Microsoft Game Studios today announced that the Freelancer demo is now available for download from the official site at http://www.microsoft.com/games/freelancer/. The demo offers the chance to explore the entire Liberty System, giving access to more than a dozen bases and five flyable ships. Players will be able to experience the trading system, sample the open-ended nature of the game and immerse themselves in the intense combat. The full retail version of Freelancer will ship to retailers in North America on March 4, 2003.

Set in the outer reaches of the planetary system, Freelancer combines the action of 3-D space combat, the exploration of a dynamic, living universe and trading in a rich galactic economy, where players' decisions drive the adventure. Developed by Digital Anvil, the epic adventure challenges players to determine their own reputations and choose their own distinctive styles of play. Players can choose to act like police officers, traders, pirates or explorers for different gameplay experiences. The open-ended style of gameplay gives gamers a choice between following a linear storyline or determining how the story will unfold. The multiplayer component enables players around the globe with their own servers to fly missions or explore space together. An enhanced mouse and keyboard interface simulates the realistic feel of flying a spaceship while making the game accessible to a wide range of gamers.