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. d33f
    Dec 19, 2014
    8
    Positive:

    Great visual and sound design, a lot of freedom to do as you please.

    Negative:

    Steep learning curve, mission descriptions could use some more details.
  2. Rahlekk
    Dec 25, 2014
    8
    A great space sim that needs some work. As it stands right now, flying is a blast but gets a bit old, but has a lot of potential. With a little more work, this game will be amazing.
  3. JigiSix
    Mar 24, 2015
    8
    (TL;DR: TRY COMBAT INSTEAD OF BORING THINGS)

    I've played Elite: Dangerous for a few hours now, and the graphics look amazing, the sound is great but the gameplay is semi-repetitive which I can understand, as I've just only started playing. I hope the gameplay will change up a bit after a few more hours. For now, it's been something like this. Step one, get to a station. Step two, get a    (TL;DR: TRY COMBAT INSTEAD OF BORING THINGS)

    I've played Elite: Dangerous for a few hours now, and the graphics look amazing, the sound is great but the gameplay is semi-repetitive which I can understand, as I've just only started playing. I hope the gameplay will change up a bit after a few more hours. For now, it's been something like this. Step one, get to a station. Step two, get a delivery mission. Step three, deliver the data and get like 700 credits (which, for those of you who don't know, doesn't get you **** Step four, repeat the process. Tried combat. Immediately killed a high value target, got quite a bit of money. Play dangerously in Dangerous, and you'll do **** amazing.    … Expand
  4. wolfy28
    Dec 16, 2014
    8
    Not a game that panders to people that want to have their hand held for story-lines. you have a galaxy, a ship and 100 credits, and now it is up to you.

    With the choice of trading, piracy, bounty hunting, mining, exploring, general or faction missions to take to improve your reputation with factions thus allowing certain other restricted ships to become available, you really make your    Not a game that panders to people that want to have their hand held for story-lines. you have a galaxy, a ship and 100 credits, and now it is up to you.

    With the choice of trading, piracy, bounty hunting, mining, exploring, general or faction missions to take to improve your reputation with factions thus allowing certain other restricted ships to become available, you really make your own storyline.

    This is not however to everyone's taste and if you prefer a standard "go here, do this, then go there and kill that" style of play, you may find this is not the game for you.

    As it stands Elite:Dangerous is a game you can lose days with, and it only looks to get better with future expansions that are planned.    … Expand
  5. Timyersidies
    Dec 16, 2014
    8
    In short a solid foundation is in place for a great space game so if your into flying pixel spaceships this is one to watch.

    It has an innovative approach to PVE and PVP with the same character able to choose which mode they want to play in for that session but all actions impact the same sandbox. It also does not need a subscription so you can dip in and out playing at your own pace in    In short a solid foundation is in place for a great space game so if your into flying pixel spaceships this is one to watch.

    It has an innovative approach to PVE and PVP with the same character able to choose which mode they want to play in for that session but all actions impact the same sandbox. It also does not need a subscription so you can dip in and out playing at your own pace in your own way.

    It is a sandbox game so don't expect a character story, cut scenes or linear missions. You need to use the missions and wider narrative provided by the game studio to craft a story or join in with the community who are already creating their own "Freeing Lugh" being an example.    … Expand
  6. Ceekay256
    Dec 16, 2014
    8
    I've played a lot of space sims over the years the original Elite being one of them, I started playing Elite Dangerous in the early open Betas and have played at least several hundred hours watching the game evolve into something special. One thing to remember this game is not for a quick blast in space it rewards a slower more methodical approach so I appreciate it's not for everyone andI've played a lot of space sims over the years the original Elite being one of them, I started playing Elite Dangerous in the early open Betas and have played at least several hundred hours watching the game evolve into something special. One thing to remember this game is not for a quick blast in space it rewards a slower more methodical approach so I appreciate it's not for everyone and it' has a steep learning curve so it's not not easy to play "out of the box" so for new players use the tutorials please! Another worthwhile suggestion to new players if you don't like your location try somewhere else there's a lot of stars to choose from and by exploring you can add to your credit's and find new products to trade, ships, weapons, upgrades............. check the forum for info

    https://forums.frontier.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=30    … Expand
  7. Mortasgus
    Dec 16, 2014
    8
    Having played all through the Beta and Gamma Phase i can safely say this is a great game, I've already put hundreds of hours in and i can't see that ending soon now its released. For a new player this can be daunting, there is no starter zones and flying takes practice but once you've got the bull by the horns flying is exceptional fun. Tricky to learn and difficult to master but you willHaving played all through the Beta and Gamma Phase i can safely say this is a great game, I've already put hundreds of hours in and i can't see that ending soon now its released. For a new player this can be daunting, there is no starter zones and flying takes practice but once you've got the bull by the horns flying is exceptional fun. Tricky to learn and difficult to master but you will enjoy the challenge and success actually feels like an accomplishment.
    I've not given it 10/10 due to content, there is enough in this game for hundreds of hours and even hundreds of years if you want to visit every star but everything is basic in implementation.
    I very much expect a lot of that to be added post release for free and in future paid expansions. If they can manage that then we will have a game that will be truly epic.    … Expand
  8. GlobusDiablo
    Jan 24, 2015
    8
    Awesome but not feature complete, and still bug ridden. Multiplayer interface is still sadly lacking.

    But the potential is definitely there. Give it a year to make it feature complete and bug free, and this could be a true classic. Still no offline mode though. So if you have dodgy or no internet stear clear. FD promised off line during Kickstarter, so I still have my fingers    Awesome but not feature complete, and still bug ridden. Multiplayer interface is still sadly lacking.

    But the potential is definitely there. Give it a year to make it feature complete and bug free, and this could be a true classic.

    Still no offline mode though. So if you have dodgy or no internet stear clear. FD promised off line during Kickstarter, so I still have my fingers crossed.

    Fly safe commanders.    … Expand
  9. madbrood85
    Dec 16, 2014
    8
    Let's be clear about one thing - Elite is not finished. There's a fair bit that I feel needs fleshed out, but I'm giving my score based on *potential* as well as current gameplay etc. great graphics, flight mechanics etc but there's still loads to come!
  10. Viajero1969
    Dec 16, 2014
    8
    Easily the game with which I have spent most hours in my PC since I joined Beta Premium months ago, everything from the pilot skill based chess like dogfighting system to the incredible immersion provided by the 1:1 scale of our very own Milky Way will probably keep hooked space game enthusiasts for hours on end. Elite also still needs to flesh out and continue development in a number ofEasily the game with which I have spent most hours in my PC since I joined Beta Premium months ago, everything from the pilot skill based chess like dogfighting system to the incredible immersion provided by the 1:1 scale of our very own Milky Way will probably keep hooked space game enthusiasts for hours on end. Elite also still needs to flesh out and continue development in a number of fronts such as the squadron mechanics and the Persistent Universe background simulation, but all in all this game should keep you entertained for a very very long time.… Expand
  11. Shark-h
    Dec 16, 2014
    8
    If you can "read between" the lines here(scores of 0 and 10...) than its obvious that this game is not everyone's cup of tea.

