorting fleets becomes necessary, which would be tedious if not for the built-in orders system, which allows you to easily command vessels and regulate their movement, or even bundle vessels into fleets for collective management. Managing large numbers of fleets is simplified by filter options and a good UI.
The AI has some depth to it too; they aren't all-seeing, and also need to explore to discover your stations and ships. Trade therefore requires exploration, which in turn requires escorts. All aspects of the game are neatly brought together by developers who actively listen to their playerbase. Graphics are great - skyboxes are detailed, vivid and randomly generated(!) and ship models are nice and high resolution - even more impressive considering this game's origins.

TL;DR Great game, loads of future potential and lots to do with regards to strategy, trade, combat, etc. Fantastic value for the price.

(Note - I was a beta tester for the Steam release, hence the disclaimer.)

I think this game satisfies a niche - clear, engaging controls accompanied by ostensibly simple mechanics, that actually turn out to have a fair bit of depth to them! Despite being the continuation of a mobile game, it's more than detailed enough for PC. Interstellar Pilot 2 can essentially be played however you'd like, with opportunities for pure combat (bounty hunting, mercenary missions, etc), trading, or even constructing full production chains spanning across multiple sectors, complete with mining and factories, requiring cargo transfers by dedicated hauler ships. I've particularly enjoyed the strategy aspect; diplomacy is simulated, and prices around the universe are affected by various factors. Your positioning of fleets matters - it takes a while for them to move around, and you need to preemptively defend sectors while managing your finances. Bandits will try to meddle with your trade routes and stations - escorting fleets becomes necessary, which would be tedious if not for the built-in orders system, which allows you to easily command vessels and regulate their movement, or even bundle vessels into fleets for collective management. Managing large numbers of fleets is simplified by filter options and a good UI. The AI has some depth to it too; they aren't all-seeing, and also need to explore to discover your stations and ships. Trade therefore requires exploration, which in turn requires escorts. All aspects of the game are neatly brought together by developers who actively listen to their playerbase. Graphics are great - skyboxes are detailed, vivid and randomly generated(!) and ship models are nice and high resolution - even more impressive considering this game's origins. TL;DR Great game, loads of future potential and lots to do with regards to strategy, trade, combat, etc. Fantastic value for the price. (Note - I was a beta tester for the Steam release, hence the disclaimer.)