Elite: Dangerous

 PC
User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 1913 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,150 out of 1913
  2. Mixed: 209 out of 1913
  3. Negative: 554 out of 1913

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  1. aymli
    May 16, 2015
    10
    I really believe this is the kind of game you like or dislike very much. Good graphics, good fun, good fights, good learning curve. Missions are too simple right now but the powerplay that will be introduced in the end of may will give it much more depth. The variety of roles you can have make it difficult to get bored ( fight, trade, mining, piracy ) even if the general gameplay is theI really believe this is the kind of game you like or dislike very much. Good graphics, good fun, good fights, good learning curve. Missions are too simple right now but the powerplay that will be introduced in the end of may will give it much more depth. The variety of roles you can have make it difficult to get bored ( fight, trade, mining, piracy ) even if the general gameplay is the same for all of them. I really like this game also for one thing: i m a big multitasker ( tv / phone / pc games at the same time ) and this game allows you to be playing and stopping a while watching something else without any problem lol… Expand
  2. Privata
    May 24, 2015
    10
    The best ,the deepest and the biggest space sim out there.
    in a 1:1 scale universe were every planet is truly unique and true to real life (thanks to the amazing stellar forge tech)
    The combat is like Xwing alliance but with modern graphics The trading is better than X2-3 The exploration is engaging and wonderful the moment you fly inside a nebula is life changing... they have a    The best ,the deepest and the biggest space sim out there.
    in a 1:1 scale universe were every planet is truly unique and true to real life (thanks to the amazing stellar forge tech)

    The combat is like Xwing alliance but with modern graphics
    The trading is better than X2-3
    The exploration is engaging and wonderful the moment you fly inside a nebula is life changing...

    they have a 10 year plan for elite and it shows.    … Expand
  3. Equalize
    Jun 25, 2015
    10
    The idea of a game of this magnitude is to explore beyond of what you thought existed in a game. Since this is a game review, I'm not going to target the people who play a game. Just like any kind of MMORPG, there is always a grind to it, no matter how you look at it. This game is built on exploration as well as the unknown. Grind is to earn, gain is to conquer.
  4. Fr33Th1nk3r
    Jul 10, 2015
    10
    It's a great game, you can play with keyboard, joystick, or a gamepad. At its core it's a space trader game something you can do and listen to music and sink some time making money. There are websites to help direct you where to go to make lots of money.
    Other side features in this space sim include bounty hunting, gentlemanly pirating, assassinations, mining, and on the open play side    It's a great game, you can play with keyboard, joystick, or a gamepad. At its core it's a space trader game something you can do and listen to music and sink some time making money. There are websites to help direct you where to go to make lots of money.
    Other side features in this space sim include bounty hunting, gentlemanly pirating, assassinations, mining, and on the open play side you can do all of the above or play it your way. There are groups of people that go out and refuel or rescue stranded pilots. Other people join wings and escort miners and traders to get easy bounties. It's all around a great game. People that neg vote the game really just got into the wrong genre and probably expected only a FPS combat simulator. (which there is a lot of combat if you know where to look.)

    TL:DR the game is gorgeous. Watch youtube videos and twitches. The game is worth it.    … Expand
  5. CiaphasHRO
    Sep 6, 2015
    10
    played 250h+, great immersive space game. Do bounty hunting, exploring, mining, missions, trading and life as a god forsaken pirate in a unbelievebale huge recreation of our galaxy.

    The game is hard to learn. The story is your personal imagination -》 example: in a near star system is the break out of a civil war. Go there as a hired gun to help the monarchistic party win the war. Or be    played 250h+, great immersive space game. Do bounty hunting, exploring, mining, missions, trading and life as a god forsaken pirate in a unbelievebale huge recreation of our galaxy.

    The game is hard to learn. The story is your personal imagination -》 example: in a near star system is the break out of a civil war. Go there as a hired gun to help the monarchistic party win the war. Or be a trader helping the democrats with delivering guns and medical supply.

    You are one under billions of humans in a vast dangerous universe. you start with little money and a bad ship to find your way. Earn money for better ships and equipment. Choose a side in the galactic politics or stay neutral.

    I love it...

    ps. great community (mostly)

    pps. planetary landing comes this year with first expansion (i think the price is fair...some people dont think so and downvote the game for the price and not for the game...sad world we life in)

    pps. sorry for bad english    … Expand
  6. FrancisCharmer
    Sep 23, 2015
    10
    Brilliantly conceived game that will only get better. Fantastic graphics and immersive gameplay for the sci-fi dreamers among us.

    I see lots of comments about difficulty getting into it. Make an investment - it will pay off. I also see lots of comments about lack of depth/boredom - i don't get it - doesn't every game reduce down to a few core experiences? This game is very open-ended,    Brilliantly conceived game that will only get better. Fantastic graphics and immersive gameplay for the sci-fi dreamers among us.

    I see lots of comments about difficulty getting into it. Make an investment - it will pay off.
    I also see lots of comments about lack of depth/boredom - i don't get it - doesn't every game reduce down to a few core experiences? This game is very open-ended, you have to decide what you want to do...but it also has plenty of targets (rankings, wealths, rankings etc). If the game is not your cup of tea at all...why give it a bad score?    … Expand
  7. NSerzh
    Sep 26, 2015
    10
    most realistic space simulation today, it is important for developers to develop the project and not a brake on progress to develop space to please the players tasty updates
  8. siarl
    Jan 5, 2016
    10
    This game's like Marmite, its very British in origin - and you'll either love it or hate it. Its essentially a space exploration sandbox, that is constantly being refined and updated, although you dont have to explore, you can bounty hunt, or mine, or follow a career, or get involved in the in game politics. But essentially do not expect this game to lead you by the hand, it basicallyThis game's like Marmite, its very British in origin - and you'll either love it or hate it. Its essentially a space exploration sandbox, that is constantly being refined and updated, although you dont have to explore, you can bounty hunt, or mine, or follow a career, or get involved in the in game politics. But essentially do not expect this game to lead you by the hand, it basically dumps you out in space in a tin can and lets you work out the gameplay mechanics all on your own.… Expand
  9. ukuli
    Mar 8, 2021
    10
    A modern version of Elite, a true classic reborn. If you liked the original you will love this one.
  10. CareTaker
    Oct 9, 2016
    10
    I play it almost for 2 years now, I still find things that I have never noticed before. I enjoy the vast universe. Some times I just fly from planet to planet and enjoy the views.
  11. Darkarrow
    Apr 28, 2016
    10
    I have spent so many hours in Elite 2 and Elite Dangerous is all I've ever dreamed back then. Vast galaxy, excellent realistic procedures and graphics with absolute freedom, certainly not boring, but rather rewarding. I feel like I am in a realistic living, although artificially created, world with endless possibilities where you can forge your own fate. I also love all theI have spent so many hours in Elite 2 and Elite Dangerous is all I've ever dreamed back then. Vast galaxy, excellent realistic procedures and graphics with absolute freedom, certainly not boring, but rather rewarding. I feel like I am in a realistic living, although artificially created, world with endless possibilities where you can forge your own fate. I also love all the holographic/voice human machine interfaces (HMI), which are beautifully crafted and absolutely intuitive. I think they might become a prototype for future HMIs which will be implemented in cars/aircraft/spaceships in the future.… Expand
  12. Cclrx
    Nov 22, 2016
    10
    There is no other space sim that comes even close to what Elite Dangerous achieves. And it's development keeps going and going, making it even a better experience.

    Can't wait to see how Frontier approaches big tasks like walking around and atmospheric planets.
  13. DarkWolf009
    Oct 8, 2017
    10
    One of the best things about this game is the amount of choice available. Trading not your thing? No problem, you can explore. Not a fan of exploration either? You can be a pirate/bounty hunter. These options are only scratching the surface. There is a complex political system that becomes really interesting if you join a player faction, however none of this is needed if you don't likeOne of the best things about this game is the amount of choice available. Trading not your thing? No problem, you can explore. Not a fan of exploration either? You can be a pirate/bounty hunter. These options are only scratching the surface. There is a complex political system that becomes really interesting if you join a player faction, however none of this is needed if you don't like that.

    The graphics and audio are by far some of the best in gaming right now, although you will need quite a powerful system to crank those settings up (especially super-sampling). The sounds of shooting, boosting, warping and ambient sounds are expertly woven in to the game, and one of the things that makes exploration so intriguing for me, is how good the planets, stars and other bodies look.

    A lot of the negative reviews here depict the state of the game in 2014/15, in its infancy. As someone who has been invested in this series for years, I'd like to stress how much the game has developed since then. If nothing else, it's worth giving the free demo (big + to the devs as very few games do this in modern gaming) a shot to see if you like it.    … Expand
  14. Alvazia
    May 12, 2018
    10
    The ED is sci fi space game that really have high potential for space games, lately other space games failed to accomplish but ED is different than other spaces games because it have a really good developer who keeps adding stuff in the game not to mention when they release an major update it really fix the game bugs and adding more stuff etc etc etc
  15. Lim4
    Jun 28, 2018
    10
    Ok, I already have passed my 2000th hours playing.

    I've been through everything in this game, people just doesn't find what to do, who doesn't want to. I started with a wretched Sidewinder smuggling Canisters at the very beginning, explored with a Cobra(yes, pain in the ....). I fought using a Vulture, got spanked by an ET, fell from a mountain, race in a canyon, discovered that    Ok, I already have passed my 2000th hours playing.

    I've been through everything in this game, people just doesn't find what to do, who doesn't want to.

    I started with a wretched Sidewinder smuggling Canisters at the very beginning, explored with a Cobra(yes, pain in the ....). I fought using a Vulture, got spanked by an ET, fell from a mountain, race in a canyon, discovered that Harry Potter is a Commander nowadays, visited the Solar System, George Lucas station, listened to a Sidewinder Radio broadcast, mined on Jupiter etc. and today I have a fleet; used all ships in game and its still amuses me and the game still in development, Elite has the best devs.

    As Manley says, Fly safe.
    o7    … Expand
  16. shuwar
    Apr 7, 2023
    10
    I’ve played more than 230 hours and still I want more. Still I am finding something new in the game. Lazy traveling, trading, scanning… this is what I need to slow down in my crazy live. I count than developers will still giving us new features.
  17. hookandsling
    Jul 2, 2019
    10
    As per the reviews you either love or hate Elite.

    So many never get past the initial wall that it throws up. Everything is hard. The game will kill you and leave you with nothing without remorse. The flight model is complex. The controls are complex. Very little is ever explained. Players will murder you instantly if you go to the wrong system and nobody cares. But here's the rub:    As per the reviews you either love or hate Elite.

    So many never get past the initial wall that it throws up. Everything is hard. The game will kill you and leave you with nothing without remorse. The flight model is complex. The controls are complex. Very little is ever explained. Players will murder you instantly if you go to the wrong system and nobody cares.

    But here's the rub: things get easier as you gain experience. Not XP - actual human experience.
    The controls become second nature. The flight model reveals itself to be satisfying and skills based - piloting skills matter. Death traps are known. Insurance is covered. You become a CMDR and the wall you had to climb makes that worth something.

    Then you can start to enjoy the game and there is plenty to do these days - trade, bounty hunt, PvP, alien science / killing, mining and of course exploring. The game isn't going to help you do any of that, or provide a 'saving the galaxy' story line. The game doesn't care what you do.

    This is the game for a specific breed of nerd. If being in a scale model of the Milky Way doesn't really matter to you, consider not playing Elite. If that nobody is going to tell you to do anything means you'll be instantly bored, consider not playing Elite.

    Yes the game has bugs, yes features have been launched and then kind of abandoned, yes progress can seem slow. The sheer potential of the thing makes many players become bitter when it seems to never happen. But they've typically put in 2000 hours at that point ,and they'll be back with the next patch.

    I've been playing on and off since Beta. I give it a 10 because there's nothing else remotely like it, and because if Elite IS for you that's the score you'll give it too.    … Expand
  18. Nixxx2000
    May 1, 2020
    10
    After playing 5 years in EVE I've started to playing Elite 2 weeks ago and I love it. I have encouraged my friend to get it either and after 3 days he bought a HOTAS :) It's a really good, atmospheric space simulator with missions and own economics and what's the most important legendary ships
  19. nere
    Dec 7, 2019
    10
    Что не так с оценками? Не канон, они уже не подходят к Сегодняшней игре, это не фильмы, которые просто есть и никак не меняются, сколько бы времени не прошло, с играми такое не работает. оценки 15 года уфф...

