Previous Next

Put simply, Elite is a flight simulation program for people who can't normally get to grips with flight simulations. More accurately, it must be the most complex game released for the Beeb if not the most complex program of all.

Elite is an intergalactic trading game. As commander of your Cobra Mk III trading and combat craft, your mission is to explore and trade with other galaxies in order to survive.

In a large anti-piracy move, Acornsoft has included lots of bits and pieces in the box along with the cassette or disc. There's a 64-page manual which explains the game and what you have to do. It's essential reading if you really want to succeed, but be warned that I haven't seen anything more complicated since the Seventh Empire rulebook.

You also get a handy reference card with all the commands on it. Even if you are controlling the ship with joystick, you'll still need this card. There are over 50 different commands and it'll take some playing to learn them all.

There's a 48 page mini-novel based on Elite which you also get "free" in the box. A follow-up is planned for next year.

Elite's graphics really are stunning. The opening title features a picture of your craft, which revolves perfectly in full 3D. But fitting all this into the Beeb's limited memory means that sound effects are rare.

It's going to take some time for anyone to complete the mission, so it's useful that you can save your current position to tape or disk.

And remember that Elite is a C&VG Hall of Fame game, so send us your best score. This is all set to become a classic. The £14.95 price tag won't help, but it's well worth buying.

Mike Singleton will be doing a full review of the game in his next edition of 5th Column, so watch out for December's issue of Computer & Video Games.