    -------------------------------------- First of all... Although the game is multiplayer don't expect an MMO with dozens of people around everywhere because its peer too peer system allows only 32 player per instance and the galaxy is so huge the player base    If you can "read between" the lines here(scores of 0 and 10...) than its obvious that this game is not everyone's cup of tea.

    --------------------------------------
    First of all... Although the game is multiplayer don't expect an MMO with dozens of people around everywhere because its peer too peer system allows only 32 player per instance and the galaxy is so huge the player base will be spread so it might be hard to find player targets for pirates but everyone who would like to PVP agains others will find players with the same will at combat zones I am sure.
    You can freely swich between modes solo online, private group, or open so you can avoid "griefing" if ther is any.
    ---------------------------------------

    Its a game for those who would like to have a chance to explore the beauty of our galaxy in the future (3300) meanwhile there are different ways to experience it. Trade,Bountyhunt,Pirating,Mining,Exploring, or the mix of these with lot of different ship. You can gear your ship according to your choice of role.

    Although there is no "scripted" personal sotry of yours you can take part of its background simulated story of its "living world" with empires fight for domination. You can decide what side you choose and work for their domination and expanding empire or just leave the conflicts behind and go far far away to do your own bussiness.

    I think anyone who loves science,space,and flying in sims would enjoy this game already but those who are looking for an action packed "space shooter" with constant battles and "quicktime events" might be disappointed because the main focus is not the combat in this game and the pace might be slow for those. Feature updates in the near future are expected and big expansions are planned also in the "years to come" so the game will have lot more content. (planetary landing,walking on stations)

    """Frontier Developement has built a huge luxury house on a nice beach it has nice furnitures a big swimmingpool but maybe there isn't a pro home cinema room just a big plasma tv with hifi stereo receiver nor there is a jacuzzi yet. (But it might be built.)" "So those who don't like the beach and need a home cinema to be happy might won't like it"""

    I haven't tied the co-op multiplayer yet but I know it has some issues but I think it has priority so it will be fixed hopefully soon.

    My scores for the v1.0:

    Graphics - 9
    Audio,Music - 10
    Combat - 9
    Multiplayer/Co-Op - 6 (some features are missing but will come early 2015)
    Content/Features -7 (some part have to be ironed out a bit)

    The future of this game is promising if FD wil continue to work with the same enthusiasm as they have been done it till today. My opinion is that this game has been made for a niche but enthusiastic audience and I don't think thats a bad thing. The question is: Are there enough of "us" to make it succesfull?

    Overal Score - 8 (I should give it to 10 to balance out the ridicilous scores with 0)    … Expand
  12. Rocktopper
    Dec 16, 2014
    8
    Played the original Elite games in the 80s and 90s, and this new version definitely lives up to the legacy. It all looks very pretty and the flight mechanics are intuitive and easy to pick up (although hard to master!). Lots more content is due to be added to this game in the future, which can only enrich the gameplay even further. I'm having a blast!
  13. RobDBlackwolf
    Dec 16, 2014
    8
    Not a game for everyone. If you are looking for an action-heavy game, this won't be it. If you are looking for something that is more geared towards simulation fans, then Elite: Dangerous can give you what you want. From the point of view of someone who played the original way back in the mid-80's, this game is a true and faithful successor.
  14. Hellhawk
    Dec 16, 2014
    8
    I was a kickstarter alpha backer and the game has very much lived up to my expectations. It's not perfect, but it's darn good.
    Graphics and audio design 9.5/10
    Ships, controls, all the basic mechanics 7-8/10 The only criticisms I'd make is that some functions have been simplified from the original concepts and others have not yet been implemented, but the developers have stated that    I was a kickstarter alpha backer and the game has very much lived up to my expectations. It's not perfect, but it's darn good.
    Graphics and audio design 9.5/10
    Ships, controls, all the basic mechanics 7-8/10
    The only criticisms I'd make is that some functions have been simplified from the original concepts and others have not yet been implemented, but the developers have stated that work will be ongoing and contents will be added for years to come. There is some polishing to be done, but it is absolutely, definitely NOT a broken or incomplete game.
    Reviews giving the game 0/10 are absurd and just sour grapes. It functions perfectly well, is fun and even addictive.    … Expand
  15. Jugalator
    Dec 16, 2014
    8
    Seems like a worthy successor to the Elite and Elite: Frontier games of past, who many have hoped to see return for decades.

    The same motive and "end game" as usual: None. There is no end game, or if you wish, the end game starts the moment you first leave your station. From start to finish, this is a game where you shape your own future. As such, this game demands unusually much    Seems like a worthy successor to the Elite and Elite: Frontier games of past, who many have hoped to see return for decades.

    The same motive and "end game" as usual: None.

    There is no end game, or if you wish, the end game starts the moment you first leave your station.

    From start to finish, this is a game where you shape your own future. As such, this game demands unusually much from a player's imagination in order to enjoy it to its fullest. It also relies a lot on the intangible sense of wonder felt by exploring star systems. I don't think Elite: Dangerous suits everyone, but I also think it may suit others better than many other games have for years.

    The space-sim genre has long been in hibernation, and so I welcome Elite: Dangerous, a game letting you shape your own future, but not only that, expects you to want to. You will be met with minimal hand holding in this game, and minimal staked out paths. That can be both alluring, and a disadvantage, depending on who you ask.    … Expand
  16. Whirlmeister
    Dec 16, 2014
    8
    (Day one review, based on beta experience)

    Elite combines great gameplay, incredibly visuals and the astounding sound (the best I've ever heard from a PC game) to produce a very polished space experience. However its not perfect. Multiplayer gameplay is unfinished (with promised fixes coming in January) and along with moment of beauty, or excitement there are occasional moment of    (Day one review, based on beta experience)

    Elite combines great gameplay, incredibly visuals and the astounding sound (the best I've ever heard from a PC game) to produce a very polished space experience.

    However its not perfect. Multiplayer gameplay is unfinished (with promised fixes coming in January) and along with moment of beauty, or excitement there are occasional moment of tedium as well. Space is vast, and Elite brilliantly captures this in all its wonder, but travelling places can take a long time.

