The Majesty of Elite

[gamingguy]

ELITE. What a majestic game! A Masterpiece.

Elite was and still is the only game that lets you explore space. You're *not* lead down a linear path like a mouse-in-a-maze.

The point? SURVIVAL. You are a weak, poor person in a hostile world filled with pirates and aliens bent on your destruction. Your only hope is to buy low/sell high and make lots of money in interstellar trade, so you can upgrade your ship with better shields and weapons.

i.e. Elite is a lot like an RPG. In an RPG, you are weak and die a lot. Then you gain power through fighting and buying better weapons until you can smash everyone to pieces. Ditto Elite, except you gain power through trading.

At the beginning, just getting to the next planet is near impossible. I must have died a thousand times with this game! Slowly but surely you acquire more money and military-grade weapons that turn pirates into shrapnel faster than they can say, "Aaaaiieeegh!" Eventually you become so rich/powerful, that you've basically beat the game.

Then it's time to kick some alien butt!!! hahahahaha!

Elite is a beautiful game. :D

[MarkM2112]

Sounds cool! What system is it for?

[CrazyImpmon]

Sounds a bit like Starflight. I might like that game.

[thekeepr]

I've got "Elite" both for the C-64 & the Apple II....is this the same game you are referring to?? The Keeper :/

[gamingguy]

Lots. My favorite is Commodore 64. Check out the Elite Pages:
http://www.iancgbell.clara.net/elite/index.htm



You also have the option to "turn bad" and start blowing up innocents. However, you won't live long because the police ships swarm around you and shoot-to-kill!

Which reminds me: Is it possible to blow up a space station?

[maxlords]

Obviously you've not played Star Control 2, which also lets you explore space, star system by star system, and also has a coherent story to fit in with all the exploring! :)

Also, FYI, very few RPGs are brutal to the point that "you are weak and die a lot" in the beginning. The only ones I can think of are ones like 7th Saga which is on a level unto itself :) Even Dragon Warrior you rarely die in if you're careful and not rash.

[digitalpress]

I. LOVE. ELITE.

I played the C64 version incessantly. Dealing willingly with the plastic decoder that I had to hold up against the TV screen to "beat" the copyright pirates.

It's in my top 10 of ALL TIME. I'm glad you brought it up. In all my years of gaming, so few games have been SO open ended, so non-linear, and so deep.

Hail Elite.

[Daniel Thomas]

I. LOVE. ELITE.

It's in my top 10 of ALL TIME. I'm glad you brought it up. In all my years of gaming, so few games have been SO open ended, so non-linear, and so deep.

Hail Elite.

I really missed out on Elite, for some bizarre reason. I downloaded a copy of the NES version some time ago, but it seems really buggy; perhaps I just haven't used the right settings (I use FCE Ultra). What's the deal with that? I remember that Elite was listed in the top ten by Next Gen's 100 Greatest Games issue back in 1996; thank goodness a few people remember it, eh?

[Mayhem]

I. LOVE. ELITE.

I played the C64 version incessantly. Dealing willingly with the plastic decoder that I had to hold up against the TV screen to "beat" the copyright pirates.

Curious... the original UK C64 release never had this. The Spectrum conversion did... I get the swearing stories from Speccy users about trying to use the decoder (called "Lenslock"... aka "Ballsup") and playing it...

[gamingguy]

Star Control2...what system is that?



The Commodore 64 version is bug-free. Try that. I prefer this version, because you can use keyboard commands (M=missile-launch) instead of clunky icons (like NES). When you have pirates swarming around you, you want the speed of single key shortcuts, not icon-based menus.

[digitalpress]

I. LOVE. ELITE.

I played the C64 version incessantly. Dealing willingly with the plastic decoder that I had to hold up against the TV screen to "beat" the copyright pirates.

Curious... the original UK C64 release never had this. The Spectrum conversion did... I get the swearing stories from Speccy users about trying to use the decoder (called "Lenslock"... aka "Ballsup") and playing it...

