Elite

Elite: Pioneering the Final Frontier

Released in 1984, Elite is a groundbreaking space trading and combat simulator developed by David Braben and Ian Bell. This seminal title offered players an expansive universe to explore, trade, and engage in combat, setting the standard for open-world gaming. My experience with the Commodore 64 version of Elite has been nothing short of transformative, showcasing the game's depth and innovation.

However, I also had the opportunity to play the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) version, which provided a slightly different take on the experience. While the core gameplay remained intact, the graphical improvements and smoother controls made it an enjoyable version in its own right. 

Gameplay: A Universe of Possibilities

In Elite, players command the versatile Cobra Mk III spacecraft, embarking on a journey that balances trade, combat, and exploration. The game offers a dynamic economy where players can buy low and sell high, navigating through a galaxy filled with opportunities and threats. Combat is skill-based, requiring precision and strategy, while exploration rewards curiosity with discoveries of new star systems and encounters.

Graphics and Sound: Immersive and Atmospheric

The Commodore 64 version of Elite utilizes wireframe 3D graphics to render spacecraft and celestial bodies, a remarkable feat for its time. The minimalist visual style stimulates the imagination, allowing players to envision the vastness of space. The sound design complements this with ambient space noises, laser blasts, and docking sounds, enhancing the immersive experience.

Controls and Interface: Intuitive Navigation

Navigating the galaxy in Elite is facilitated by a user-friendly interface. The Commodore 64 joystick controls are responsive, allowing for precise maneuvering during both trade routes and combat scenarios. The on-screen displays provide essential information without overwhelming the player, striking a balance between functionality and immersion.

Elite on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

Among the many ports of Elite, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) version stands out as one of the most refined. Released later than its home computer counterparts, this version took advantage of the NES hardware to deliver smoother visuals, improved controls, and a more accessible gameplay experience.

One of the most significant improvements was the control scheme. Unlike the original versions, which relied on a keyboard and complex key combinations, the NES version streamlined the controls to work with the NES gamepad. This made piloting the Cobra Mk III feel more intuitive, with directional movement, targeting, and combat actions assigned to the limited buttons available. While some complexity was sacrificed, the result was a much smoother and more enjoyable experience for console players.

Visually, the NES version enhanced the original wireframe graphics, making them clearer and more readable on a TV screen. The HUD was optimized for console gaming, ensuring that players could easily monitor their fuel, shields, and radar without feeling overwhelmed by cluttered information. Additionally, the color palette was adjusted to make celestial objects and ships stand out more, improving visibility during combat.

Despite these improvements, the NES version remained faithful to the core mechanics of Elite, maintaining the freedom to trade, explore, and engage in combat across a vast galaxy. The balance between accessibility and depth made this port one of the most enjoyable ways to experience Elite for those who preferred a more controller-friendly approach.

Available Platforms

Elite was originally developed for the BBC Micro and Acorn Electron computers. Due to its popularity, it was subsequently ported to numerous platforms, including:

• ✔ Commodore 64
• ✔ ZX Spectrum
• ✔ Apple II
• ✔ Amstrad CPC
• ✔ MSX
• ✔ IBM PC (DOS)
• ✔ Atari ST
• ✔ Commodore Amiga
• ✔ Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

Each version maintained the core gameplay mechanics, with variations in graphics and performance based on the hardware capabilities of the platform.

Ships in Elite

In the original Elite (1984), players exclusively pilot the Cobra Mk III spacecraft. The game features a diverse array of non-player ships, each contributing uniquely to the game's dynamic universe. While players cannot pilot these vessels, they encounter them throughout their journey, each serving distinct roles:

• ✔ Adder: A small, versatile craft often used by traders and couriers.
• ✔ Anaconda: One of the largest trading ships, known for its substantial cargo capacity.
• ✔ Asp Mk II: A combat-oriented ship favored by military forces.
• ✔ Boa: A heavy freighter designed for transporting large quantities of goods.
• ✔ Cobra Mk I: The predecessor to the player's ship, commonly used by independent pilots.
• ✔ Constrictor: A rare, experimental vessel with advanced capabilities.
• ✔ Fer-de-Lance: A luxury fighter known for its speed and firepower.
• ✔ Gecko: A light fighter often employed by pirate factions.
• ✔ Krait: A nimble combat ship, frequently encountered in hostile situations.
• ✔ Mamba: A fast and agile fighter, popular among mercenaries.
• ✔ Moray Star Boat: An aquatic-capable vessel used for both trading and combat.
• ✔ Python: A multi-role ship balancing cargo capacity with combat prowess.
• ✔ Sidewinder Scout Ship: A common entry-level ship for new pilots.
• ✔ Transporter: A medium-sized cargo ship used for freight transport.
• ✔ Viper Police Ship: Utilized by law enforcement agencies to maintain system security.
• ✔ Worm Class Landing Craft: A shuttlecraft designed for planetary landings.