    Купил игру в 16 году, и меня, как минималиста, всё более чем утраивало, открытый мир и твоё воображение, делай что душе угодно. Игра потрясная. к нашему времени графику подтянули,    Что не так с оценками? Не канон, они уже не подходят к Сегодняшней игре, это не фильмы, которые просто есть и никак не меняются, сколько бы времени не прошло, с играми такое не работает. оценки 15 года уфф...

    Купил игру в 16 году, и меня, как минималиста, всё более чем утраивало, открытый мир и твоё воображение, делай что душе угодно. Игра потрясная. к нашему времени графику подтянули, завезли оптимизацию под современное железо. И продолжают "завозить" контент.

    А сейчас, я с нетерпением жду обнову на "космические линкоры", которые будут стоить целое состояние, без учета их апгрейда и того, что линкоров целых 3 штуки, в этом месяце и узнаем более подробную информацию. (Те, кто пробовал январский бета тест, узнали про будущую обнову чуть больше как и я!)

    А ещё, я не понимаю людей которые при первом заходе в игру, жалуются что им не понятно что делать после обучения, надо просто найти свой жизненный путь в игровой вселенной, и время в реале, т.к. игра его требует слишком много    … Expand
  20. AKDT21
    Jun 21, 2020
    10
    the game is beautiful and the sounds are the sight that unfolds before us and raises a dozen possibilities waiting for us
  21. OUTC45T
    Aug 7, 2020
    10
    I can't wait for the release of Elite Dangerous: Odyssey. That's all I have to say.
  22. spainfalcon
    Nov 26, 2020
    10
    Sencillamente magnífico, es la mejor experiencia VR espacial que uno puede jugar. La cantidad de detalles y realismo es abrumadora. Si bien es cierto que tal vez el motor gráfico en 2020 ya se le note un poco los años, pero todavía es una juego de sobresaliente, sobre todo si lo haces con un visor de realidad virtual. Cualquier cosa que intente explicar sobre lo que uno siente estando ahíSencillamente magnífico, es la mejor experiencia VR espacial que uno puede jugar. La cantidad de detalles y realismo es abrumadora. Si bien es cierto que tal vez el motor gráfico en 2020 ya se le note un poco los años, pero todavía es una juego de sobresaliente, sobre todo si lo haces con un visor de realidad virtual. Cualquier cosa que intente explicar sobre lo que uno siente estando ahí dentro se queda corta. Misiones, minería, exploración, combates... Si te gusta el espacio y series como The Expanse o Star Trek, este es tu juego, no busques más.
    Feliz vuelo comandante.    … Expand
  23. tomrollauer
    Apr 29, 2021
    10
    ED is a game you either love or hate. I love her. There is no better spcesim than ED. This game takes hundreds of hours to make a difference in the galaxy.
  24. Marker89
    Dec 16, 2020
    10
    This is the best space game i ever played on pc. Everyone have to try it if love space and science.
  25. luanrnunes
    Dec 24, 2022
    10
    I didn't had a Metacritic account, but i've created mine today just to review Elite Dangerous here, after seeing so much cowardice in some reviews.

    First, Elite Dangerous is not meant for everyone, if you want a all colorfull LGBT flag like space, forget about it, it's a spacesim, a real, genuine spacesim, if you love sci-fi, space tech theories, physics and space itself, you name it,    I didn't had a Metacritic account, but i've created mine today just to review Elite Dangerous here, after seeing so much cowardice in some reviews.

    First, Elite Dangerous is not meant for everyone, if you want a all colorfull LGBT flag like space, forget about it, it's a spacesim, a real, genuine spacesim, if you love sci-fi, space tech theories, physics and space itself, you name it, this game is for you! (watched Interstellar or a similar movie and liked it? It's for you too).

    Now i'm addressing most of the things i saw here, and explaining why the opinion of the people who wrote them, can't be considered. As i think these people haven't played enough,

    1 - It's boring and grindy:
    Again, it's a spacesim, you are just one person in a full scale galaxy, if you don't want to work your way to be good in the role/roles you chose, go play something else, not a SIMULATOR, and i have bad news for you, space is not for you, as it is mostly, well, boring. Long time to travel (for explorers), a extensive list of succesfull combats is needed for your ranks (well, it's combat), trading, exobiology, etc, everything needs some work.

    2 - It's buggy:
    I have nearly 1000 hours of gameplay, and yes, it does have some bugs like any other software, but none of them broke something or happened frequently, indeed it's pretty rare to happen. It's a network heavy game, if you have a decent internet connection and is not running P*rnhub along with the game, it will work ok, try it.

    3 - DLCs for walking and bla bla:
    The game was released in 2014, it didn't had a way for landing on planets, let alone walking on them. So FDEV at the end of 2015 released Horizons (it did cost a lot of money, do you expect it to be free? It's optional anyway, the base game is there at a low price) after one year of release, and then in 2021 they released Odyssey (7 years after the base game! is that bad for you??) whicn again, was expensive to make and the EXPANSION costs money, it's OPTIONAL. Note that the Horizons has been made free after the Thargoid war started, it comes in the base game.

    4 - It's an MMO but not enough interaction and bla bla:
    This argument is really messed up. The galaxy is HUGE, and if you are outside of the most populated systems, of course you'll find no one or just a few people, now if you go to systems like Shinrarta Dezhra, Sol, etc, the chat is non stop, you see ships supercruising all over the place, stations full, combat zones with lots of players participating, you name it.
    And, the background simulator makes it feel really alive, all actions have consequences and a lot times you have to work with other people to achieve things, mainly if you are part of a squadron.
    I receive friends requests at almost every play session as i find a bunch of players and interact with them. If you play the game now during the ongoing thargoid war, you will see lots and lots of people on the systems which the attacks to repel the aliens are being coordinated to(via a huge Discord server of the Anti Xeno Initiave, by the quick progress you can see how the players are truly engaged, and in masses). The game let you wing up with other people, and shows to you, in which system your friend actually is.

    5 - The controls are complicated you need bla bla:
    You don't need anything special, it's a complex game and you'll get used to after some play time, be it a keyboard+mouse (the way i play) a controller/pad or a HOTAS, it works pretty well, you just need to learn, play the tutorials. You don't want to jump in a game like Elite, not even knowing the difference between normal space, supercruise and witchspace, for a basic example.

    6 - Bad support:
    I needed FDEV support just once, and they were pretty quickly to solve my request. Anyway, it's pretty hard to think about cases that you'll need support. I opened a ticket when i was new to the game and i didn't understand why my ship got destroyed inside a station, well, they explained to me why (I did a bad thing) but they just gave me back the credits i've spent to pay for the ship insurance, and i didn't even asked for it.

    I could talk more about the cowardices, but i'm reaching the 5000 char limit.
    Just to finish, the topics i've talked about is what i most saw in the "bad reviews", i am a space enthusiast, i love sci-fi, i love theories and the idea of travelling out there, for me, Elite is the only piece of media that can fulfill this desire of mine as for any other person with a similar profile, for me is the best spacesim game ever made, it's amazing, massive, complete, believable and every people make a difference in this ever changing Milky Way.

    Read what i wrote carefully, compare with the other superficial reviews, and try to conclude if this is or not for you. o7.    … Expand
  26. iLi87
    Jul 19, 2023
    10
    one of he best space games out there period
    there are many reasons to play elite but the main that keeps getting me back is that I always find something new to do in it
    not to mention that you actually get your head around a harsh truth, the immense size of the outer world (space as we know it) the genius behind the game is the fact that the loading screen is actually you travelling to    one of he best space games out there period
    there are many reasons to play elite but the main that keeps getting me back is that I always find something new to do in it
    not to mention that you actually get your head around a harsh truth, the immense size of the outer world (space as we know it)
    the genius behind the game is the fact that the loading screen is actually you travelling to another star, just brilliant, makes the game feel continuous and gives your head a sense of spacetime    … Expand
  27. Batavier
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    This is the original space sim as it should have been. It's still a bit of a work in progress, but it's fully functional with amazing graphics, very very good sound and immersive game-play. Frontier will continue to develop this game in the coming years (e.g. planetary landings, multiple crew per ship), but at the moment it is a full fledged space sim. You can fight, trade, explore to yourThis is the original space sim as it should have been. It's still a bit of a work in progress, but it's fully functional with amazing graphics, very very good sound and immersive game-play. Frontier will continue to develop this game in the coming years (e.g. planetary landings, multiple crew per ship), but at the moment it is a full fledged space sim. You can fight, trade, explore to your hearts content. And all 400 billion stars of our galaxy are there, so enough to see I would say.… Expand
  28. CambridgeGamer
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    If you want to play an MMO like star wars or warcraft this isn't the same experience, nor is this similar to COD multiplayer. You won't be able to instantly meet up with friends as soon as you start and the game does require an internet connection. This game isn't about being the biggest or richest or baddest its about simply being and playing a role in an ever changing galaxy.

    After    If you want to play an MMO like star wars or warcraft this isn't the same experience, nor is this similar to COD multiplayer. You won't be able to instantly meet up with friends as soon as you start and the game does require an internet connection. This game isn't about being the biggest or richest or baddest its about simply being and playing a role in an ever changing galaxy.

    After setting up, which takes a while as explained below you can drop in and out whenever you want. Once you find your friends you can play with them. But this game is for adults with patience. so be warned.

    I started playing this game last week after dusting off my old gaming pc after moving house.

    Make no mistake this game is difficult to get your head around at first but nowehere near as difficult as games in the X series which I simply gave up on after a few hours of play. I tried using the xbox controller to begin and although manageable I realised that buying a flight stick was the way forward. I bought the T flight HOTAS for around £30 and also bought a headset and voice attack and this changed my experience completely. So the settup cost for this is around £80.

    The game takes a while to learn. I spent several hours setting up my controls, learning how to fly, setting up voice attack.

    Then I needed to learn about how the galaxy worked, how trade worked, how to fight, how to escape people attacking me and then did a mission or two. I died twice and didn't make any money.

    Then, suddenly, everything just started coming together for me. I began to actually feel like the ship was my own and this was a huge galaxy to explore.

    I now have a sidewinder with a few add ons and about 20k in the bank, thats nothing. I am in system I don't remember the name of and have no idea where I am going to go next. I love it and the great thing is the experience will only get better.    … Expand
  29. EpaL
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    I've been playing this game since Beta 1 and I can tell you categorically it has hooked me like no other game in the past 5 years. It's a stunning technical achievement which promises to just get better and better as Frontier continue to develop it. The enthusiasm and community that has already grown up around the gaming during development is one of the best and most mature i've seen for aI've been playing this game since Beta 1 and I can tell you categorically it has hooked me like no other game in the past 5 years. It's a stunning technical achievement which promises to just get better and better as Frontier continue to develop it. The enthusiasm and community that has already grown up around the gaming during development is one of the best and most mature i've seen for a game.

    If you really want to experience wow though, you have to try it in VR. E:D is by far the most mature VR game I've played so far (I have an Oculus Rift DK2) and the immersion and just straight up 'wow' you get from it is no other entertainment experience I've ever had. I've quite literally had tears in my eyes and feeling of awe on many occasions and even after several months I still relish 'going in' each time. If there was ever a case for the future of VR, E:D makes it conclusively IMO.

    That being said, there are still some issues and limitations (player to player comms being the biggest IMO) but judging by the sheer dedication, enthusiasm and skill of the Frontier team, I have little doubt they will continue to push until it's the game we all know it can be.    … Expand
  30. fl3shy
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    A great game if you love exploring, long for the space sim, and are looking for a good excuse to put your joystick to use. If the idea of cataloguing planets and stars to sell to interstellar cartographers excites you, you will probably enjoy E:D. If the idea of floating in space in a beautifully crafted hauler, lugging tonnes of metal to a dangerous pirate outpost excites you, you willA great game if you love exploring, long for the space sim, and are looking for a good excuse to put your joystick to use. If the idea of cataloguing planets and stars to sell to interstellar cartographers excites you, you will probably enjoy E:D. If the idea of floating in space in a beautifully crafted hauler, lugging tonnes of metal to a dangerous pirate outpost excites you, you will probably enjoy E:D.