    The bottom line. The game is a visual and auditory treat. Its fun to play, and highly addictive, but it may not be for everyone. If you seek instant gratification look elsewhere. If you're willing to put in a little time this game will reward you.    … Expand
  17. dmstubbs
    Dec 16, 2014
    8
    Been looking forward to this for 20 years. It's not perfect but with more development to come this is going to be fantastic.

    Looking forward to when the storyline starts.
  18. Silencio56
    Dec 26, 2014
    8
    The game needs work and in my opinion was released too early, as there are a few pretty bad bugs right now. It's also lacking content and is in dire need of more ...everything. Having said that, what is there is excellent.

    It's difficult for me to explain why i like this game so much, i think it's because it makes me believe i'm really there. let me describe to you just one of many    The game needs work and in my opinion was released too early, as there are a few pretty bad bugs right now. It's also lacking content and is in dire need of more ...everything. Having said that, what is there is excellent.

    It's difficult for me to explain why i like this game so much, i think it's because it makes me believe i'm really there. let me describe to you just one of many moments i've had since playing. iIm in a hauler, the Elite Dangerous equivalent of a transit van, and the engines whine and moan with every adjustment to my speed or direction, the cabin shakes as i boost forward, i set course for a ringed, gas-giant, i fly down toward the rings and they become asteroids, i zip between them and i'm like a speck of dust. I kill my engines and sit there, so many stars out there, i could go and explore any of them, the giant planet looms in front of me, everything is dead silence, i actually feel fear at being so alone, but i also feel wonder at the sheer size of space.

    Ok so that's just me, but if that doesn't impress you then the fighting is awesome and the missions are horribly addictive, i just find myself sinking hour after hour into this game. ED is really cool now, albeit missing a load of stuff that we all want for it, if it gets those things in the coming few months i will upgrade my mark to a ten, because it's got more potential than a young Mike Tyson. A solid and well deserved 8 from me, a unique and beautiful experience.    … Expand
  19. JerTheStampede
    Jan 1, 2015
    8
    It's fair to say Elite Dangerous is far from perfect, it has it's short comings, the bitter taste of the way in which the offline mode was dropped aside there really is an empty feeling to the game due to lack of content.
    That said, the mechanics of the game are fantastic, the groundwork for a truly exceptional game are most definitely there to be built upon, Frontier in my honest opinion    It's fair to say Elite Dangerous is far from perfect, it has it's short comings, the bitter taste of the way in which the offline mode was dropped aside there really is an empty feeling to the game due to lack of content.
    That said, the mechanics of the game are fantastic, the groundwork for a truly exceptional game are most definitely there to be built upon, Frontier in my honest opinion cannot take their eye off the ball and MUST keep churning out new content and by this I mean a lot more than setting up the odd conflict zone or manipulating the legality of certain mushrooms. Things like planetary landings and being able to walk around your ship etc are all well and good but these shouldn't be the things Frontier Development concentrate on imho they need to focus very heavily on content such as multi-player tools, additional ships and variety, the milkyway isn't as simple as a copy and paste solar systems which for all intense and purposes may as well be the same ones over and over making exploration as much fun as packing fruit on a conveyor belt.

    As it stands Elite Dangerous is an awesome game trapped inside a very good game, it just needs to be encouraged to mature properly, and seeing as offline mode is history now this development is solely in the hands of Frontier Development.    … Expand
  20. paodin
    Dec 19, 2014
    8
    10 or 0 or something in between, To the moaners out there I would say you clearly are not getting it, I have played about 15 -20 hours since Launch and had 0 crashes, ED has a steep learning curve to feel at home with it, after the initial wow of the graphics, and a few crashes trying to dock I thought, why am I playing this, what am I supposed to do there is nothing here. So10 or 0 or something in between, To the moaners out there I would say you clearly are not getting it, I have played about 15 -20 hours since Launch and had 0 crashes, ED has a steep learning curve to feel at home with it, after the initial wow of the graphics, and a few crashes trying to dock I thought, why am I playing this, what am I supposed to do there is nothing here. So if you are driven by a story in your game playing don't buy this!
    But once you understand that you can do what you like, and start to explore the missions and option for your ship, working our routes to different system, get comfortable with your ship and systems, chasing down wanted ships, bumping into funeral and wedding, convoys, pick up rare artifacts, or just some floating cargo, get interdicted for no reason and have to battle you way free. Go to extraction site and tangle with pirates while not getting caught by the security force while you steal the illegal goods, try out different weapon combos, find black markets, do some normal trading, worry if you have enough fuel for the next jump, get fined for carrying illegal cargo you have plenty to do. Once you let go and think of being a pilot in a spaceship in a universe (and the graphics help amazingly - the views are stunning) and are comfortable with the controls ( this take a few hours of play) you are set on a great adventure.
    To the guys who love this game unconditionally, I'd say that it is already very good, but I do miss easier interaction with other players. The jumping in and out of supercruise to land at station really spoils the immersion and really needs improving. So for me its 8/10 also I suggest that any new pilot spends some time in the forums to pick up some tips.    … Expand
  21. Steviefive
    Dec 24, 2014
    8
    Once you filter the 'jilted backer zero' reviews and the 'quick post a perfect 10 to counter' you actually start to get a truer reflection of the game. 7.5 is a fair and reasonable reflection of a game that has hugely promising beginnings but needs fleshing out.

    In its current state, it's a hugely addictive experience that already sucks hours away, once it's been added to, kiss    Once you filter the 'jilted backer zero' reviews and the 'quick post a perfect 10 to counter' you actually start to get a truer reflection of the game. 7.5 is a fair and reasonable reflection of a game that has hugely promising beginnings but needs fleshing out.

