Strategy Informer  

Great graphic explosion details etc...
Many choice for being something like,police military,trader,smuggler,pirate and many more
Many House Factions and many pirate factions
Open ended universe i think about 100 systems to explore plus uniqe weapons
Filled systems with NPC life dynamic universe
Great story and different side mission
Your level is based on how much money you have
Great balance between ship class fighter.bombers,gunships,gunboats.cruisers,battleships and dreadgnouths

Freelancer come out in 2003 and still is best space-roleplay simulation