    If you're looking for a twitchy, action packed, story driven space adventure, you will likely be disappointed.    … Expand
  31. CLUTCH
    Dec 28, 2014
    9
    Elite is a fantastic game that will only get better as time goes on. Future expansions will include explorable colonies and space stations, as well as atmospheric flight and planetary landings.

    It's the kind of game that does not set goals for you, but leaves you to set your own. Do you want to be a pirate, smuggler, bounty hunter, trader, explorer? It's all doable. Progression at    Elite is a fantastic game that will only get better as time goes on. Future expansions will include explorable colonies and space stations, as well as atmospheric flight and planetary landings.

    It's the kind of game that does not set goals for you, but leaves you to set your own. Do you want to be a pirate, smuggler, bounty hunter, trader, explorer? It's all doable.

    Progression at the start can be slow, especially if you want to solely trade. It is probably best to practise combat and earn money from bounty hunting (at resource extraction sites) to begin with, upgrade to a Viper, then maybe invest in a cobra for a mix of bounty hunting and trading.

    The game is very addictive and a lot of fun, but it seems that it isn't for everyone. There appear to be a lot of people hating on the game because it requires an internet connection. My guess is that these people are video game pirates, as most of the gaming world is online now anyway, and the game can be played without issue with a laptop tethered to a phone, for example.
    Then there are the Star Citizen haters...Not sure why they have to hate on Elite or vice versa. It is possible to like more than one game in the same genre, but they haven't figured that out yet.

    Game is very polished, immersive and great 'as is', and it will only get more epic as time goes on. Definitely worth your time and money.    … Expand
  32. Kuroko
    Dec 19, 2014
    9
    It is a miracle that a game like this exists in 2014. A true unforgiving PC game like the old ones. If you thought dying in Dark Souls war punishing, you ain't seen nothing yet. This is a thinking's man slow paced space sim, and it is great at that.

    The combat, the graphics, the sounds, the ship design, the whole galaxy. It is incredible. There are still lots of features and ships    It is a miracle that a game like this exists in 2014. A true unforgiving PC game like the old ones. If you thought dying in Dark Souls war punishing, you ain't seen nothing yet. This is a thinking's man slow paced space sim, and it is great at that.

    The combat, the graphics, the sounds, the ship design, the whole galaxy. It is incredible.

    There are still lots of features and ships that needs to be added that will come with time, but so far I'm having a great time with what it offers.

    Note that this is a buy to play MMO, like Guild Wars, and while you can play solo, it requires constant connection with the server, so this game is not one that will accompany you in your travels. Servers seem very stable, but you may find inconveniences and downtimes for maintenance/update processes. So take that into consideration before buying.

    If you wonder why there are so many negative reviews. That would be mainly because of the tribal fanbois of Star Citizen trolling. I also think Star Citizen is going to be great, but that is no reason not to like Elite: Dangerous, as a fan of space sims, I'll welcome as many high quality space sims as possible, and Star Citizen is still 2 years away from getting a persistent universe.    … Expand
  33. Sp4rkR4t
    Dec 23, 2014
    9
    You are the shiny new captain of your own ship and you don't even know how. Elite: Dangerous isn't quite everything it promised to be in it's initial pitch videos but it is certainly on the right path, there has never been another game out there that has just felt so right while playing, yes most system in the game at the minute are very bare-bones but there is a path to flesh all that outYou are the shiny new captain of your own ship and you don't even know how. Elite: Dangerous isn't quite everything it promised to be in it's initial pitch videos but it is certainly on the right path, there has never been another game out there that has just felt so right while playing, yes most system in the game at the minute are very bare-bones but there is a path to flesh all that out and what is in the game already is pretty special. This is a living, breathing galaxy and it's just begging for you to explore.… Expand
  34. johnw100
    Dec 21, 2014
    9
    After putting in a few days of game play i`ve decided to increase my score from a 6 to a 9. I`ve learnt so much about this game, often the hard way . But now i`ve started to earn decent money and really figured out the navigation,combat ,trading,etc areas of the gameplay i`m really enjoying it. I still think there is alot of improvements but its turning into one of the most addictive andAfter putting in a few days of game play i`ve decided to increase my score from a 6 to a 9. I`ve learnt so much about this game, often the hard way . But now i`ve started to earn decent money and really figured out the navigation,combat ,trading,etc areas of the gameplay i`m really enjoying it. I still think there is alot of improvements but its turning into one of the most addictive and immersive games i`ve played in years.
    I just hope they keep improving it over the years to come, because it has a terrific basis for an all time classic, like the original.    … Expand
  35. Monkeymagoo
    Feb 2, 2015
    9
    It's not finished, it can be quite repetitive and it's extremely annoying when you get shot to pieces and lose all the bounties you've been meaning to cash in, but I can't stop playing it. I only get about an hour in the evening to play but when I do, I really feel like I'm sitting in my ship's cockpit surrounded by a whole galaxy of star systems to explore. I'm only doing basic bountyIt's not finished, it can be quite repetitive and it's extremely annoying when you get shot to pieces and lose all the bounties you've been meaning to cash in, but I can't stop playing it. I only get about an hour in the evening to play but when I do, I really feel like I'm sitting in my ship's cockpit surrounded by a whole galaxy of star systems to explore. I'm only doing basic bounty hunting at the moment but the combat is heart-stopping especially when you've pitted yourself against someone of similar ability, you're both down to 10% hull and they're pummelling you with everything they've got and the glass in your cockpit starts cracking! It looks and sounds gorgeous. It's not perfect and you certainly wont get instant gratification from this game, but it's the only game I want to play right now. I'm usually ready for a rest after an hour or so, but five minutes later I'm already thinking of jumping back in.… Expand
  36. blizzard5314
    Dec 18, 2014
    9
    It's been a long time since I've been this impressed with a game launch. I've happily played the most basic training scenarios over and over again on my Oculus Rift and am still blown away. One of these day's I'll see what else it has to offer online, but in the meantime I will happily go blow up that single enemy ship again as I glance around my cockpit in sheer wonder.
  37. exoduss
    Oct 14, 2015
    9
    Its a great game looks nice easy to pick up and play one draw back it gets kinda lonely in space. Some of the missions are a drag i mean some not all. PVP is fun also open world with a lot to do yeah great game
  38. sensai25
    May 25, 2016
    9
    So far i have played 1200 hours.

    I really enjoy it. I ainly play as an explorer but i am also a fighter (triple Elite and working on CQC - pvp ranking now). Ok th game is not perfect, but the team is responsive and they are planning to add more and more contect. So i plan to play a loooong more time. Flight model is fine to me, i really appreciated control and immersion, thanks to    So far i have played 1200 hours.

    I really enjoy it. I ainly play as an explorer but i am also a fighter (triple Elite and working on CQC - pvp ranking now).

    Ok th game is not perfect, but the team is responsive and they are planning to add more and more contect. So i plan to play a loooong more time.

    Flight model is fine to me, i really appreciated control and immersion, thanks to my trackIR dashboard are really amazing.

    The sound is also incredible.

    Graphics could be even better but it is not my principal criteria. So i deal with it, 2.1 patch bring some enhancements so with time, the game is going to be deeper and deeper.    … Expand
  39. danbolivar
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    If you spent hundred of hours behind your Commodore 64 playing Elite. Surely you've been waiting for a proper resurrection. After 30 years, the wait is OVER!... It's here and it's absolutely gorgeous! Heart pounding dogfights, exploration, trade, politics, mining and so much more... in a galaxy the size of the GALAXY with 400 BILLION star systems!
    There truly is NO OTHER GAME like Elite    If you spent hundred of hours behind your Commodore 64 playing Elite. Surely you've been waiting for a proper resurrection. After 30 years, the wait is OVER!... It's here and it's absolutely gorgeous! Heart pounding dogfights, exploration, trade, politics, mining and so much more... in a galaxy the size of the GALAXY with 400 BILLION star systems!
    There truly is NO OTHER GAME like Elite Dangerous and I have the honor of having been allowed to Beta Test it... soon it will launch for the rest of the world and it will be absolutely FANTASTIC!!    … Expand
  40. Ottomic
    Apr 26, 2015
    9
    It could be a bit more complex, it could be a bit more entertaining (Powerplay will probably do that), but as it is now, I am very glad to have trusted Frontier and put down the most money I've ever paid for a videogame. The audio and graphics are astounding, the fighting is fun, the flying feels right and it's all around an incredibly satisfying game. I feels what X2 felt when it cameIt could be a bit more complex, it could be a bit more entertaining (Powerplay will probably do that), but as it is now, I am very glad to have trusted Frontier and put down the most money I've ever paid for a videogame. The audio and graphics are astounding, the fighting is fun, the flying feels right and it's all around an incredibly satisfying game. I feels what X2 felt when it came out, only bigger and better. And I love it.… Expand
  41. psicotix
    Sep 25, 2015
    9
    Some of the best moments I've experienced in Elite: Dangerous haven't involved other players, shooting things or making vast sums of credits. Yesterday, was jumping from system to system in a window at work and had parked beside a star while I got on with real work. I was distracted from what I was working on by the sight of a solar flare erupting from the surface of the star. I watched itSome of the best moments I've experienced in Elite: Dangerous haven't involved other players, shooting things or making vast sums of credits. Yesterday, was jumping from system to system in a window at work and had parked beside a star while I got on with real work. I was distracted from what I was working on by the sight of a solar flare erupting from the surface of the star. I watched it as it slowly calmed and a minute or two later had completely subsided.

    For me, this represents the scale of Elite - it's huge, and the content in it is easily missed. Getting from one side of the galaxy to the other will take some time. Getting to Elite status in any of the three categories will take some time. Buying the biggest ship and fitting it with all the best gear will take some time. The idea that you have to do any of those things is not really what this game is about - it's more that you can jump into a space craft, fly around, shoot things, buy and sell things, change the political landscape and immerse yourself.    … Expand
  42. adantesuds
    Jan 13, 2015
    9
    There's nothing more that I can say other than since getting this game it's all I've really thought about, I'm glad I didn't fall into the Kickstarter as I'm so glad for it being a fresh full game to me. I've played it every spare moment I've had, and I can't wait to see what more becomes of it over the next few months. I purchased this as a stop gap before the release of No Man's Sky...There's nothing more that I can say other than since getting this game it's all I've really thought about, I'm glad I didn't fall into the Kickstarter as I'm so glad for it being a fresh full game to me. I've played it every spare moment I've had, and I can't wait to see what more becomes of it over the next few months. I purchased this as a stop gap before the release of No Man's Sky... And this is no stop gap. I'll be playing this for a long time to come.… Expand
  43. rupok93
    Dec 22, 2014
    9
    The game is great and FD are adding more and more content by the day. Explore space, trade rare goods, do some bounty hunting, smuggle some goods you pirated, buy new ships, etc. Its about the journey not about how fast you can grind to an anaconda ship. Some people on here are mad the game isn't casualized, the game doesn't hold your hand AT ALL!. There are normal tutorials like docking,The game is great and FD are adding more and more content by the day. Explore space, trade rare goods, do some bounty hunting, smuggle some goods you pirated, buy new ships, etc. Its about the journey not about how fast you can grind to an anaconda ship. Some people on here are mad the game isn't casualized, the game doesn't hold your hand AT ALL!. There are normal tutorials like docking, and combat but thats it. You have to figure out the game mechanics yourself and that is very rewarding once you do. Whether you saw some guy on reddit post about best mining locations or you met a commander(real player) tell you about a rare trading route, its all very cool to figure these things out that aren't labeled "GO TO THIS OBJECTIVE".

    What I suggest to new players is to ask around what actions get a bounty on your head because a lot of new players expect the game to be unforgiving when they come in but its not... You can easily amass 100k worth of bounties cause you did illegal things. Ill list some things that get you bounties:

    Some tips to avoid bounties:
    - If you are not in an "anarchy" govt system (you can check govt, factions,etc in the galaxy map) attacking clean ships (you can check this after scanning them) will net you a bounty, killing them gives you a much bigger bounty.