    In its current state, it's a hugely addictive experience that already sucks hours away, once it's been added to, kiss anything resembling a social life goodbye.    … Expand
  22. Gibbonici
    Dec 20, 2014
    8
    A solid start for a game that has huge potential. It has plenty of room to grow during post-release development, and does suffer a bit from underdeveloped features and a steep learning curve. There is actually a lot of depth in the political simulation (which is still being tweaked), but a lack of tutorials and the fact that Elite: Dangerous departs from the standard economy sim is spaceA solid start for a game that has huge potential. It has plenty of room to grow during post-release development, and does suffer a bit from underdeveloped features and a steep learning curve. There is actually a lot of depth in the political simulation (which is still being tweaked), but a lack of tutorials and the fact that Elite: Dangerous departs from the standard economy sim is space model means that some players may miss it. But at its heart, it's a game of discovery, not only in the literal sense of exploring the insanely huge galaxy, but also in finding out how that galaxy works.
    It has no campaign as such, but Frontier are injecting story "hooks" in the form of events which players can get involved with and influence the outcomes of. The current storyline is a struggle for the Imperial throne. As well as the injected storylines, others naturally develop as a consequence of the many thousands of local factions goals and statuses, and how players respond and interact with them.
    As an MMO, it's radically different to what the term usually implies. There are a massive number of players in the same persistent galaxy, all of whom have an influence on it, but the galaxy is so huge that it can be quite rare to meet other players. The game doesn't artificially force players together, so you'll need to make more of an effort than is usual if you do want to play with other people. There are also no standard MMO features at the time of writing, so guilds, parties and chat channels are absent - though they'll be developed as time goes on.
    But what the game does right now, it does very well. The flight model is fun, there are plenty of different activities to engage in, the background simulation brings a lot of unusual (and often overlooked) detail to the proceedings, and the galaxy model is a work of art. If you've played previous versions of Elite, you'll have a good feel for the game and where it is heading.
    It is, however, a niche game and always will be. It follows its own path within the space sim genre and is very different in feel, aim and effect to EvE or the X games, and this may throw some players until they get a handle on the Elite-style gameplay.
    As previously mentioned, the game will benefit from post-release development (which is relatively common these days for large-scale multiplayer games), so if you're looking for a fully featured game, I'd say leave it for perhaps six months before buying it. If you're happy to get in early and be part of the game as it grows and unfolds, then go for it. What is there right now is solid, stable and immensely playable even though there is plenty more to be added to it.
    A    … Expand
  23. L-Arkwright
    Dec 21, 2014
    8
    Hadn't read that much beforehand and played just the release version, so, coming from not having that high expectations and having liked the original - I quite fancy this game.

    Have seen some small bugs, but nothing game spoiling. Sure, it is shallow exactly on a level with the previous Elites ,and the multi-player aspects are lacking. But as I expected Elite, it is exactly that and    Hadn't read that much beforehand and played just the release version, so, coming from not having that high expectations and having liked the original - I quite fancy this game.

    Have seen some small bugs, but nothing game spoiling. Sure, it is shallow exactly on a level with the previous Elites ,and the multi-player aspects are lacking. But as I expected Elite, it is exactly that and does it brilliantly. I just love the atmosphere, sounds, fighting and mainly, the immersion. Only thing I'm concerned is the current difficulty-level: once you know how to fly well, the npcs are way too easy. I hope there will be harder challenges in the updates.
    At the core, gameplay-wise, it feels like a Euro Truck -simulator in the emptiness of the deep space, spiced with optional combat. If that sounds like your thing, it is really good. But right now, if you're looking for deep story, complicated multi-player experience or anything else than straightforward space-flight-simulation - better wait for the updates and expansions.    … Expand
  24. maxiu
    Dec 22, 2014
    8
    As a person who haven't played any of the betas, don't know what they promised on kickstarter and bought the game on release date without knowing much about it I'm really enjoying it. So far I've put about 30 hours into it and I'm not bored by any stretch of the imagination. Granted the game does look a little barren and some features are flat out missing like any form of playerAs a person who haven't played any of the betas, don't know what they promised on kickstarter and bought the game on release date without knowing much about it I'm really enjoying it. So far I've put about 30 hours into it and I'm not bored by any stretch of the imagination. Granted the game does look a little barren and some features are flat out missing like any form of player interactions (except maybe crashing at docking port - thanks guys for flying close to red light) but the foundation is pretty solid and what is in the game works really well. Looking at what the game has to offer in terms of ship customization has me a bit worried because choice of available guns and modules seems to be quite limited, scrolling through the station's inventory gets you a lot of things looking exactly the same but with a different price tag. All in all the game seems to be released a little bit prematurely and you can see it's missing features straight away, but it does not stop you from playing it all day long.… Expand
  25. wingmaninpink
    Jan 11, 2015
    8
    Been exploring the 1:1 galaxy since I started playing in Christmas and it is just an awesome sight to behold. Hunting black holes, neutron stars or simply approaching those nebulae just make my day. The open universe is there for the taking and will be getting back in time to "civilized" systems to try out the rest of the sandbox aspects of the game... combat, bounty hunting etc. But forBeen exploring the 1:1 galaxy since I started playing in Christmas and it is just an awesome sight to behold. Hunting black holes, neutron stars or simply approaching those nebulae just make my day. The open universe is there for the taking and will be getting back in time to "civilized" systems to try out the rest of the sandbox aspects of the game... combat, bounty hunting etc. But for now and until further notice... deep space explo is what I do.

    There are many things left that were not at launch: wing mechanics, missing exploration mechanics and mining is just plain boring. But all in all this game is really really worth it for any space sim fan out there.

    Devs have also started plotting thgeir dev work this year, not only for all those missing things but also for their major expansions. Hold on tight!    … Expand
  26. Arn1e2040
    Feb 13, 2015
    8
    I have been playing for 2 weks now... and from going on reddit I have found out what is meant by 'player generated' experiences - some of the best encounters are betwen the other players!
    Not giving it a 10 - there are still improtant parts missing, but things ARE getting better! For example, to begin my bounty-hunting, it was common to accidentally hit a security ship in the heat of the    I have been playing for 2 weks now... and from going on reddit I have found out what is meant by 'player generated' experiences - some of the best encounters are betwen the other players!
    Not giving it a 10 - there are still improtant parts missing, but things ARE getting better! For example, to begin my bounty-hunting, it was common to accidentally hit a security ship in the heat of the chase and become wanted with a fine of about 400 credits... the most recent patch has fixed this, so now I can stay out pew-pewing wanted scum until I need to return to base for repairs and/or reloads.
    Those tht are giving this 0, I don't believe have given it enough chance, or more likely, have jumped in and not bothered going looking anywhere online for where other people are talking about it, and so missing out on half the fun... there are 400 billion stars, and hardly near as many players, so it can be hard to find other 'real' people...    … Expand
  27. mdolsen1976
    Feb 13, 2015
    8
    A very good beginning to the return of Elite to gaming. Even in this relatively early stage of release I have a great deal of fun, and am consistently impressed.
  28. kaktus
    Feb 13, 2015
    8
    While the game can be described as a mile wide and an inch deep, the graphics, sound design, and constant improvement by Frontier Developments leaves me satisfied with the game as a whole. I do desire more out of the game, but I trust FD to deliver over time.