Yeah, the US one had it! I still have my original, complete Elite package - the decoder is a piece of red plastic that "folds" toward the TV, then you put both edges of the fold against the onscreen image, which gives you the code to unlock the game to play. It was annoying but the experience was always worth it.

[Happy_Dude]

Anyone know where I can get a C64 Elite disk image (yes I still have a 5 1/4 drive in my P.C :-D )
So I can play it on the original hardware again. This was my fave game of all time :D

[Mayhem]

http://web.externet.hu/sk/c64/

It's in Hungarian, but it has a HUGE resource of games... it isn't very hard to navigate around fortunately :)

[MarkM2112]

Star Control2...what system is that?

That would be for PC, and possibly Macintosh as well...

[Happy_Dude]

http://web.externet.hu/sk/c64/

It's in Hungarian, but it has a HUGE resource of games... it isn't very hard to navigate around fortunately :)
Thanks Mayhem :D It's the biggest entry on the "E" page ;) (Too bad I can't read it )

[tom]

The C-64 version sucks big time, very bad frame update, you need the patience of an 'Amidar' player (speed-wise). The BBC version is the best, and of course, the original version. The Spectrum version plays second-best and it's the only decent game ever to come out on Sinclair's horror calculator. Elite was released before 'Star Control' and 'Starflight', but borrowed elements from 'Star Raiders' (VCS) and Omnitrends 'Universe' (Atari XL)

[gamingguy]

If graphics are your main concern, then try the 16-bit Amiga or Atari ST versions. They feature solid objects instead of ray-tracing. They are the "prettiest" official versions.

I don't know much about the BBC computers. How was it able to be graphically superior to the C64 version? Faster processor?





Also, FYI, very few RPGs are brutal to the point that "you are weak and die a lot" in the beginningand not.


Okay, it's just me then. :)

[Mayhem]

I don't know much about the BBC computers. How was it able to be graphically superior to the C64 version? Faster processor?

Yes. That and the fact it was far better at doing vectors (about the one thing the C64 had problems with) than almost any other 8bit machine (bar the Spectrum)...

[Oobgarm]

hmmm... (http://www.lemon64.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=50469&highlight=#50469)

[asharru]

:roll:

Not that I'm surprised that it's him, I'm just surprised he'd be as dumb as to post it over there knowing full well that many of us frequent there. But that was probably the point I guess. What a bizarre man. I try to understand what kind of mental problem this is a symptom of (IE. Borderline Personality, Passive Aggressive, Etc...), but I can't come up with anything. Oh well, at least it makes the workday pass quicker.

[THXII38]

Download a funky PC remake of Elite here;

http://www.rebelstar.co.uk/remakes.htm


It's best played on a BBC Master Compact in my opinion.

DONT DISS THE ZX SPECTRUM MAN

I have a Sinclair calculator, and a ZX Spectrum. I also have a C5 wingmirror. O_O

I have played Elite on many systems, but not the NES.

Could someone enlighten me, how does one control the ship with a NES controller. There are nowhere near enough buttons to do it!


I also recommend reading 'Only You Can Save Mankind' by Terry Pratchett, it's elite their playing for sure :)

[THXII38]

"Aaaaiieeegh!" Eventually you become so rich/powerful, that you've basically beat the game.



To beat the game you complete the missions, and also earn the combat status of ELITE.

The money makes little difference really.

If you buy every weapon upgrade, and unit your Cobra MK3 can fit, and then hyperspace to a system with an anarchists government, whilst hauling narcotics and gold, then attack the Space Station (assuming you can last long enough to battle your way to it) how long can you last then? :)


I kicked myslef for passing up a copu of ELITE 2 in cash convertors last year. :(

I always thought it would be cool to link a couple of computers up, and play a co-operative version of Elite, where you are crew memebrs of the same ship. Then you could have a pilot, and navigator, really making use of those sideways facing guns too! :)

[gamingguy]

"Aaaaiieeegh!" Eventually you become so rich/powerful, that you've basically beat the game.