    - If you find goods laying around and pick them up getting scanned by federal security ships will net you a huge fine for carrying stolen goods, thus to sell these you should go to a place with low security (check galaxy map) or there are specific manuevers to smuggle them into stations (one is to be around 7km away from entrance of station and very fast go in the station doors because once you are inside fed ships cannot scan you). You sell goods like this at the black market under the "contacts" tab in many stations.

    -Do not do the missions which as you to kill civilian or trading ships, these net you a bounty far bigger than the payout, the only reason to do these is to get higher with the specific group that is giving you the mission.

    Some early game tips for new players:
    - Do hauling missions when you first start out under the "bulletin board" in stations, these are quick easy and safe starting money.

    - ALWAYS ALWAYS ask for docking permission from stations before going in otherwise they WILL SHOOT YOU after a given period. To do this go under your contacts tab on the left UI of your ship and clicking on the station, ask for docking permission. Check which dock number you are assigned and land there, take out your landing gear (L on pc) before landing. trying to land in wrong one will land you infraction and get you killed.

    - DO not shoot near stations, they will kill you instantly. You will see a message saying that a place is a "no fire zone".

    -Before jumping to another part of space you have to retract hardpoints (weapons,landing gear, cargo hold) otherwise you cannot jump. you can check if landing gear and cargo hold are out on the bottom right. U is to deploy or retract weapons. Also you cannot jump if you are "mass locked" meaning you are too close to a station, keep getting further away until you are not mass locked anymore.

    -When you are buying parts for your ship check your power consumption on the right, if your power consumption exceeds supplied, your ship will turn off stuff like life support or shields when deploying things like weapons ( you can sort of get around this by setting unneeded things to lower priority on the right UI but its better to get a bigger powerplant.

    -when you are buying parts check your FSD jump distance, this laden is when your cargo is at max, unladen is when its not. Make sure you don't make this too low and can't jump anywhere (check galaxy map to see how far things are. You can increase this by buying lower mass parts, better thrusters or by getting a better fsd drive.

    - REMEMBER TO REFUEL. You can buy a fuel scoop which lets you get fuel by going close to starts but its very dangerous. you can refuel at any nearby stations. IF you run out of fuel to jump in deep space with no station nearby, you are screwed. Just self destruct on the right otherwise you will just die a slow painful death.

    Thats all I can think of for now. Hopefully it helps a new ED player looking on here for reviews.
    GOOD LUCK COMMANDER!    … Expand
  44. Potitoman
    Dec 4, 2015
    9
    It appears this game had some issues at launch, but oh boy is it a good game now!
    Once you get over the intimidation of the steep learning curve, you'll discover a rich and immersive game that will eat away your hours. There's no plot as such other than taking on missions to increase your status, but it's the gameplay that sucks you in.
    Don't be scared by the complexity, it's not as hard    It appears this game had some issues at launch, but oh boy is it a good game now!
    Once you get over the intimidation of the steep learning curve, you'll discover a rich and immersive game that will eat away your hours. There's no plot as such other than taking on missions to increase your status, but it's the gameplay that sucks you in.
    Don't be scared by the complexity, it's not as hard as it looks. Once you understand the mechanics of the game, you'll be hooked!    … Expand
  45. Theirlaw
    Jan 3, 2015
    9
    I don't really know where to start with how awesome this "game" is.
    I feel like I'm at work but it's the best job in the galaxy.
    I'm bored but cant stop watching the paint dry. Something is very right about this "game". It's not going to tell you what to do. It's not going to force you down a path but it will surprise you, it will excite you and it will frustrate you. The golden age of    I don't really know where to start with how awesome this "game" is.
    I feel like I'm at work but it's the best job in the galaxy.
    I'm bored but cant stop watching the paint dry.
    Something is very right about this "game". It's not going to tell you what to do. It's not going to force you down a path but it will surprise you, it will excite you and it will frustrate you.
    The golden age of gaming has returned at last.
    I am a happy old gamer.Thank you!

    Bugs?

    All the best games have them!    … Expand
  46. Duanedibly
    Jan 28, 2015
    9
    I never played the original elite. I was old enough to though. I do have a DK2, so my review will be based of using that. This game is the absolute pinacle of my gaming experience. By far the game that whilst not playing, I have thought about the most.

    Using the DK2, I feel like I am a a starship pilot, I am fully emersed the 3d and graphics are gorgeous. The reason I scored it a 9    I never played the original elite. I was old enough to though. I do have a DK2, so my review will be based of using that. This game is the absolute pinacle of my gaming experience. By far the game that whilst not playing, I have thought about the most.

    Using the DK2, I feel like I am a a starship pilot, I am fully emersed the 3d and graphics are gorgeous.

    The reason I scored it a 9 is that there is of course room for improvement and this is an evolving game. Frontier still have a long way to go in terms of making the game a complete package.

    Right now, the penalty for dieing to pvp combat is far too expensive (1 death costs me around 2 hours to recoup the cost) and as has been mentioned, finding other players can be a little tedious...but thats because there are 400 billion systems in the galaxy and not that many players.

    I want to see a little bit more of the story unfold also. things are moving a little slow and large scale combat is hard to get into.    … Expand
  47. Kingbingo
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    This game is the ultimate sandbox, trade, pirate, bounty hunt, forge a military career or become a humanitarian relief philanthropist. The way the game is put together is first rate, ship controls are tight and responsive, they handle believably with combat having real weight as you fire off your Gatling guns or take a beam laser across your hull. I highly recommend it.

    It’s true that    This game is the ultimate sandbox, trade, pirate, bounty hunt, forge a military career or become a humanitarian relief philanthropist. The way the game is put together is first rate, ship controls are tight and responsive, they handle believably with combat having real weight as you fire off your Gatling guns or take a beam laser across your hull. I highly recommend it.

    It’s true that the alpha testers like me after 400+ hour in the game have seen much of the content on offer at launch day, but they are in continuous development, and so I really doubt if a new player joining after launch is going to run out of content anytime soon if at all. The proof is that the vast majority of alpha and beta testers are still piling in the hours to this game, for a simple reason, there really is no other space sim sandbox anywhere near as good as this one.

    This really is one of those rare games you could clock up 1000 hours gameplay with, so for £35 it’s an utter barging.

    Also you can buy slave girls by the ton     … Expand
  48. pkarapan77
    Dec 18, 2014
    9
    So far that i've put in a few hours, I have to say this game is a heck of a lot of fun. There's a lot you need to learn about getting about but it's worth it. Wish you could land on planets though like in Frontier, but apparently that's coming in the first update.
  49. Dorana
    Dec 8, 2015
    9
    This game is one of those that splits the crowd.

    For me this is an endless space simulator, it takes time to learn it, and even more time to master. but on to the review. Graphics in this game are awesome, not just in resolution but in their attention to detail. But you can watch any ingamme video on youtube to see that. It seems the game is more suited to those who have    This game is one of those that splits the crowd.

    For me this is an endless space simulator, it takes time to learn it, and even more time to master.

    but on to the review.

    Graphics in this game are awesome, not just in resolution but in their attention to detail.
    But you can watch any ingamme video on youtube to see that.

    It seems the game is more suited to those who have played the older games and those with patience, the reason for this is that iot all takes a very long time, but the longer it takes, the more rewarding it feels, so it's not one of those instant gratification games where you go in and you feel powerful right from the get go, you start of in a small ship with no indication of where to go or what to do, you're a free licenced pilot, what you do is your choice.

    I see int he comments that a lot of people complain on the grinding, but few pick up on the depth of the reputation grinding.
    The game has a built in politics system, basically, the more missions taken on by players for a specific faction the stronger that faction gets and the more it expands, so doing quests for all factions just to gain rep might not always be for the best, this is where groups come in.
    As groups expand and concentrate their efforts on various regions of space, specific minor factions will grow in power and economy, thus changing who controls each station and what missions and goods that will be available, this also changes prices of such goods.

    With the later updates in the game players can create their own groups and groups can turn to factions thus allowing somewhat control of set stations. The game is so large and deep it's hard to put it all in text.

    The game has an automated economy system but it can be influenced by players, and the larger a game with these mechanics gets the more influence goes to the player community.

    The game has it's charm playing solo and grinding towards that next ship, but the true potential of this game only comes to light when you start grouping with friends, and it shines brighter the larger your group gets.    … Expand
  50. 3dom
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    After playing the game for 3+ months I like to stop my Lakon hauler and simply watch the stars and planets. Game has peerless graphics and somewhat involving gameplay once you get past initial learning stage. It reminds me of EVE circa 2006: you can see huge potential but initial learning curve and lack of obvious opportunities may be difficult to overcome. Still it's the best spaceAfter playing the game for 3+ months I like to stop my Lakon hauler and simply watch the stars and planets. Game has peerless graphics and somewhat involving gameplay once you get past initial learning stage. It reminds me of EVE circa 2006: you can see huge potential but initial learning curve and lack of obvious opportunities may be difficult to overcome. Still it's the best space simulator available with trade, dogfighting, piracy, mining, exploration. During beta and gamma developers worked at pace I've never seen before in any MMO game. Given there will be avatar/planetary/multi-pilot ships expansions in 2015 - it'll be the best sci-fi MMO game for a very long time.… Expand
  51. Flappers
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    Fantastic... really.
    The game bring back the roots of gaming, back when we had no hand holding.
    There is a steep learning curve, which can be overcome by listening to experienced pilots, watching videos and taking advice. But once you are past that curve you can see how solid the mechanics are. Graphics are fantastic... and the sound? Simply awesome. It's a game with no 'end game' and    Fantastic... really.
    The game bring back the roots of gaming, back when we had no hand holding.
    There is a steep learning curve, which can be overcome by listening to experienced pilots, watching videos and taking advice. But once you are past that curve you can see how solid the mechanics are.
    Graphics are fantastic... and the sound? Simply awesome.
    It's a game with no 'end game' and no final objective. There are not any NPC's that say "Go out kill 10 things and come back, and you get to move on to the next area" There's no theme park here. It's a sandbox where you decide what you want to do.
    Want to bounty hunt pirates? Sure... want to be a pirate? Go for it. Trading? Smuggling? Mining? Everything is there. And you can do it all.
    The future of ED is a bright one, there are plenty more features to come in the coming months.
    The reason for 9/10 and not 10/10 is due to small things like missing features on release. But with that in mind, we know they are coming soon.

