Elite (Rainbird)

Ah time to upset some people here. Great though Elite might have been for its time, it hasn't particular aged well. Graphically it's not to bad as far as ST 3D games go. And the space fighting sequences and trading still hold a lot of attraction. That control system (although I'm sure authentic) really does suck though. Spend enough time with it and it does get better, but you never have the feeling of being fully in control. I can't see Elite really winning any new converts to its cause when it's so difficult to get into, particularly if you've played Frontier (Elite II). I was a big fan of the sequel and quite liked Elite, but trying to look at it with new eyes left me feeling a bit down. Maybe my patience for games has decreased with age. It is still one of the better versions of the game though, and if your prepared to put in the leg work, it will really sparkle.

Zogging Hell Rating: 8/10

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Atari ST User Rating:
Sound: 7
Graphics: 9
Playability: 10
Value for Money: 9
Overall: 9
'Second Sight': 'What a brilliant game I loved the 3D wireframed version on the old BBC micro, but this 3D solid version is stunning. The controls are the same and I was immeadiately at home, trading, blasting, baiting the police and generally living the life of a pirate amongst the star systems. This classic game must be on everyone's Christmas shopping list. Don't miss it.' - Andy Richards

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Cheats

When asked for the code word from the manual, type SARA. Now type in the correct word when prompted and begin play. Press the '*' key to access the official Hacker Screen, where bytes and variables can be adjusted to taste as follows: CHANGE BYTE FOR 32 TO 01 CLOAKING DEVICE 31 TO 01 ECM JAMMER 20 TO 01 ESCAPE CAPSULE 23 TO 01 ENERGY BOMB 24 TO 01 ENERGY UNIT 26 TO 01 DOCKING COMPUTER 28 TO 01 GALACTIC HYPERDRIVE 80 TO 01 DOCUMENT 84 TO 01 FUGITIVE RATING 85 TO 01 OFFENDER RATING 88 TO 01 MOSTLY HARMLESS RATING 88 TO 01-08 POOR - ELITE RATING 1F TO 01 FUEL SCOOP 34 TO 03 CARGO HOLD 7C TO 01 UNHAPPY REFUGEES Press 'ESCAPE' to get back to the game.

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