    Granted, I agree with the notion that the game was released too early, but with the updates since release in December, Frontier    While the game can be described as a mile wide and an inch deep, the graphics, sound design, and constant improvement by Frontier Developments leaves me satisfied with the game as a whole. I do desire more out of the game, but I trust FD to deliver over time.

    Granted, I agree with the notion that the game was released too early, but with the updates since release in December, Frontier has shown that they do intend to improve and iterate on their game.    … Expand
  29. boldsirrobin
    Mar 23, 2015
    8
    I'll confess at the beginning - I was a fan of the original 1984 Elite, so I may be biased. My first impulse was to give it a 9 or 10, but that would be silly, as I agree with some of the negative comments here; l love the game in spite of its obvious faults. I give up on games very easily (because life is too short to play tedious games) but I've been playing Elite: Dangerous since theI'll confess at the beginning - I was a fan of the original 1984 Elite, so I may be biased. My first impulse was to give it a 9 or 10, but that would be silly, as I agree with some of the negative comments here; l love the game in spite of its obvious faults. I give up on games very easily (because life is too short to play tedious games) but I've been playing Elite: Dangerous since the day it came out and am still trying to squeeze time out of my busy schedule to play it, so it must have some magic.

    Pros:

    + Beautiful graphics and sound.

    + Flight - you have pitch, roll, yaw and four directions of thrust, and a choice between the default flight assist mode where the ship does more-or-less what you'd expect, and "flight assist off" where it behaves in the crazy way objects in space actually behave.

    + Combat - a variety of weapons, ships and tactics, and everything from one-on-one encounters to massive PvP+PvE battles that go on for weeks.

    + The galaxy as your sandbox.

    Cons

    - Although its better than the release version, it needs to develop multiplayer a lot more, though the latest version does have "wings" (i.e., combat teams). Teams and events tend to be organised via the forums or social media; this should be integrated into the game.

    - While player actions do affect the universe, the devs need to tweak this to work much better. Of course the actions of one player can't have a major effect on the fate of empires, or even most star systems, but there need to be certain tipping points where a system could go either way depending on what players do. One thing people like about games is the idea that their character is going to make a difference.

    - The universe is kind of homogeneous. Types of government need to have more effect on how business is done, starports need to look more different from each other, there should be rare local commodities, weird religions you can get on the wrong side of - in short, different cultures.

    - Missions are generally obtain/transport/destroy one-offs, with tiny incremental effects on your reputation. They need to feed into each other more.

    Procons (i.e., things some people will hate and others may not be bothered by or even like)

    * There's no back-story for characters or an overarching story line. You start as a blank slate, and if you're not careful, you'll continue as one.

    * Space is big. That's an advantage in many ways, but it does mean you won't run into many other players outside a few popular (and hence dangerous) locations. Sometimes nothing much happens - you can spend a long time just travelling from one place to another. It used to annoy me, and it's a deal-breaker for some people, but now I kind of enjoy the change of pace.

    * There are few limits on PvP. If some guy with an Anaconda (the biggest ship) feels like blowing your little Sidewinder out of the sky, there's nothing to stop them except the prospect of their bounty increasing, which tends not to deter pirates who have Anacondas. Even NPC fights can be absurdly one-sided (hint: don't investigate anything that says "Strong signal source"). On the plus side, you get more of a sense of danger from the game, which leads us to ...

    * Real penalties for dying. Your ship is insured, but you'll lose a lot of money, all your cargo and even cartographic information (but not any bounties on your head, unfortunately). Some people hate this; I find it adds to the excitement. Fight or flight is a serious choice.

    * It's difficult. You'll spend a long time just learning how to fly your ship, and it'll be a while before you can enter a combat zone and survive more than a few seconds. Personally I like that it's difficult, but I agree with criticisms of the learning curve. The game needs proper tutorials that talk you through things, not a few basic solo missions and links to YouTube videos.    … Expand
  30. Smilingcookie
    May 29, 2015
    8
    Daunting to get into, but once you start getting it, it's really good.

    What is immediately clear is the quality of the graphics and the sound. They are incredible and really give the right sensation to flying a spaceship. The atmosphere works, and imparts the feeling a cutthroat galaxy where you have to make the right decisions to survive. The training missions do a good job to teach    Daunting to get into, but once you start getting it, it's really good.

    What is immediately clear is the quality of the graphics and the sound. They are incredible and really give the right sensation to flying a spaceship. The atmosphere works, and imparts the feeling a cutthroat galaxy where you have to make the right decisions to survive.

    The training missions do a good job to teach you flight, combat and travel. After that however, I didn't know where to start and it took me quite some time to figure out how things worked. The game doesn't hold your hand and at first there doesn't seem to be any story. Only after I started making decent money trading and kept returning to a certain station several times, I saw that the universe was changing as a direct result of the multiplayer interactions. Once you start to perceive this, you understand this IS the story and you are making your own way through this backdrop of political and economical shifting of powers.

    Multiplayer Combat and ship progression are very well balanced. It reminds me of the "invasions" in Dark Souls II. Even with starter equipment, a competent beginner can be quite dangerous to players who have much better equipment depending on how well each controls his craft. Like in Dark Souls, better equipment does give you an significant edge, but it doesn't guarantee victory. There's tough choices to make. Can you take out this target or will you bite off more than you can chew? Should you defend/retaliate against this attack or should you try to escape and continue on your way? This keeps encounters interesting every time.

    Mechanisms are put in place to balance things out even further. First time I got interdicted, I lost my shields and was almost gone, when local security sent a fighter to combat my attacker. I was preparing to jump out of the conflict and flee, but at the last moment I changed my mind, decided to head back and helped local security finish off my attacker. Result: a warm glow of satisfaction and a financial reward for assisting the local security.

    Right now I'm about 30 hours in, about to buy a better ship for the first time (I skipped some lower class opportunities and will directly buy an adder). Since ship upgrades are expensive and meaningful I'm excited to get one and try out more difficult missions. next I'll probably set out towards our own galaxy to see what it's like, or join a political faction... 8.3/10.    … Expand
  31. Toumal
    Apr 2, 2015
    8
    There's currently a campaign going on against Elite due to the developer announcing that they are not shipping with an offline mode (They might do one lateron, but they said they can't make promises).
    If you see reviews giving 0/10 then you know you've found one of the disgruntled offline players. Did Frontier handle that whole thing well? No. However those are not reviews anymore, just    There's currently a campaign going on against Elite due to the developer announcing that they are not shipping with an offline mode (They might do one lateron, but they said they can't make promises).
    If you see reviews giving 0/10 then you know you've found one of the disgruntled offline players. Did Frontier handle that whole thing well? No. However those are not reviews anymore, just revenge attacks.