    For people who didn't play games prior to the year 2000, it might be a struggle to understand the concept behind what Elite Dangerous is about. Remember, there is no in game achievement, there's no final target. The target in game is what you set out to achieve. Once you understand that concept, you will have a fantastic time.    … Expand
  52. Twodecadesgamer
    Aug 21, 2016
    9
    Old guy, old school- a fan of SWG's JTL and the XWA series. This is an amazing space sim. It is also unforgiving and has a steep learning curve. Once you get the basics down it is well worth it, and very addictive. The better pilot you are the better the game will go for you, make mistakes and be ready to spend serious time trying to get to space stations, fly like a boss and makeOld guy, old school- a fan of SWG's JTL and the XWA series. This is an amazing space sim. It is also unforgiving and has a steep learning curve. Once you get the basics down it is well worth it, and very addictive. The better pilot you are the better the game will go for you, make mistakes and be ready to spend serious time trying to get to space stations, fly like a boss and make money hand over fist. I strongly recommend an X52 type setup. A fantastic game that is just a little annoyingly complicated sometimes (SRV scanner wtf?-yes, I figured it out. Why do that to us?) I do highly recommend this game, and I recommend giving yourself time to practice and come up with a control setup that works for you. It is well worth it.… Expand
  53. starhawkprime
    Dec 18, 2014
    9
    I'm playing the game with the Oculus Rift and the experience is outstanding. The flight model is a very good compromise between full Newtonian and a more standard sci fi model such as in the X series. Control system is good but really shines with a Hotas setup. Immersion in the Rift has to be seen to be believed, Looking around in the cockpit or just sitting up a little taller in yourI'm playing the game with the Oculus Rift and the experience is outstanding. The flight model is a very good compromise between full Newtonian and a more standard sci fi model such as in the X series. Control system is good but really shines with a Hotas setup. Immersion in the Rift has to be seen to be believed, Looking around in the cockpit or just sitting up a little taller in your chair so you can see over the hood of your sidewinder and watch your guns deploy are little things that make that ship feel solid and whole not just something that is pasted on the screen to look like a cockpit. There has been a bit of drama over the switch to no offline single player and to a point I can understand the feeling but there is too much potential for this game in the future to be shot down by this. What this game is at the moment is an excellent launchpad for the ultimate galaxy spanning space sim and I for one can't wait to see the features Frontier adds next!… Expand
  54. Voyageurceleste
    Nov 8, 2015
    9
    I have take some time to write a review about E:D. (I am Alpha tester and follower of Elite since 84)
    Why ? Because i played it a lot to be sure to write something objective.
    So here it is : Elite Dangerous is different then the original Elite but after more then 200 hours playing the game i can give my personal view of it. ED is a space simulator so that mean you NEED a controller to    I have take some time to write a review about E:D. (I am Alpha tester and follower of Elite since 84)
    Why ? Because i played it a lot to be sure to write something objective.
    So here it is :
    Elite Dangerous is different then the original Elite but after more then 200 hours playing the game i can give my personal view of it.
    ED is a space simulator so that mean you NEED a controller to play the game. Gamepad or joystick but you will NEED it. (i use a full set of warthog+trackIR5+rudder for max immersion)
    no rules until the way you want to learn. That can be boring for players who are used to be game oriented by scripts or somelike. But it's Elite and the base is the same concept as the one in 1984.
    So as player, you can become a trader, an explorer, a Bounty hunter or a pirate, you can get your own choice with no faction or choose a faction in the game with the politics conséquences of this choice.

    ED is very complex to learn i agree but very rewarding when you understand how deep is this game.
    Many people have just seen the dogfight / trade and exploration part of the game, but there is much more then that in it if you look a bit deeped, Galnet news are one of the way to understand that.

    Technicaly the graphics are really impressives. But its a start. The game will improve again and again with months.

    The future :
    Horizon is comming with landing, new stations, new missions, new fight, new vehicules and spaceshifts. This will take the game to another level. But more is comming ! David Braben (the creator and lead of ED) has promise more surprises and i think they will come and give a boost to this fabulous game that is Elite:Dangerous.

    I give it a 9 well merited the 10, will come when i will see the Thargoids invading the milky way !    … Expand
  55. varietygamer
    Dec 18, 2014
    9
    Disclaimer: The rating refers to the foundations that this game sets, and is not reflective of the final content-which is yet to come.

    This is not the kind of game you can review on launch, and it was never meant to be. The development model has called for extensive player alpha and beta participation, and despite this being release version 1.0, that has not changed. Ultimately the    Disclaimer: The rating refers to the foundations that this game sets, and is not reflective of the final content-which is yet to come.

    This is not the kind of game you can review on launch, and it was never meant to be. The development model has called for extensive player alpha and beta participation, and despite this being release version 1.0, that has not changed. Ultimately the funding model is progressive, like Star Citizen it is to be released in stages, and this includes post-official 'launch'.

    What has changed post-release is the fact that we now have an extremely solid foundation for a PC Space Sim on a scale that is unprecedented. Visual and sound design are top notch. The simulation model is the best I've seen in the genre. From the various in-game systems one can see this was built to be expanded upon.

    Subsequent expansions will add;

    -Exploring ships and stations in 1st person, alongside associated interactions.
    -Planetary landings and exploration on full scale worlds, with proper atmospheric modelling.
    -Much more.

    If you want an idea of what Elite aims to be, give SpaceEngine a try. It is free. Now imagine a game built within that, and polished to a standard one would expect from a Space Sim.

    Enjoy.    … Expand
  56. Trebonius
    Dec 29, 2014
    9
    I expected a wonderful game but I am severely disappointed. The world is vast indeed, but the 400 billion star systems are very similar and there's little entertainment to be had.
    You can forge your own path - be a trader, pirate, bounty hunter... well, you sort of do a little of almost everything anyway and what they advertised about creating your own story is a joke, there is NO story    I expected a wonderful game but I am severely disappointed. The world is vast indeed, but the 400 billion star systems are very similar and there's little entertainment to be had.
    You can forge your own path - be a trader, pirate, bounty hunter... well, you sort of do a little of almost everything anyway and what they advertised about creating your own story is a joke, there is NO story whatsoever, at least not yet.
    What's really annoying besides the "400 billion" glitches that the game has is the bounty system which is very poorly conceived. You can get attacked by an NPC and if you retaliate you get a bounty on your head for no reason, unless your attacker is marked as "wanted", and this makes life of a bounty hunter very difficult.
    Excellent graphics but in spite of my PC specs being far above Elite's recommended system requirements, the game runs far from smoothly so the game's code optimization upon release promise was not kept. God knows what sort of rig one needs for this game...
    If you haven't bought this game yet I don't recommend it, not until serious changes and fixes have been made.    … Expand
  57. rootsrat
    Mar 3, 2015
    9
    Elite: Dangerous is a vast game with a lot of potential. It's a very niche game which slips any genre definition. I would personally class it as Role Playing Galaxy Simulator or something along those lines. At the moment of writing this review the game is at a very basic level - but it's a great gaming experience by all means. You have the ultimate freedom of choice in an accurateElite: Dangerous is a vast game with a lot of potential. It's a very niche game which slips any genre definition. I would personally class it as Role Playing Galaxy Simulator or something along those lines. At the moment of writing this review the game is at a very basic level - but it's a great gaming experience by all means. You have the ultimate freedom of choice in an accurate representation of the Milky Way galaxy as we know it.… Expand
  58. DRITZZ_ZARCON
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    I'm a fan of the original Elite from the 80s, love this re imagination of it and backed it on Kickstarter to get it going. Graphics are fantastic, flying is great, dog fighting is better, it's got the same old flavor, if they keep improving it over the next few months then it will be even better.

    If you like the original you will love this!!
  59. StarTux
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    I have sunk well over 100 hours in the game and just like the originals back from 1984 I am addicted.

    1. Flight model, whilst not strictly Newtonian as they went for fun certainly delivers. 2. Trade. Knowing the markets helps here, I would recommend running missions from the bulletin board to not only increase rep, but alo get first hand knowledge of the markets. Whilst a lot can be    I have sunk well over 100 hours in the game and just like the originals back from 1984 I am addicted.

    1. Flight model, whilst not strictly Newtonian as they went for fun certainly delivers.

    2. Trade. Knowing the markets helps here, I would recommend running missions from the bulletin board to not only increase rep, but alo get first hand knowledge of the markets. Whilst a lot can be gauged through the Map interface, I found this method to be less likely to cause loss.

    3. Mining. Its pretty bare-bones and they will add more features, right now you equip a mining laser and a refinery, the more expensive ones have more bins, fly to an asteroid belt or extraction site and blow pieces off of it. Only way to know right now is to target each chunk for an analysis. Most in system ones are quite depleted and so could take awhile to refine enough (5 to 20% takes time). Going to unexplored regions to find pristine areas will yield much higher percentages and will be quicker.

    3. Bounty Hunting. Get a warrant scanner, and use it before engaging, yes you'll be jinxing avoiding incoming, but this maximises profit. I have used the Eagle successfully and will even submit to interdictions almost with glee, but know your limitations and how to use your power settings appropriately. Oh and when to run.

    4. Smuggling. Again, like trading knowing your local group will pay dividends. Knowing where to buy goods which are illegal elsewhere and where to drop them off at a black market, not all stations carry them.

    5. The cockpits. You're sitting in a 3D modelled cockpit, only Star Citizen will feature this.

    6. Multiple ship ownership. You can tool up each ship for different roles if you so choose.

    Overall, 9 from me, addicted and all I think about is Elite and my next moves as I am trying to increase faction rep with the Empire. although this is by far not the only thing I will want to do...:).    … Expand
  60. Namix
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    If you want a game that tells you what to do and when, this is not the game for you. If you want a insanely massive playground, where you can pretty much do what you want, this is it.
  61. Pecisk
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    Disclaimer: I am long term supporter of project, so take my opinion with pinch of salt.

    It is Elite, and it is back. For me, it's been a game I have been waiting for very long time. Since Elite 3 aka Frontier: First Encounters I have been dreaming about modern, up to date take on Elite universe. When Kickstarter was announced, I was both skeptical and inspired. We pulled trough, despite    Disclaimer: I am long term supporter of project, so take my opinion with pinch of salt.

    It is Elite, and it is back. For me, it's been a game I have been waiting for very long time. Since Elite 3 aka Frontier: First Encounters I have been dreaming about modern, up to date take on Elite universe. When Kickstarter was announced, I was both skeptical and inspired. We pulled trough, despite nay sayers, and long period development started. I didn't know what to expect, as FD has shown lot of concepts and even working code, but still it was very early. But FD continued to press on and soon we got lot of concept art, ideas about how ships will work, how stations will look like, how background simulation will affect our lives. And then year ago Alpha landed - which was very nice surprise, as it soon supported TrackIR and Oculus Rift.

    During testing period there's have been high and lows. Despite all this FD kept communicate to us and collecting feedback and with each release they showed us that they care and they listen. Saying that this, despite lack of coverage, is co-project with community is understatement.

    Now,. we have Elite: Dangerous 1.0. First is to understand that this game will follow classic evolution of MMO - FD has already features lined up for post release. But how 1.0 holds up to scrutiny of the long term fan as me?

    I will start with issues, as most likely if you read this whole, you are interested in those. Game is slow and long - it's hard to gain any short term investment without getting your feet wet with all mechanics. They are quite complex (although there are more hardcore games in space sim genre out there), and lot of design decisions take some time to get hold on and understand why they are important. So while you can certainly jump into game and trash opponent's ships in few minutes, it takes some time to get to that point, as combat is exciting, yet again takes time to master.

    Co-op is possible, but also takes time to understand concepts around them. Improved way to do co-op is planned as first update post release early next year. Comms are very good in my opinion - text and voice comms are working with friends no matter of location, with rest of people they are local for system. There are ideas of station chat to be implemented in future.

    When co-op works, it is beauty to behold. Taking down pirate lords together is new past time for many gamma testers.

    Game's professions are mostly fleshed out for introductory gameplay - trading is managed by background simulation, so milk runs are limited to certain extent, rare goods are something you can take far, far away and find someone to pay for it - it's price will go up further you go. Trading goods aren't actually something random, it is weaved heavily in background sim and can have lot of different effects (like having famine and civil war in Sol system). Mining can be seen as boring, but I enjoyed every minute of it - you just can't press button and be done with, you have to actively scan and catch pieces of rock when they are blown off by mining laser. Bounty hunting and piracy requires lot of actual skill, and there are actual military missions too. Assasination, courer...you can do a lot of things in Elite universe - as always.

    Missions is very important element in ED too - this is sometimes only way how to gain first capital to invest into new weapons or repay your insurance debt, sometimes they are very funny ones, and sometimes they are very important for your break - faction reputation is very big part of background sim AND your development of character.

    It is hard to grasp everything what's been said as game is still in constant development, especially with it's background sim parts. There's overarching story line which will launch today, t.i. 16th December, so be sure check it out. Game is visual wise and sound vise a masterpiece so it is worth to check it out if you just like beautiful games.

    Check out endless stream of Youtube videos to be sure, but one thing I can say - if you will let ED to sink in, you will enjoy it for endless hours.    … Expand
  62. Seboss38
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    Elite: Dangerous is released today, and I can hardly believe that *finally* I get to play a new Elite game after all these years. E:D is a truely fantastic games. I invested hundreds of hours of play into the game since the very first Alpha, and I know I'm going to invest hundreds more. The galaxy is a very big and exciting place, and even though the game can feel barebone in its initialElite: Dangerous is released today, and I can hardly believe that *finally* I get to play a new Elite game after all these years. E:D is a truely fantastic games. I invested hundreds of hours of play into the game since the very first Alpha, and I know I'm going to invest hundreds more. The galaxy is a very big and exciting place, and even though the game can feel barebone in its initial release to some, the game is already a fantastic space opera sandbox experience. At first, I was really skeptical about the always online mode and multiplayer, as Elite is a solo experience at heart. But I quickly changed my mind the first time I rushed through an asteroid field with fellow commanders, pursuing a giant Anaconda ship and fighting to be the first to score the fat juicy bounty. It's so amazing to see human players zipping about the stations, in supercruise, or uniting to overthrow a whole system using trade, missions, vigiliantism and everything imagination allows, I wouldn't have it any other way now.