Each of these ships enhances the depth and realism of the Elite universe, providing players with a rich tapestry of encounters and challenges. While piloting options are limited to the Cobra Mk III, interacting with this diverse fleet adds complexity and immersion to the gameplay experience.

Legacy: A Trailblazer in Gaming

Elite set a precedent for open-world and space simulation games, influencing titles like Freelancer, No Man's Sky, and Elite Dangerous. Its innovative design and expansive gameplay have left an enduring legacy, inspiring game developers and captivating players for decades.

The Real Evolution: Frontier - Elite II

While Elite (1984) was a revolutionary game, the real transformation came with Frontier: Elite II in 1993. I played it on the Amiga when it was first released, and I was completely captivated by how the universe had been expanded. It was no longer just about trading and combat—there was now a living, breathing galaxy with structured missions, a bulletin board system, and deeper interactions with the game's world.

One of the most significant changes was the introduction of a mission system. Unlike the original Elite, where bounty hunting was an organic experience without structured contracts, Frontier: Elite II introduced a bulletin board system where players could actively accept assassination missions, cargo delivery jobs, and bounty hunting contracts.

Key Differences Between Elite (1984) and Frontier: Elite II (1993)

• ✔ Mission System: Elite had no structured missions, while Frontier introduced contract-based gameplay.
• ✔ Bounty Hunting: In Elite, pirates had to be hunted down manually, while Frontier allowed players to take assassination contracts and track specific targets.
• ✔ Government & Law Enforcement: Frontier added police patrols, system security forces, and faction-controlled space with different laws.
• ✔ Space Travel: Frontier introduced Newtonian physics, creating a more realistic flight model.
• ✔ Planetary Landings: Unlike Elite, which only allowed docking at space stations, Frontier let players land on planets and explore entire solar systems.
• ✔ Ship Purchasing & Customization: In Elite, players were restricted to the Cobra Mk III, but in Frontier, they could buy different ships, each suited for combat, trading, or exploration. Players could also customize weapons, shields, and cargo space.

Looking back, Frontier: Elite II was where the dream of a truly dynamic and immersive space simulation took shape. While Elite laid the foundation, it was Frontier that took the concept to new heights, making space feel more alive than ever before.

The Elite Saga

The Elite series is a cornerstone in the space simulation genre, captivating players with its expansive universe and open-ended gameplay. Developed by David Braben and Ian Bell, the saga began in 1984 and has evolved over several decades.

Elite (1984)

The original Elite was a groundbreaking title that introduced players to a vast, procedurally generated galaxy. With its wireframe 3D graphics and open-world design, it set new standards for video games of its time.

Frontier: Elite II (1993)

Nearly a decade later, Frontier: Elite II expanded upon its predecessor by incorporating realistic physics, seamless planetary landings, and a dynamic mission system. Players could now purchase and customize a variety of ships, enhancing the depth of gameplay.

Frontier: First Encounters (1995)

Also known as Elite III, this installment continued to build on the series' foundations, introducing a more intricate storyline and improved graphics. Despite technical issues at launch, it remains a beloved part of the Elite legacy.

Elite Dangerous (2014)

After a successful crowdfunding campaign, Elite Dangerous brought the series into the modern era with a massively multiplayer online universe. Released on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4, it offers players an ever-evolving galaxy to explore, trade, and battle in, with continuous updates and expansions enhancing the experience.

Spanning over three decades, the Elite series has continually pushed the boundaries of space simulation, offering players unparalleled freedom and immersion in a richly detailed universe.

Verdict

Elite on the Commodore 64 remains a monumental achievement in gaming history. Its blend of open-ended gameplay, strategic depth, and immersive universe offers a compelling experience that stands the test of time. For enthusiasts of space exploration and simulation, Elite is a must-play classic.

Pros

✔ Expansive and open-ended gameplay
✔ Innovative use of procedural generation
✔ Engaging trade and combat systems
✔ Immersive sound design
✔ Revolutionary for its time

Cons

✘ Steep learning curve for new players
✘ Wireframe graphics feel outdated today
✘ No ability to buy or switch ships
✘ Can feel directionless without clear objectives

Final Score

Commodore 64:

94%

ZX Spectrum:

91%

BBC Micro:

97%

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES):

95%