    Yes it's online only at the moment. Don't buy if you live on an oil rig with no internet connection. It's annoying that the developers basically keep all the stellar data on their servers and you need to have internet connection for the game to know what stellar bodies to generate, but that doesn't make Elite a 0/10 game. Not by a long shot.

    Elite Dangerous is an amazingly beautiful, if troubled game. The feeling of space flight has been nailed in a way that competitors will struggle to match for some time. Space really does feel big, you're not restricted to a cubical "mission area", Space is also pretty empty, but when you do get close to planets, gas giants, stars or even black holes, Elite turns into the most beautiful space game to date. There are entire websites dedicated to collecting the best screenshots from the game, and for good reason. And then you stare into space and wait for your frameshift drive to take you to a station that's quite some distance away, doing nothing. Well, almost, for there's pirates pulling you out of frameshift. But there can be stretches of boredom.

    Sound design is simply 10/10, hands down. The entire idea of your ship "generating" sounds for your situational awareness instantly solves any of the "sounds in space" issues, and the first time someone shatters your cockpit glass you'll hold your breath instinctively.

    The overall stability is good. There's a constant stream of patches with both bugfixes and major new features. Multiplayer is a bit hit and miss, with the peer-to-peer networking sometimes causing problems. These days it works most of the time, but it's still spotty at times.

    The controls are perfect. The ships are huge and have significant mass, and the game feels like it. You're not turning on a dime in Elite, since even the smaller ships are the size of a small house, and the bigger ones get up to half a kilometer long. And that without even counting the non-controllable capital ships that are several kilometers long and announce themselves with one of the most amazing warp-in effects you've ever seen in a game.

    Oh and you don't need a joystick for this game, many people including myself are happily playing with keyboard and mouse.

    Why is this only 8/10? Because once you've mastered the various activities, you realize that a lot of the long-term motivation is still missing. We've had a big update recently that does help and turns Elite into a great Coop experience, but it clearly needs more actual content, more activities to do.

    Luckily Frontier is working on new feature updates and there's even (paid) expansions adding a first person mode as well as multicrewing and flying and landing on planets coming up.

    As it is, Elite is not a 10/10 game. That said, it could end up being a 10/10 in the future, and it is wholly recommended in it's current form. It will definitely entertain you longer than any CoD game. Elite is a deeply atmospheric game with slightly spotty networking but extremely polished combat and controls. You will have a lot of "wow" moments, and the next feature update isn't too far away.    … Expand
  32. LordDwyer
    Apr 3, 2015
    8
    Firstly, if you are thinking of buying this game, do the research. It is NOT and arcade shooter or a casual game. It is MASSIVE! I mean bigger than anything I have ever played. I've read some reviews that are negative, and to be fair, the majority of the negative reviews are written by morons who had no idea what they were buying.

    Graphically: It is beautiful. Depth: I'm still    Firstly, if you are thinking of buying this game, do the research. It is NOT and arcade shooter or a casual game. It is MASSIVE! I mean bigger than anything I have ever played. I've read some reviews that are negative, and to be fair, the majority of the negative reviews are written by morons who had no idea what they were buying.

    Graphically: It is beautiful.

    Depth: I'm still sinking and I am 6 months in. You can role as combat, trader or explorer and that is only down to ship loadout and option, not a class selection. Freeform is the word of the day.

    Playability: Expect a steep learning curve and remember that the forums are your friend. I use a HOTAS, keyboard and mouse. To be fair, I'm currently saving for a Wookie co-pilot.

    My only negative is that because the play space is so vast you may forget it is an MMO at times. Exploring is a lonely business, but combat if gritty and intense. Don't expect to dock at a station with a nice cutscene sequence, you land that ship yourself, controlling all aspects of your ship position.

    Anyone with less that a few weeks in game experience writing reviews is simply not qualified, and so their opinion should be immediately discounted.    … Expand
  33. Gondor128
    Apr 21, 2015
    8
    Here, take a ship, some credits and have fun. Elite: Dangerous doesn't hold your hand, in fact, you don't even see the hand. It **** you out into the milky way and sends you on your way (locked and loaded). What every nerd longs for, an open galaxy with endless possibilities. But thats not enough, not in a game with so many possibilities. This game is dying for a storyline, the game isHere, take a ship, some credits and have fun. Elite: Dangerous doesn't hold your hand, in fact, you don't even see the hand. It **** you out into the milky way and sends you on your way (locked and loaded). What every nerd longs for, an open galaxy with endless possibilities. But thats not enough, not in a game with so many possibilities. This game is dying for a storyline, the game is thirsting for something more. But that something more isn't here yet. The game runs perfectly, if you think of perfect like driving around a parking lot that full, and nobody is leaving. The game itself seems so close to being done, close, but not done. Like a late beta, the meat isnt there yet, but it could show up sometime? Maybe? Who knows, because nobody has told me **** For whats there, the games fun, if you like unfinished games, this is the game for you. Oh, its not unfinished in a bad way, its unfinished in a good way. Like Star Citizen, its not done yet, but when it is, oh man... Your dick wont go down for days.… Expand
  34. rocco0425
    May 18, 2017
    8
    Ok so I bought this game during a steam sale back in Dec 2015, and played it for about 45 minutes and failed miserably and never touched it again until I got bored last week. After watching about 2 hours worth of tutorial videos on youtube, I decided to give it another try. While I was not a fan of the business model the company took with the expansion, after about 20 hours flying aroundOk so I bought this game during a steam sale back in Dec 2015, and played it for about 45 minutes and failed miserably and never touched it again until I got bored last week. After watching about 2 hours worth of tutorial videos on youtube, I decided to give it another try. While I was not a fan of the business model the company took with the expansion, after about 20 hours flying around the universe, making money and upgrading to better ships I think this game really shows promise. I think it needs a little more interaction with npc's and a better tutorial but what I've played so far is great and I question what kind of drugs the people are on that gave this game anything under a 6 because no mans sky is a 6 imo and this game destroys no mans sky.… Expand
  35. GarethK
    Jul 4, 2015
    8
    An awesome and immersing space experience. The graphics are nice and clean though sometimes uninspiring the ship designs tend to be pretty interesting with some originality. Sound is used beautifully and not only provides a believable experience but also some feedback, such as a proximity warning.

    Controlling with a keyboard can be a bit of a handful but lets face it, this game was made    An awesome and immersing space experience. The graphics are nice and clean though sometimes uninspiring the ship designs tend to be pretty interesting with some originality. Sound is used beautifully and not only provides a believable experience but also some feedback, such as a proximity warning.