    Elite initial release is still early in development, and is still an open platform than a truely full fledged MMO, but the potential is so huge, it would be a mistake to ignore it and miss the incredible space opera experience.    … Expand
  63. Ervig
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    This game gives you the freedom to do as you want (explore, fight, trade, bounty hunt etc.), but might not be the game for everyone. There is no 'hand-holding', no NPC's who tell you exactly what to do, no levelling-up. Learning the controls (especially if you're using mouse and keyboard) might take a while to master.

    But if you have ever dreamt about going into space, exploring amongst    This game gives you the freedom to do as you want (explore, fight, trade, bounty hunt etc.), but might not be the game for everyone. There is no 'hand-holding', no NPC's who tell you exactly what to do, no levelling-up. Learning the controls (especially if you're using mouse and keyboard) might take a while to master.

    But if you have ever dreamt about going into space, exploring amongst the stars and trading rare commodities in your own space-ship, this is definitely the game for you. If you like space games, flight sims and sandbox games, this game won't disappoint.

    Keep in mind that development of this game didn't stop on release. A LOT of features will be added. One of them is improved coop functionality (group missions etc.) which I'm very much looking forward to.    … Expand
  64. evoelise
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    I’ve never had so much fun in an unfinished game.

    I've been playing pretty much solidly since later beta and whilst I can see that the game is still a bit bare I've been really enjoying the game. Elite : Dangerous is going to be a love/hate game - I can see why some people are very disillusioned with the game as it is very much a bare bones framework for now and many players want    I’ve never had so much fun in an unfinished game.

    I've been playing pretty much solidly since later beta and whilst I can see that the game is still a bit bare I've been really enjoying the game.

    Elite : Dangerous is going to be a love/hate game - I can see why some people are very disillusioned with the game as it is very much a bare bones framework for now and many players want more than that from a game; hopefully that will come. It is also a punishing game – if you make a mistake it can really cost you – wiping out hours or days of game play (never fly that which you can’t afford to lose and make sure you are insured) , currently some of the punishments are over-the-top (fines and rep hits) again hopefully these will be sorted out.

    I can see that E:D as it stands is a very solid framework for what could grow into an amazing and immersive game.

    The galaxy is vast and currently mostly empty but there’s still plenty to do and explore and I can only see this experience getting better.    … Expand
  65. JohnStabler
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    A modern reimagining of the 80s classic that invented a genre, with highlights from the sequels thrown in. Stunning graphics, a mind-bogglingly massive universe, visceral combat and as addictive as crystal meth. Currently geared towards sim players, rather than casual gamers.

    Those who say the game is empty are perhaps a bit more used to modern video games that spoon-feed you narrative,    A modern reimagining of the 80s classic that invented a genre, with highlights from the sequels thrown in. Stunning graphics, a mind-bogglingly massive universe, visceral combat and as addictive as crystal meth. Currently geared towards sim players, rather than casual gamers.

    Those who say the game is empty are perhaps a bit more used to modern video games that spoon-feed you narrative, make you the centre of the universe and constantly assault your senses.
    Elite and Frontier were never like that and neither is Elite Dangerous. You are nobody special. You are a single person in a spaceship (hence the Han Solo references in many previews). You inhabit a cold, harsh, uncaring and deadly universe (very much like our own). Perhaps, with the help of other players, you can help set events in motion that fundamentally change the economies and politics of the galaxy. Hopefully you'll make a few credits along the way.

    Elite Dangerous is the thinking person's space sim.    … Expand
  66. AngerManagement
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    So, they messed up on not delivering an offline mode, hence some aggrieved customers slating the game.
    Ignore the bad reviews by people who are still crying about this.
    This is the best space sim since the orginal Elite. You can trade, mine, explore or fight, its upto you and all in stunning graphics. Trading, mining and bountyhunting are all profitable, despite comments to the    So, they messed up on not delivering an offline mode, hence some aggrieved customers slating the game.
    Ignore the bad reviews by people who are still crying about this.

    This is the best space sim since the orginal Elite. You can trade, mine, explore or fight, its upto you and all in stunning graphics.
    Trading, mining and bountyhunting are all profitable, despite comments to the contrary. The forums are full of players offering advice, if only some players would take it!!
    The developers regularly interact in the forums, listening to suggestions and offering advice.
    Multiplayer interaction is possible with limitations until the release of "wings" early 2015, when it promises to be much better.
    My only concern for new players, is the steep learning curve and lack of an "instruction manual".....don't start playing and expect to know it all after day1. I've been playing 2 months and still learning, but that's half the fun
    Loving the game as it is and looking forward to planetary landings next year    … Expand
  67. BigMike20Vt
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    Visually superb, The flight model is fantastic, easy to pick up, hard to master. the sound is to die for and its set in the entire of the Milky Way. This is Elite and all of the features from the original game are there along with many from the later games. Sure right now the content IS a little on the light side, but more IS coming in time, and after 60hrs+ (a tiny amount compared toVisually superb, The flight model is fantastic, easy to pick up, hard to master. the sound is to die for and its set in the entire of the Milky Way. This is Elite and all of the features from the original game are there along with many from the later games. Sure right now the content IS a little on the light side, but more IS coming in time, and after 60hrs+ (a tiny amount compared to others) the game is not even close to getting old.
    DO do your homework however, this is not a PvP centric shooter (though it is certainly in there) and as such may not be fore everyone. Go into it with an open mind however and this may just be your GOTY. It certainly is mine..... Ohh and the oculus rift was made for this game!.    … Expand
  68. dellonman
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    Elite for the modern world. Living breathing galaxy of 400,000,000,000 star systems. The canvas created by Frontier is excellent and will prove the most amazing backdrop for years to come. Compelling. Exciting. Frustrating. In fact the frustration only make you want to play more, it is a feeling i've not felt since... oh, 1984.
  69. Etek
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    Still stuff to come and needs some polish in other areas (mining, raising influence with local authorities) but what is has is a stable platform to grow on. Playing this game since beta and with latest updates, I couldn't stay away from it. Best of all, you can play it however you want it and switch to other activities when you get bored. I started doing bounty hunting, moved to a bit ofStill stuff to come and needs some polish in other areas (mining, raising influence with local authorities) but what is has is a stable platform to grow on. Playing this game since beta and with latest updates, I couldn't stay away from it. Best of all, you can play it however you want it and switch to other activities when you get bored. I started doing bounty hunting, moved to a bit of trading, did some discovery and lately I'm set on overthrowing the biggest influential authority in the system I play around just to see what happens.… Expand
  70. saburo70
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    ED is a versatile game. You like PVP, PVE, none of the above? It's still ok in ED. I personally like to change the way I play it every now and then. The Galaxy is a big place!
  71. Diire
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    Not for everyone, this game is the true successor to the Elite of 1984 - brutal, lawless (in places), and massive - a 1:1 scale Milky Way to play in - place to make your mark. This is no MMO with a hand-holding starter-zone, story-on-rails linear progression, no breadcrumbs to find the next zone.

    It's you, your (to start with) tiny little Sidewinder with some loaned weapons and 400    Not for everyone, this game is the true successor to the Elite of 1984 - brutal, lawless (in places), and massive - a 1:1 scale Milky Way to play in - place to make your mark. This is no MMO with a hand-holding starter-zone, story-on-rails linear progression, no breadcrumbs to find the next zone.

    It's you, your (to start with) tiny little Sidewinder with some loaned weapons and 400 billion star systems. Much like EVE, the player's actions will help shape the galaxy, there are civil wars, resource wars, rebellions, famine, crime, smuggling, slavery etc going on out there, and you can profit from it, you can influence it or you can make a bundle playing each side off against each other.

    I freaking love it. But it's not for everyone - if you like your games spooned in chunks of go-there-do-that then it's not for you.    … Expand
  72. Chazk
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    A True Elite game : all the parts of the game are going well together : you need to buy and sell things to get money, you need to explore space to find things to buy/sell, you need to fight when you meet some one wanting your money... Incredibly immersing (rendering and audio !).
  73. Amatyr
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    The potential here is amazing. Just jumping in to fly around the universe is great fun - be that fighting, trading, exploring or all 3 at once as I tend to dabble with. I would recommend a solid HOTAS, the feeling of flying a spacecraft around with the throttle+stick is what pushes this up from a 7/8 for me.

    To be clear though, right now this is something of a sandbox - just like the    The potential here is amazing. Just jumping in to fly around the universe is great fun - be that fighting, trading, exploring or all 3 at once as I tend to dabble with. I would recommend a solid HOTAS, the feeling of flying a spacecraft around with the throttle+stick is what pushes this up from a 7/8 for me.

    To be clear though, right now this is something of a sandbox - just like the original Elite - where you make your own play. You set your goals, rather than following some kind of plotline (although I do hope some sort of plotlines start to reveal themselves now that Release is here) but it's that kind of game.    … Expand
  74. BacioiuC
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    Every so often I decide to change jobs and work for another company in the industry. When applying for a Game Designer position you always get asked the following question: "If you had one million dollars, what game would you design/build/develop". Although I tailor my responses based on the hiring company profile, the truth is not far from what Elite: Dangerous is. A sandbox space gameEvery so often I decide to change jobs and work for another company in the industry. When applying for a Game Designer position you always get asked the following question: "If you had one million dollars, what game would you design/build/develop". Although I tailor my responses based on the hiring company profile, the truth is not far from what Elite: Dangerous is. A sandbox space game with no linearity that allows me to "role play" from one end of the galaxy to another. It's like a 4X strategy game set in the cockpit of your space ship and with no support for more than one unit.

    It's a flight simulator that hates spread sheets but makes good use of them. It's ruthless, unforgiving and, although huge, extremely claustrophobic. You can play with others players and meet commanders yet it gives out a really lonely vibe. You are out there, alone, trying to make ends-meat in the cockpit of a metal Goliath that may or may not be destroyed the next time it drops out of super cruise/hyperspace.

    It's an infant, born with a huge legacy (the 84 version) that has to meet really high expectations. It has much to prove but it's off to a good start. It really is something special... something elite!    … Expand
  75. deMangler
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    I personally liked the original Elite more than the sequels, so I was in two minds as to whether I would be happy with the direction this fourth installment has gone. I needn't have been worried. It is everything the original Elite was and more. I am happy it avoids what are, for me a lot of the irritating commonalities of todays formulaic MMO's and instead concentrates on immersing you,I personally liked the original Elite more than the sequels, so I was in two minds as to whether I would be happy with the direction this fourth installment has gone. I needn't have been worried. It is everything the original Elite was and more. I am happy it avoids what are, for me a lot of the irritating commonalities of todays formulaic MMO's and instead concentrates on immersing you, the commander of your ship, in the Elite universe and basically lets you get on with it. No irritating Global chat, no forced congregation zones, but instead a consistent environment within which to play the game your imagination can create, if you like with a small group of friends.
    The sound and visuals should win awards. I cannot say more about that.
    It looks as if a lot of the promised features, are yet to be released so I look forward to that, but as it is I am having lots of fun with this.    … Expand
  76. batchyscrumhole
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    It has been released too early so there are a number of rough edges, but it is still by a country mile my game of the year. Breathtakingly beautiful, incredible audio, and if you are lucky enough to have an oculus rift, a completely revolutionary gaming experience.

    I've been playing since Premium Beta so have watched the evolution of the game right up to the current build. The best is    It has been released too early so there are a number of rough edges, but it is still by a country mile my game of the year. Breathtakingly beautiful, incredible audio, and if you are lucky enough to have an oculus rift, a completely revolutionary gaming experience.