To beat the game you complete the missions, and also earn the combat status of ELITE.



Missions? What missions?

[THXII38]

What missions?

@_@


There are several. You are invited to do the first one, by a text message on the screen, in much the same way that the 'RIGHT ON COMMANDER' appears.

The first mission, is from the Navy. They hire you to chase a space ship that has stolen a cloaking device.

A later mission includes smuggling triblles. (however you spell it, those furry things that breed like mad)

[gamingguy]

Ohhh, riiiiight. (hits self in head) Duh. How could I forget the missions?

I played Mission#1 where you have to track and destroy the Constrictor ship. It really wasn't too difficult. Just shoot it 1000 times (or whatever) which was easy since it didn't move around a lot. Then I quit the game 'cause I got bored. When you're so ultra-powerful and survival is no longer a challenge, Elite on the C=64 loses its appeal. IMHO. [Goes off to search for Elite FAQS.]

According to http://www.btinternet.com/~robert.pfeifer/elite/afefaq.htm, each version of Elite has different missions:
BBC Tape (0) ---None.
BBC Disk (2) ----Constrictor/Thargoid Documents
Spectrum (2)--------Supernova/Cloaking Device
Commodore=64 (3)-----Constrictor/Thargoid Documents/Trumbles
NES (?)-----Mission unknown?
Amiga/Atari ST (5)------Constrictor/Thargoid Documents/Supernova/Thargoid Invasion/Masking Device
PC Elite Plus (7)-------Tribble/Supernova/Stolen Police Ship/Thargoid Documents/Asteroid Bombardment/Masking Device/Thargoid Invasion. ( I can't believe they left out the Constrictor Mission?!?)



DESCRIPTIONS:
1) Tribble------At 6553.6cr, you are offered a Tribble / Trumble for sale. If you buy it, it sits in your hold eating cargo and multiplying. If you get enough, you may see one crawling across the screen! They are useless and can be destroyed by flying close to the sun. If you escapsule, one comes with you to start the whole cycle again.

2) Supernova--------- You enter a system and all your fuel drains away in a leak. When you dock, you are told the sun is going nova and are asked if you will take refugees. Accept, and all your cargo is dumped to make space and you have to launch immediately. Refuse, and you are kicked out anyhow. You now have to use a galactic hyperspace or scoop the star for fuel. Your reward: Some gem stones, or 1000CR (varied withversion).

3) Stolen Police Ship------------ You are asked to help the military track down and destroy a stolen police ship - it's quite obvious; it's been given a new paint job. Reward: 4000CR

4) Thargoid Documents------------- You are asked to pick up the captured designs of a thargoid battleship from site A and take them to site B (usually a very long journey) and are hassled by thargoids all along the way. In some versions you may even find out that you were only a decoy, after all! Reward: Naval Energy Unit (better than standard model) or 5000CR depending on version.

5) Asteroid Bombardment-------------A planet is under threat of collision with an asteroid shower. All the system's ships have been destroyed trying to fragment them. You must save the day! Reward: 6000CR

6) Cloaking / Masking Device------------Reports of a ship in a nearby sector which is fitted with some sort of a masking device. Destroy it. It is intermittently invisible to both radar and sight and cannot be missile targetted. It is one of the 3 Asps you encounter on first entering the system, and when you engage, Constrictors (fawn, blunt) and Cougars (red, blue and black, with rectangular wings) come to its aid. Novel, eh?

7) Thargoid Invasion------------A nearby space station has been taken over by thargoids. They apparently also possess a hyperdrive jammer. If you destroy the station (which is guarded by a swarm of thargs) you receive a hyperspace jammer as a reward. You also receive the rank "Archangel".

