We were just notified by Palestar that a new version of DarkSpace was just released.  Here is their official announcement:

Palestar/DarkSpace is happy to annouce that version 1.482 will be released on Friday 9/3/2004. This version includes fixes and new features including the following: New UDP based communication code which GREATLY reduces the lag issues. Localization enabled, so that all in-game text can now be translated to any language. A localization package will be released in September. New memory allocation code which has increased the overall performance of the game. Several other bug and exploit fixes, for full details view the development log on the DarkSpace Homepage. (Note: A new installer will be available for download on friday for those who are having problems with the auto-update.) DarkSpace is a Massively Multiplayer Online Game set in the time of space travel and interstellar warfare. The universe has become a tumultuous place in the future of political infighting, economic sanctions and diplomatic posturing. All of the factions have high hostility towards one another with a few outposts staying neutral, at least initially, to determine their best interest. Visit DarkSpace.net today and sign up for an account with a 5 Day Free Trial. If you need help, feel free to give us a shout in the lobby!

- MMORPG.COM Staff -

Playing DarkSpace was fun...

Its a refreshing change from EVE Online, where you earn money and live like a second life. DarkSpace is more combat-orientated and money does not mean much except you can remodify your ship. You gain rank as you get more prestige from capturing planets, bombing planets, building planets, fighting the other factions, scouting, and all sorts of neat stuff. I had almost no lag playing in the metaverse server on dialup even when the new update was optimized for cable/dsl users. Their player base is pretty good, although people in fleets are to self-minded to care about what new people say, some players will help you(me). The game ran very smoothly as well on my GFX card (64mb ATI Radeon Mobility) and i had no crash issues in combat with Dreads clowing my tiny Frigate up .

I would at least suggest you to try it, play the tutorial first, then go online and play in the newbie server, you get alot more help and have more fun there fighting against your own types of ships instead of the MV server getting pounded by remoded Torpedo Dreadnaughts .

Or wait until 1.483, I hear theres gonna be pretty neat new ships and graphics in it  .