    I've been playing since Premium Beta so have watched the evolution of the game right up to the current build. The best is yet to come. It will EASILY be a 10 when the bugs are ironed out.    … Expand
  77. Robinson
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    "a vast ocean that's one foot deep" describes the game in its current state perfectly. However I'm still giving it 9 because it's Elite and it's David Braben. It's also the best experience I've had in my Oculus Rift DK2 so far.
  78. nickludlam
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    This game won't be to everyone's taste. It's a vast, gorgeous and harsh game world that Frontier have created, and it's also a canvas onto which we draw our own actions, rather than having very specific carrot-and-stick structure.

    It looks amazing, especially through an Oculus Rift, and the moment-to-moment play is great fun. Flying, docking and throwing your ship around an asteroid    This game won't be to everyone's taste. It's a vast, gorgeous and harsh game world that Frontier have created, and it's also a canvas onto which we draw our own actions, rather than having very specific carrot-and-stick structure.

    It looks amazing, especially through an Oculus Rift, and the moment-to-moment play is great fun. Flying, docking and throwing your ship around an asteroid field feels great. The sound is also amazing, from the rousing score you get when in combat through to the burbles and bleeps that occur when your ship is at a dead stop off a nebula in deep space. Hyperspace alone makes me want to invested

    I'd say the meta-game is definitely on the minimal side, with the procedural and RNG aspects poking through at various stages. It can also feel amazing when something unexpected happens, or you have an encounter with other players, even when the outcome is your ship getting blown up. It's very evocative of something like DayZ, where there's a trudging mundanity to things, and suddenly your thrown into something different and unexpected. These contrasts are what make the game so alluring for me.

    It remains to be seen where Frontier take this game, and how much richness and dynamism are woven into the galaxy. There are a slew of features that have been left on the cutting room floor, and I sincerely hope they are picked back up and added in. For now, I'm very happy to play this as it is on release day.    … Expand
  79. KWAiRT
    Apr 3, 2015
    9
    Graphics
    -Beautiful detailed graphics with a strong sense of immersion
    -Massive galaxy to explore with epic 1 to 1 scale and perpetual motion including gravity. No skyboxes or backgrounds. What you see is the Milky way in all it's vast glory 100K LY across in any direction. -Detailed planets, star descriptions and information based on current scientific data -Beautiful starships    Graphics
    -Beautiful detailed graphics with a strong sense of immersion
    -Massive galaxy to explore with epic 1 to 1 scale and perpetual motion including gravity. No skyboxes or backgrounds. What you see is the Milky way in all it's vast glory 100K LY across in any direction.
    -Detailed planets, star descriptions and information based on current scientific data
    -Beautiful starships ranging from small fighters to capital ships that are fully animated with detailed interiors and lighting

    Engine
    -Stable 32-bit Cobra engine with internal 64-bit precision and procedural implementation
    -Excellent multicore CPU optimization and GPU usage
    -Comprehensive mouse + keyboard controls yield one if not the best implementation to date
    -Full support for gamepads, joysticks, HOTAS, trackers, voice activation
    -Best Rift support and implementation in a PC game to date that allows for optimal image quality and performance

    Sound
    -Lucas quality 5.1 audio by Jim Croft with amazing sound fx and OST
    -Built in VOIP for direct and group chat complete with it's own special fx
    -Every ship sounds different and everything is fully audible from the scraping of asteroids to buzzing of fighters flying by

    Gameplay
    -Play the way you want when you want
    -Combat, exploration, mining, smuggling, trading, and missions all give way to community faction based events and background story
    -Multiple factions and different government types for various star systems including minor factions and corporations background simulation
    -Amazing physics and collision detection give way to a flight model designed for balanced gameplay and superb control across any device
    -No fast travel with never before seen Supercruise travel mechanics using the Frame Shift Drive to accelerate to speeds from 30 Kps to FTL speeds while not subject to relativity
    -Good selection of ships and modules to experiment with on your ships effecting everything from mass to heat
    -Easy to learn hard to master but won't hold your hand gameplay with a massive sandbox to play in
    -Manual docking and full hands on spaceship control
    -No pay to win and bought items are purely cosmetic with several paid expansions in the works
    -No subscription fees

    Multiplayer
    -Massively multiplayer with the ability to play solo, group, and open game modes (Instances limited to 32 peers)
    -Solo and group modes are still connected to the metaverse allowing players to influence and join in on community events across the galaxy
    -Wing support is now in allowing up to 4 players to form a wing or group and stay connected while linking nav computers, dropping beacons, and sharing the fruits of their labor. Custom wing assist and targeting icons allow for excellent group functionality and teamwork.
    -Cross platform multiplayer will allow PC, Mac, XBONE, and PS4 players play together.

    NOTE
    The game continues to evolve with frequent updates and bug fixes including new content. 1.3 is in the works now which will bring a bunch of improvements to mining and some other changes with two new ships on the horizon. The Federal Corvette and the Imperial Courier and we already have two other new ships in the 1.2 update.

    CONS
    With offline being dropped there is no chance for mods to explore a more custom and personal version of the game. Of course this means online is also required (Solo play however only sends meta data and is all run on your local PC)
    The game could also use a more refined comprehensive tutorial to explain some of the finer details (the community is there to help though)
    Default controls are somewhat awkward without some customization
    Instancing issues can be a hassle at times due to some NAT restrictions
    p2p nature of the networking code can lead to poor host quality with no region locks or filters    … Expand
  80. crisdeleon
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    Elite:Dangerous is a sandbox game. As such, you are free to choose whatever path you want to take: be a trader (the bread and butter of Elite), courier, smuggler, bounty hunter, pirate, marksman (assassination missions), mercenary, explorer, miner. Each will reward you with Credits, which you can use to buy bigger, more specialized ships, and fit them for an specific role or to beElite:Dangerous is a sandbox game. As such, you are free to choose whatever path you want to take: be a trader (the bread and butter of Elite), courier, smuggler, bounty hunter, pirate, marksman (assassination missions), mercenary, explorer, miner. Each will reward you with Credits, which you can use to buy bigger, more specialized ships, and fit them for an specific role or to be multi-purpose. It should be noted, payoff greatly varies from role to role, and it seems it could be balanced further. Trading for example is not that good as of now, but Frontier is addressing those balance issues.

    There are a lot of reviews criticizing the "lack" of content in this game, but take them with a grain of salt: Elite: Dangerous will not grab your hand and tell you what to do, YOU create your own story. However I do think that Release Build seems like it is missing a few features that could make this galaxy a lot more vivid, however FPS and planetary landing modules are on their way and that should solve this by a good amount.

    What about Frontier as a developer? I started playing at Beta 2 and the game has progressed so much since then, UI has evolved, bugs have been fixed, new features implemented and rebalanced (somewhat), and a successful Gamma phase that led to the most stable "online-only" release I've seen in some time. This game is still being developed and there is more content to be added, it can only get better.

    This game is Buy 2 Play with microtransactions. Don't be afraid though, this is not a Pay2Win game, because you can only buy paintjobs with real money.    … Expand
  81. GHolven
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    If you liked the previous Elite games, you will love this one. Space flight game, with many possible paths to success: Trading, Exploring, Mission running, Piracy, Bounty hunting and for those with patience; mining. (If you manage to find and mine palladium, you're rich.) Also has a faction missions, with rising faction status giving access to faction specific ships and equipment.If you liked the previous Elite games, you will love this one. Space flight game, with many possible paths to success: Trading, Exploring, Mission running, Piracy, Bounty hunting and for those with patience; mining. (If you manage to find and mine palladium, you're rich.) Also has a faction missions, with rising faction status giving access to faction specific ships and equipment. Realistic size galaxy with supposedly all known Milky way objects placed.

    Graphics: 10
    Sound: 10
    Features at launch: 7

    Fun, addictive and impressive.    … Expand
  82. worldoflard
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    This is a great game. It has the spirit of the 1984 Elite but with modern gameplay, stunning visuals and mind-bogglingly large play area.

    I have been playing from early beta and still loving every minute of it, flipping between trading, bounty hunting, exploration and sometimes mining. You make what you want of this game, and that does tend to make it a bit of a "marmite" game - those    This is a great game. It has the spirit of the 1984 Elite but with modern gameplay, stunning visuals and mind-bogglingly large play area.

    I have been playing from early beta and still loving every minute of it, flipping between trading, bounty hunting, exploration and sometimes mining. You make what you want of this game, and that does tend to make it a bit of a "marmite" game - those which expect a more guided or mission driven game can struggle to enjoy. You have to set your own goals, and when you do, the rewards are huge.

    If you fancy piloting a spacecraft throughout a stunning and realistic representation of our galaxy, you can't go far wrong with this game.    … Expand
  83. stoni988
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    Finally, Elite is back! If you like space simulations that's your game! The work FD has committed to this project is just awesome, I really missed that "old gaming feel". Trade, explore, be a pirate, hunt the pirates, mine some asteroids for minerals, do what you want. So great.
  84. blackrob66
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    The game is epic. Epic scale. epic graphics, epic game play. It's not a "40-hours-and-you're-done" game. It's not a "quick 5 minutes here and there" game.

    You need an internet connection to play but you can play 'solo' if you wish, with no danger of human interaction. Missions , cargo runs, mining, fuel scooping from stars, pirate interdictions, bounty hunting and an evolving economy    The game is epic. Epic scale. epic graphics, epic game play. It's not a "40-hours-and-you're-done" game. It's not a "quick 5 minutes here and there" game.

    You need an internet connection to play but you can play 'solo' if you wish, with no danger of human interaction.

    Missions , cargo runs, mining, fuel scooping from stars, pirate interdictions, bounty hunting and an evolving economy and balance of power across the systems which is influences by the actions of the players.    … Expand
  85. Thomasdotnet
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    I bought into the Beta and have played since standard Beta 1, so I am perhaps biased already. However, I am not so much a fanboy that I cannot see that Elite: Dangerous is not feature complete at launch. There are some real balance issues as well as missing or poorly implemented features. All of the issues this game has comes up to a single point deducted in my mind, because the core ofI bought into the Beta and have played since standard Beta 1, so I am perhaps biased already. However, I am not so much a fanboy that I cannot see that Elite: Dangerous is not feature complete at launch. There are some real balance issues as well as missing or poorly implemented features. All of the issues this game has comes up to a single point deducted in my mind, because the core of the game is getting into a space ship, setting a destination and a purpose for yourself, and flying into the unknown. On that score this game delivers!
    The beauty of this game is in the universe in which it is played, namely the Milky Way Galaxy, in its 400 billion stars entirety. You begin the game in a small ship, with an anemic fuel tank and jump range. You are equipped with a pair of nearly-harmless lasers and a power distributor prone to overheating. With this ship, the "Sidewinder", you can perform missions or haul a few goods from one system to another until you have a few tens of thousands of credits and can begin looking at your upgrade options. Do you want to be a bounty hunter? lasers, shields, and power distributed. Trader? Frame shift drive and cargo expansion. Explorer? Frame shift drive and a Fuel scoop. How you play is up to you, but some paths are easier to walk than others.
    As you progress, you will earn money to upgrade components, then purchase a new ship and start the process again. As the ships get bigger, the best comments get more and more expensive. A ship that costs 300,000 could easily cost closer to 3,000,000 when properly upgraded for a specific role. Realizing that, it is generally better to forget about what a higher tier of equipment or ship will cost and enjoy the game as you're playing. One day you will be cashing in a dozen bounty vouchers or delivering 50 tons of iridium and realize that you have enough for a new frame shift drive and, lucky days!, the station has one!

    Elite: Dangerous is the type of game that is most rewarding when spread out over a long time. Players that treat it as an MMO with levels to grind out will find that they can earn millions of credits in a weekend, but then it feels hollow and dull afterwards. Players that find something they enjoy doing will earn credits slower, but aren't likely to get bored of it. They are also more likely to encounter the evolving storyline, the gameplay that expands from faction reputation, and the hidden wonders that exist in the Elite: Dangerous universe.

    It should be stated that this game may not be for everyone. You will not own space stations, you will not craft better components, and it can be incredibly unforgiving. Your 150,000,000 Anaconda battleship may lose to a well equipped and well piloted 150,000 Viper. You may find that your chosen profession cannot earn the credits needed to upgrade without either a serious time investment or branching out into other professions you enjoy less. Those who savor PvP may be sorely disappointed that players can jump between an Open play environment and a closed off "solo, but still online" environment that places them beyond anyone's reach.