    Controlling with a keyboard can be a bit of a handful but lets face it, this game was made for a joystick, a pad works pretty well to and with one of the preset configs you'll rarely have to touch the keyboard.

    Missions can be a little repetitive and not being able to decide which faction to start with is a little frustrating however you do feel a sense of danger when doing dodgy missions like smuggling slaves or assassinations.

    All in all I really enjoy this game although I am curious as to how this will stack up against Star Citizen!    … Expand
  36. tdasp3re
    Dec 9, 2015
    8
    this game is great; i guess thought just for personal tastes, i havent had much fun the last times ive played.

    i was hoping a bit like to play this game locally on your hard drive, an also hoping to get like real-time travelling, like Frontier elite 2 had. Instead it takes minutes to get to another solar system, or to reach out a planet ... its understandable to have this mechanism for    this game is great; i guess thought just for personal tastes, i havent had much fun the last times ive played.

    i was hoping a bit like to play this game locally on your hard drive, an also hoping to get like real-time travelling, like Frontier elite 2 had. Instead it takes minutes to get to another solar system, or to reach out a planet ... its understandable to have this mechanism for the multiplayer, but i had hoped that for a single player mode, it would be the same as the previous game - thus making the universe looks a bit more realistic.

    anyways , a great game overally. i was expecting a bit more , to have vast possibilities of generated contents - stations, civilian ships, space occupations, unique planets we can all visits - etc . but devs already works on all these    … Expand
  37. Ectsoplasm
    Apr 18, 2016
    8
    This game is so relaxing, beautiful - even when I run it on my laptop, and gameplay is great. The controls take some getting used to, though. But this game is an enormous open world where you can be a space trucker, space explorer, space pirate, or a space mercenary. It will take a long time to get from place to place, but that's why you should know before entering - this is a RELAXING andThis game is so relaxing, beautiful - even when I run it on my laptop, and gameplay is great. The controls take some getting used to, though. But this game is an enormous open world where you can be a space trucker, space explorer, space pirate, or a space mercenary. It will take a long time to get from place to place, but that's why you should know before entering - this is a RELAXING and CALM game. When the combat comes up, it actually feels like it matters when to kill a pirate.… Expand
  38. mikeytrw
    Apr 5, 2016
    8
    Despite absolutely loving this game, I rate this game as an '8', but that's because I recognise it's imperfections and sometimes it can be difficult to know what to do. It's still very much 'in progress' which is the most common complaint you will hear.

    However, if you are interested in sci fi space games and are at all considering VR, then this is an absolute must. It's simply stunning    Despite absolutely loving this game, I rate this game as an '8', but that's because I recognise it's imperfections and sometimes it can be difficult to know what to do. It's still very much 'in progress' which is the most common complaint you will hear.

    However, if you are interested in sci fi space games and are at all considering VR, then this is an absolute must. It's simply stunning and even after many hundreds of hours of gameplay I am stuck awestruck at the sights in Virtual Reality.

    This is a space simulator, space is big and empty. Remember that and you won't be disappointed.    … Expand
  39. flyingmanticore
    Apr 22, 2016
    8
    I was a massive fan of Elite II : Frontier back on the Amiga. When I had a chance to purchase this cheaply on a steam sale, I jumped at the chance. Now, 8 months down the line, I feel I have cheated the game creators out of money as I have more than played the worth of the full price game and the Horizons expansion.

    There is a HUGE!!!!!!! galaxy to explore with over 400 billion star    I was a massive fan of Elite II : Frontier back on the Amiga. When I had a chance to purchase this cheaply on a steam sale, I jumped at the chance. Now, 8 months down the line, I feel I have cheated the game creators out of money as I have more than played the worth of the full price game and the Horizons expansion.

    There is a HUGE!!!!!!! galaxy to explore with over 400 billion star systems available. Each of those has potential for planets to land on, or space stations to trade with. There are asteroid fields to mine.....or if you feel really challenging, exploration of new uncharted systems to seek out. Although this game can suffer from some lack of content with so few ships to buy and customise, there is enough out there to keep you enthralled.

    There is a highly active community of players on various Facebook groups and on the official forums that can help make the game better. Teaming up with people to make wings to complete official missions for you chosen power on a weekly basis can be interesting.

    Depending on how you like to play, you have a choice of either playing in Solo mode(where you are the only human pilot i your gaming instance), Open(where anywhere up to 50 pilots could be in the same area as you at any time) or Private(where you are in a private group and only others from that group can play together). In open, you run the risk of other human pilots looking for a spot of piracy and killing you. But that makes it fun.

    In short, I have to say, this game is only for someone willing to invest hundreds of hours into it. This is no short drop in drop out type of game. You are either in or you are out. Currently I am out due to burn out from a 2 month long exploration trip. But I shall be back.    … Expand
  40. Toastclaimer
    Feb 17, 2018
    8
    While it can get tedious at times and a little slow the various options and ways to play make Elite an enjoyable experience that is truly enhanced by VR. Controls a fluent and responsive and do make you feel in control of a spaceship and the community is friendly and enjoyable. However the biggest point against this game is the horrible microtransactions; everything from paint to smallWhile it can get tedious at times and a little slow the various options and ways to play make Elite an enjoyable experience that is truly enhanced by VR. Controls a fluent and responsive and do make you feel in control of a spaceship and the community is friendly and enjoyable. However the biggest point against this game is the horrible microtransactions; everything from paint to small wings costs real money for EACH individual ship and these are not cheap either. An utterly shameful practice that hurts an otherwise good game… Expand
  41. Cloudbank
    Mar 24, 2019
    8
    Elite is a wonderful game but it needs much frequent updates (especially big updates)
  42. KsandrMorr
    Sep 16, 2020
    8
    Весьма достойный онлайн космосим, который спустя годы после выхода продолжает развиваться а не деградировать (Ив) или просто сосать деньги еще даже не выйдя.
  43. SecretIdentity_
    May 23, 2021
    8
    If you like space and is willing to climb the somewhat steep learning curve, you're going to enjoy the game very much. The most impressive aspect of the game is the 1 to 1 scale recreation of our own galaxy, 400 billion stars, all for you to explore! To this day, many years after its release, less than 1% of the galaxy has been explored by players, insane!

    The downsides though are some    If you like space and is willing to climb the somewhat steep learning curve, you're going to enjoy the game very much. The most impressive aspect of the game is the 1 to 1 scale recreation of our own galaxy, 400 billion stars, all for you to explore! To this day, many years after its release, less than 1% of the galaxy has been explored by players, insane!

