an acronym for Escape Velocity.
Escape Velocity is the name of a
computer game by
Ambrosia Software, and the
popular game franchise that began with it. The Escape Velocity games are open-ended adventure games that conform to a sci-fi theme of space combat and adventure in the distant future; often confused with RPGs, due to the open-ended storylines and user-defined roles.
The original Escape Velocity game was written for Macintosh, as well as its successor Escaoe Velocity Override (EVO). Later, a third game, Escape Velocity Nova or EVN was ported to the PC platform where conversions allowed PC gamers to play the earlier versions with the EVN for Windows game engine.
The EV games (especially EV Nova) can be dramatically altered or enhanced through an endless array of plugins, which can be downloaded or custom designed by the user, giving Escape Velocity a definitive edge in replay value.