    Elite: Dangerous requires patience. First, patience with the developers as they iron out wrinkles and finish some features prior to the first DLC. Beyond that, patience in the game as it will not hold your hand or give you quick rewards at even intervals along your path of progression. Space is a cold, dark place where death comes suddenly and unexpectedly and with nasty consequences. (The unwritten law is "don't fly what you can't afford", because if you do not have the credits to pay the replacement cost of ~2% of your total ship value, you walk away without the ship or the credits. 2% of 3,000,000 can leave an unsuspecting player in tears.)

    If you can handle the dangers, and you are patient enough that earning better ships and equipment doesn't feel like a chore, then Elite: Dangerous is a universe you can reside in for years to come. As for me, I'll see you in space, Commanders!    … Expand
  86. itsz
    Mar 20, 2018
    9
    Fantastic game, and it's only going to get better. If you're even remotely interested in space games, this is definitely worth checking out. It's fairly slow-paced, but there's plenty of action if that's what you're looking for.

    Frontier's recreation of our entire galaxy is simply stunning, with more improvements being added as they're developed (we can only land on around 60% of the    Fantastic game, and it's only going to get better. If you're even remotely interested in space games, this is definitely worth checking out. It's fairly slow-paced, but there's plenty of action if that's what you're looking for.

    Frontier's recreation of our entire galaxy is simply stunning, with more improvements being added as they're developed (we can only land on around 60% of the planets, currently rocky/icy ones without a full atmosphere).    … Expand
  87. charliereddog
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    This game is more of a sandbox set in space at the moment. There's plenty to see and do for the moment, and yes there are some bugs and oddities which need to be sorted but I think Frontier are capable and willing to continue to develop this title and add to it.

    I'm rating it at a 9, which probably is allowing a little more for potential than it truly deserves right now.
  88. HopelessGamer
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    Classic space trading sandbox game, re-imagined for today

    You start off with a low level ship, 100 credits and a dream.

    Want to be the best trader?
    Want to be the best combat pilot?
    Want to explore the galaxy?

    You can, but how you get there is down to you.

    It wont be a game for everybody, and is best played on a HOTAS flight stick.. but if get hooked.. say goodbye to your social life
  89. C64
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    I can only guess that the poor reviews are from people who are upset that the "offline" mode has been dropped. There is no way that this game should be given a 0 or 1.
    Firstly it is 10/10 space shooter simulator. Best one ever.
    Secondly it is a true representation of our galaxy with 4 billion stars (all realistic) - great planetarium. Graphics are top. Music and sfx is great. Joystick    I can only guess that the poor reviews are from people who are upset that the "offline" mode has been dropped. There is no way that this game should be given a 0 or 1.
    Firstly it is 10/10 space shooter simulator. Best one ever.
    Secondly it is a true representation of our galaxy with 4 billion stars (all realistic) - great planetarium.
    Graphics are top. Music and sfx is great. Joystick control puts you right in the pilot seat. Oculus Rift support is great.
    The team is working very hard to introduce new content but that needs a bit of time. This game is not yet finished. It never will be. It will evolve and become better and better with time. In one year I bet we will have planetary landings, avatars and much more. I have waited 20 years. I can wait some more time.    … Expand
  90. Raylion
    Dec 16, 2014
    9
    If you played the original Elite and loved it then you will love this...the king of space sims has returned!!!

    Whilst there are areas that need a little rebalancing/tweaking (especially where making money is concerned), the foundations laid down by Frontier are very firm and this game can only improve over time with future expansions planned such as planet landings and a first person    If you played the original Elite and loved it then you will love this...the king of space sims has returned!!!

    Whilst there are areas that need a little rebalancing/tweaking (especially where making money is concerned), the foundations laid down by Frontier are very firm and this game can only improve over time with future expansions planned such as planet landings and a first person mode to walk around space stations.

    This is a slow burn game, its not instant gratification pew-pew...its a more considered approach to gaming. You build up credits, take on missions, take sides in huge space battles, explore and pretty much do whatever you want. It will take time to get the very best ships and fully upgrade them (literally days, maybe weeks, of played time).

    The sheer scale of the game is astonishing...YOU HAVE A GALAXY IN YOUR PC!!! No kidding, when you start to explore a little bit it really hits you just how enormous this game is...there is so much potential in this game its beyond measure. So far Frontier have only exploited a very small section where the humans live but no doubt the Thargoids are out there and maybe other alien races waiting to make an appearance.

    Graphically its very pretty, I wouldn't say its the best looking game ever but it is something to behold when you fly through an asteroid field in a nebula. As for the sound...I would not be surprised if this wins awards for sound design...it all sounds absolutely amazing, they have really done a fantastic job there.

    There have been complaints its grindy, and it is to a certain extent but I would hope this is balanced out a bit when more ships are added to the game so people have extra attainable goals. The trading system isn't the best and you may need to use external tools or a pen and paper to get the most out of it.

    Overall I think this will become a classic, its not for everyone and I don't think it'll appeal to the FPS crowd but if you want the best space sim out there then this is it.

    Finally, I would recommend a flight sim joystick/throttle if you can stretch to it as it does add to the experience.    … Expand
  91. parablax
    Feb 16, 2015
    9
    Fantastic balance of sim and arcade. Can't wait to see how this game progresses with planned expansions for planetary landing and ship boarding. Recommended.
  92. Leontocephaline
    Dec 18, 2014
    9
    I have been playing since Gamma and it has been a great experience. Frontier have delivered on creating a modern version of the original Elite game, with a fully sized Milky Way to play in. The Galaxy map alone is a work of art, and a profound experience just to zoom about and appreciate the scale of things. The local stars to Sol are accurate, and it is exciting to visit them. You canI have been playing since Gamma and it has been a great experience. Frontier have delivered on creating a modern version of the original Elite game, with a fully sized Milky Way to play in. The Galaxy map alone is a work of art, and a profound experience just to zoom about and appreciate the scale of things. The local stars to Sol are accurate, and it is exciting to visit them. You can indeed take multiple paths to wealth and glory, side with various factions, take part in a war. The mechanics of flying, docking, combat, are all sound. The visuals and sound are fantastic. You really feel alone out there in space.

    That is not to say the game still needs work. Some aspects need fine tuning and some functionalities are not there yet, such as fleshed out mmo aspects, but the devs are hard at work all the time. The game itself is not for everyone though; some will find it asks too much from the player: there really is no hand holding here, but that is part of the fun for others. There are many quiet moments that the more thoughtful gamer will appreciate, such as flying close to a star to scoop fuel, seeing a sunrise from behind a planet. The immersive atmosphere is amazing.

    Some peple are not happy with the devs decisions, most notably the offline game issue. I would suggest most of the 0 rated reviews stem from this. But those people need to get a grip. This is a place for reviewing the game itself, not the developer. The game is great already and will only get better. This game is kickstarted by its original creator, and is a work of passion. They clearly care about what they are doing.

    I have not been so childishly excited about a gaming experience for many a year. If you love space games that make really feel you are out there lost in space, this is for you.    … Expand
  93. nomalasus
    Dec 18, 2014
    9
    Fantastic space sim, very detail and engaging combat and real immersive galaxy. Graphics and sound are latest gen and with the expansions upcoming this game will stay in out library for a long time!
  94. Appe
    Dec 18, 2014
    9
    A Fantastic Game. Huge learning curve, satisfying accomplishment, with zero handholding. The game rewards self-discovery of mechanics, and developing playstyles within the sandbox provided. After five months of play I'm still finding new technique and skills in combat.

    I've stolen illegal weapons from smugglers, had a stint as a rum runner in a dry system, preyed on Gold traders as    A Fantastic Game. Huge learning curve, satisfying accomplishment, with zero handholding. The game rewards self-discovery of mechanics, and developing playstyles within the sandbox provided. After five months of play I'm still finding new technique and skills in combat.

    I've stolen illegal weapons from smugglers, had a stint as a rum runner in a dry system, preyed on Gold traders as they passed through anarchic areas, and traded more tonnes of fish than you can shake a thargoid at.

    This game will not hold your hand, or give you a waypoint, or dictate simple morality to you. It gives you an unstructured toybox to play in, but those without imagination will find an empty void staring back. Negatives: improved co-op tools needed, along with strengthened AI and greater variety of ships.    … Expand
  95. tankermant
    Dec 18, 2014
    9
    Great space sim where you can play as a mercenary, bounty hunter, pirate, miner, trader, explorer.... beautiful successor of the original Elite. Playing with my friends so far has been a blast.
  96. rregisfan
    Dec 18, 2014
    9
    Graphics 9
    Sound 9
    Scale 9
    Dogfight 9
    Exploration 8
    Trading 8

    Great game all in all. No handholding, pure space sandbox where you ll do whatever you want to do.
  97. croackter
    Dec 19, 2014
    9
    Excellent space sim, flight model is a delight, universe is huge, voice comms rock! Watching brown dwarves or red giants, nebulae or even "feeling" black holes! is all amazing.
  98. Arbanax
    Dec 19, 2014
    9
    The ultimate sandbox free form space sim that started it all, is back in glorious 21st (or even 33rd) century goodness. The game where you can go anywhere within the known and unknown galaxy, trade, pirate, bounty hunt or carry out humanitarian missions is only just begun. The game isn't so much about getting the biggest ships, the most money, but enjoying the journey. And its only justThe ultimate sandbox free form space sim that started it all, is back in glorious 21st (or even 33rd) century goodness. The game where you can go anywhere within the known and unknown galaxy, trade, pirate, bounty hunt or carry out humanitarian missions is only just begun. The game isn't so much about getting the biggest ships, the most money, but enjoying the journey. And its only just begun, with more and more content to be injected in together with an ever changing system of missions and developments depending on player governed actions, this game is going to be your go to game for years, not just 40 hours straight play.

    Its as involving as you want it to be, and whilst they squash some bugs, sort out the system and get everyone in comfortably, then more content is coming. As an alpha tester, this isn't a game you master overnight, so be prepared for a learning curve and for it not to function like a typical mmo but something altogether more sophisticated and you are one of many in for a great ride. The best is back and only due to get better.    … Expand
  99. Chocolateygeek
    Dec 19, 2014
    9
    Picked this game purely on the hype by some friends and wasnt too convinced about it. It was like a revelation. I have not been able to play another game since. I am a bit disappointed there is no first person yet in the game but according to developers these will be coming this year.
  100. Wordcrosser
    Dec 19, 2014
    9
    It is just amazing what this game has delivered in 2 years. The best alpha, beta, gamma I ve ever seen. Frontier Developments are a serious company who delivers. The launch has been one of the smoothest in history and all this points to a game that will be developing for a long time with added expansions in first person and free flight in planets and landings.

    In the mean time we can    It is just amazing what this game has delivered in 2 years. The best alpha, beta, gamma I ve ever seen. Frontier Developments are a serious company who delivers. The launch has been one of the smoothest in history and all this points to a game that will be developing for a long time with added expansions in first person and free flight in planets and landings.

    In the mean time we can enjoy one of the most addictive and engaging space combat systems and a huge galaxy with a powerful struggle between Empire and Federation!    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

65
#65 Best PC Game of 2014
5
#5 Most Discussed PC Game of 2014
2
#2 Most Shared PC Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 54 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 54
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 54
  3. Negative: 0 out of 54
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jul 8, 2015
    80
    First minute the game takes your breath away and then it entertains you for another couple of hours to end up like a meditative tool for hard working individuals. What a waste and shame for a game in such beautiful environment. [Issue#253]
  2. Ragequit.gr
    May 11, 2015
    90
    Everyone who played the original game back in the 80's, should be right at home. It's the 21st Century version of "Elite." But newer, uninitiated players may find it strangely desolate and repetitive. A grand space simulation, aimed at the series' hardcore fans.
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  3. Games.cz
    Apr 23, 2015
    80
    You can focus on the journey, not the destination – even when some "road work" signs will bother you for the time being in the reincarnated Elite. But their numbers are declining with every new update so a thirty-year-old vision becomes more and more complete.
    Read full review
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