There is no doubt that the definitive space-commercial simulator is Elite made by Ian Bell and David Braben in 1984. From its mechanics, sequels, clones, and entire sagas were created that tried (with more or less success) to reproduce its essence, and that is how we arrive at Pioneer, a kind of free and open-source remake of what was Frontier: Elite II, which keeps several aspects of the original but manages to improve many others, such as graphics and ships.
Long story short: The first time I came into contact with Elite, I played it so much that it gave me problems in high school. When Frontier: Elite II appeared, I crossed half the city with a fractured tibia just to get its manual. Privateer was a true obsession. I accumulated more than 120 hours of gameplay "the last time" I touched Freelancer, and I still haven't bought Elite: Dangerous because my next article would probably be within seven or eight weeks. That's how things are. I have a very big weakness for space combat and trading. I believe that modern games "open-ended" owe a lot to the genre, and needless to say, if Star Citizen delivers even ten percent of what it promises, they can start writing my obituary. One tries to stay away from such games for productivity and responsibility reasons... but Pioneer destroyed my plans.
I am convinced that I can recognize a Frontier: Elite II clone when I see it, and at first Pioneer made no effort to hide it. However, "cloning" does not necessarily mean "leaving intact" these days. Pioneer is a project with several years on its shoulders, and although it is no visual marvel, it is far above the original Frontier. The story is... well, there is no story. You are one of many pilots in the galaxy trying to make a living moving goods from one solar system to another, and of course, doing it while staying in one piece. Whether it's a group of pirates, the police who caught you in the middle of smuggling, or the brutality of Sir Isaac Newton, there is something that wants to see you in a significant number of pieces.
In summary: Pioneer has many sharp edges, the avatars of the people you communicate with border on comical, and the learning curve is merciless (especially with Newtonian mechanics), but if you're looking for something different to play, here is the answer. Its direct alternatives are the X saga, or all the modified versions of Frontier and First Encounters (which has a hidden plot) out there. No matter what you choose, there is material for a long time.
