Overview

Released in 1984, Elite is a pioneering space trading and combat simulator that set new standards for video games of its time. Developed by David Braben and Ian Bell, the game is renowned for its groundbreaking 3D graphics and open-ended gameplay, which allowed players the freedom to explore a vast universe.

Gameplay

Players assume the role of a commander of a spacecraft, tasked with exploring, trading goods, and engaging in combat with pirates and other adversaries. The game features a procedurally generated universe consisting of numerous star systems, each with its own space stations and trade opportunities.

Technical Innovations

One of the most remarkable aspects of Elite was its use of wireframe 3D graphics, which were rare at the time. This was achieved on 8-bit home computers, a testament to the ingenuity of its developers. The game’s sophisticated economy and trading mechanics were also unprecedented, offering a depth of gameplay that kept players engaged for hours.

Historical Significance

Elite is widely considered a seminal title in the history of video gaming. It set the stage for future space exploration games and inspired a multitude of successors and imitators. Its influence can be seen in modern titles such as Star Citizen and Elite: Dangerous, a successful 2014 revival of the franchise.

Curiosities

The development of Elite was not without its challenges. Braben and Bell famously had to devise a way to generate a seemingly infinite universe with limited memory resources. They implemented a procedural generation technique that allowed the game to offer a vast and varied universe despite the hardware constraints of the time.