8) Constrictor------A top secret naval ship prototype has been stolen - the Constrictor. You must track it down and destroy it. If in galaxy 1, you are told where it was last sighted, and follow the trail (in the Data on System screens) to where it galactic-hyperspaces. If in galaxy 2, you are just told that it has entered this galaxy and must try and remember the site of galactic hyperspace entry. Note down all systems in 7ly of your entry to galaxy 2: These are where it may have jumped to. Explore each in turn (include the one you arrive at - this is the correct next stop in some versions) until you pick up the trail again. When you find it, it is tougher than any other ship, including Constrictors in the Masking Device mission, and is energy bomb proof. A sly way to beat it is to missile at close range so it cannot ECM in time. Reward: Money (varies with version, may be up to 10,000CR)

[gamingguy]

THIS SOUNDS LIKE THE BEST VERSION. I'll have to try it out today.
Source: http://www.btinternet.com/~robert.pfeifer/elite/afefaq.htm


Archimedes Elite (Gringras & Burch, 1991)
---------------------------------------------------
Claimed by all those who have played it (to the extent of my knowledge) to be the best incarnation of Elite ever. Superficially, it is BBC Elite with solid, colour graphics and extra ships. However, for the first time in the Elite universe, you are no longer the centre of action. The AI has taken a colossal step forwards. Now you can encounter pirate packs battling it out for dominance of their private patches, traders under attack, Bushmaster mining vessels smashing asteroids into chunks and scooping up the pieces, vipers towing disabled ships back to the station, vipers flying along in formation looking for some lawbreaker to fight... (they are _very_ deadly. I've seen a pack of six flying along in a perfect rectangle suddenly peel off into combat. They took down 5 caimen and 5 geckos before I could even blink). There are even other ships like yourself - Cobras armed to the teeth looking for pirates to fight, to boost their Elite rating. A considerable range of new ships, all with their own unique characters. And then there's the oddities. But that'll wait until later.
Quite simply the most playable Elite game of all time.

3.20.2) Missions
----------------
Genesis Capsule/Kill Zartid III/Kill Zurid Pino/Medicine Run


http://elite.acornarcade.com/ims/arcscrn/police.gif

[Oobgarm]

hey theaveng, ...uhh I mean gamingguy, editing those so only the links show would be a better idea, methinks.

[asharru]

yeah, so now it's like blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah...



Did you guys know Shakespeare invented the word puke?

:D

[THXII38]

I suppose it figures that the Archimedes version would rock.

Don't know why I never thought to see if a version was released for it.

I think I shall buy an Archimedes just so I can play it. I have never owned one, I bought a Master Compact when they were cuttign edge, and could never afford the Archimedes when it was released, they still fetch quite a lot on eBay too.

[gamingguy]

I edited my message to save space. Now you may remove your "blah blah blah" message to save space too.


AND YEAH THX1138, the Archimedes sounds awesome in that description and LOOKS awesome in that picture I posted. I see that Archimedes emulators do exist for download, albeit without any sound.
(Note: The picture shows a viper police squadron blowing up a pirate!)

[asharru]

http://www.ukcollectibles.co.uk/Images/smurf.jpg

[gamingguy]

I. LOVE. ELITE.

I played the C64 version incessantly. Dealing willingly with the plastic decoder that I had to hold up against the TV screen to "beat" the copyright pirates..


Interesting. My C=64 Elite used the Novella for protection. "Type in page XX, line YY, word ZZ." It was easy to defeat since it kept rotating the same 3 words.

[THXII38]

Plastic Decoder that you held agains the screen?

>:( >:(

Not the LENS LOK

aaaagggggggghhhhhhh

Was that a dumb bit of kit or what?

I thought only the Spectrum fans had that fordced on them.

It did not last long, only a couple of games, but boy was it a major pain the neck or what?


+++ I am getting all hot and bothered just remembering that dumb thing, and it was years ago +++