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Macrocosmica has been described as Elite without the graphics, and that is partly true. However, it bears more resemblance to Omnitrend's Universe than Elite.

The plot is familiar: jumping around the galaxy trading, fighting, gambling. You start up with a fairly small ship - one laser, one cargo bay, etc. etc. and you have the ability to buy more and more bits for your craft.

The display shifts between the computer and the main console on the bridge. From these two positions you can select the other functions of the ship or the port/space station that you have just visited. This means that repairs can be carried out, goods bought and sold, maps consulted or the casino visited.

The game has three levels and the amount of information supplied on request varies in proportion to the level you are on. The lower the level, the more info.

The casino is where the bulk of your initial 'stake' can be built up - the measly amount of credits that you get at the start is a bit small to say the least.

The trading system is identical to Elite, with the exception of the monetary system. In Macrocosmica you can deposit money in the bank and operate on credit. This is a good safeuard against pirates who are liable to pinch all your readies.

Piracy in Macrocosmica is slightly more complex than in Elite as you can pay 'protection money' and do deals. If not then you may have to fight it out. The graphics in this section are extremely crude to say the least, and it's a shame that it has been put in; without this, it would be a good trading game. With it, it tries to be a pretender to the Elite throne - and it fails.

The casino section is very good, with reasonable graphics and sound. It is a very simple higher or lower game, but it is a nice interlude.

The graphics on al other sections of the game are simple for this type of game with lots of colour.

Overall, I think that this is a very good trading game, with a very unpredictable scenario that changes every time it's played. The lack of a save mode, though, is a bit of a disappointment.