    The downsides though are some bugs took quite a while for the devs to fix and the occasional repetitive game loop. But overall, great time sink and I totally recommend it to space and sci-fi enthusiasts.    … Expand
  44. SliceofLife1
    Sep 11, 2023
    8
    I love it. It is beautiful and deep and I have sunk way too many hours of my life into it. Not a 10 as it’s too grindy and the graphics could be better but fantastic anyway and I keep coming back.
  45. Mhiester
    Mar 24, 2015
    7
    The 1.2 update and patches after it are a very good sign for Elite. Progress continues at the same pace that was going at beta.

    Yes, the game is unfinished, and it's still a grind, but it's gotten better. The developers have added features that were needed (wings), and have been balancing, along with adding promised content (ships). If you are able to stand the grind to progress, and    The 1.2 update and patches after it are a very good sign for Elite. Progress continues at the same pace that was going at beta.

    Yes, the game is unfinished, and it's still a grind, but it's gotten better. The developers have added features that were needed (wings), and have been balancing, along with adding promised content (ships).

    If you are able to stand the grind to progress, and the continuous development process, then this is a great example of a space game. The flight mechanics feel great, and make combat about much more than just aiming fast. If you aren't convinced by the game at the moment, keep an eye on it as more time goes on for it to be developed.    … Expand
  46. choppy
    Dec 20, 2015
    7
    Critics are right about the repetition and tedium, and supporters are right about it being the best space sim currently on the market. What both need to realize is that this is the ultimate Early Access game. In another few years, it will be a great game, but for now, it needs a huge "UNDER CONSTRUCTION" sign on everything, and it's definitely not worth paying $60 for unless you love theCritics are right about the repetition and tedium, and supporters are right about it being the best space sim currently on the market. What both need to realize is that this is the ultimate Early Access game. In another few years, it will be a great game, but for now, it needs a huge "UNDER CONSTRUCTION" sign on everything, and it's definitely not worth paying $60 for unless you love the concept of living through and supporting every baby step of development. I've played more than 200 hours, so enjoy it, but for most people I'd say save your money until this is a full game, in another three years or so.… Expand
  47. Avadon
    May 4, 2015
    7
    "Hey, you know the X series? Let's make a game like that, but with vastly superior flight model and production values... and NONE of the depth!" Why... You know how in X you can build factory complexes and become a tycoon and eventually form your own fleet, including capital ships, and lay waste on the Xenon controlled space, with you leading the armada while piloting any ship you want?"Hey, you know the X series? Let's make a game like that, but with vastly superior flight model and production values... and NONE of the depth!" Why... You know how in X you can build factory complexes and become a tycoon and eventually form your own fleet, including capital ships, and lay waste on the Xenon controlled space, with you leading the armada while piloting any ship you want? Well, in Elite you can't do anything like that. You can only grind aimlessly, buy a good ship, and then immediately quit the game.

    At least the devs are actively making content for the game (as free patches for now). It desperately needs a full fledged expansion though, even if they charge 30$ for it, I wouldn't mind buying it, because I want this game to improve so badly, and I want a reason to come back and revisit it.

    Is it worth 50$ right at this moment? Well, if you are a spaceporn guy who gets really really excited about flying to Altair and Alpha Centauri and Fomalhaut or something (and I mean REALLY excited), then there is not much to do other than grind for months. However, the foundations for a truly amazing game are here, and it will only get better with time no doubt. But for how long and how good will it eventually be? Noone knows. If you feel like taking a gamble, go ahead. I'd say you have a good chance of eventually not regretting your investment.

    NOTE: Best with a flight stick, playable with a pad, but personally I was unable to control it with k/b+mouse. At all. It's all a deadzone conflicting nightmare. So if you all you have is kb+m, be warned.    … Expand
  48. Jingo
    Jan 12, 2015
    7
    Caveat: I give it a 7 for a finished game, but it's not finished yet. As an early launch game I'd give it a 10.
    Excellent, deep and truly vast scope space sim. Unlike others out there, it has 'real' physics including lasers that go the speed of light! Biggest game map ever, probably. Lots to do, so much customising and upgrading potential in every ship.
    But, we're waiting for expansions    Caveat: I give it a 7 for a finished game, but it's not finished yet. As an early launch game I'd give it a 10.
    Excellent, deep and truly vast scope space sim. Unlike others out there, it has 'real' physics including lasers that go the speed of light! Biggest game map ever, probably. Lots to do, so much customising and upgrading potential in every ship.
    But, we're waiting for expansions like getting out of your ship, landing on planets etc. Don't play with mouse and keyboard, a gamepad is fine, HOTAS maybe better. Oculus RIft-ready, they say. Also, this is a very long game, will take ages to get the biggest ships and upgrade them. Likewise in changing politics of a system. This game puts you as a space-ship-owning nobody amongst 400 billion star systems. Can't be the hero here, how's that for realism and something different?    … Expand
  49. Rex_richards
    Dec 22, 2014
    7
    if you have an interest in the new elite vs the original elite.... well it is more or less as you would hope. BUT it is much harder than the original elite, and far more detailed. In other words it will require a lot more time to really succeed at it. When elite came out on the bbc model b, it was pretty much the only game you could get with any depth at all, and it is a question ofif you have an interest in the new elite vs the original elite.... well it is more or less as you would hope. BUT it is much harder than the original elite, and far more detailed. In other words it will require a lot more time to really succeed at it. When elite came out on the bbc model b, it was pretty much the only game you could get with any depth at all, and it is a question of lifestyle. you are talking hundreds and hundreds of hours needed to succeed at new elite. So for someone as lazy and casual as me... well, I'll stick with something like sniper elite, talos principle, where you can start it up kick some ass and get quick results.… Expand
  50. Hylus
    Dec 3, 2015
    7
    Specing a ship is fun and the graphics are great but the game is 100,000 light years wide and an inch deep. It might keep most people's attention for 10-20 hours, I suppose. Possibly less. Get's real dull, real quick. I do very much hope that future expansions improve enough upon the base game.
  51. BastardySkull
    Jan 2, 2015
    7
    Ultimately unfinished. Beta should have been extended for at least another 6 months, and the game should not have launched without any serious multiplayer functionality. Ship hulls are too expensive and the game expects too much of an unrewarding grind for larger ships. If Frontier listen to their toxic fanbase they risk losing this game to frustration.
  52. giskarduk
    Dec 19, 2014
    7
    Elite has not learned a thing in the past 30 years. In 1984 is was all back and forth, back and forth in a very tedious fashion. In 1993 with Elite 2 they updated game but still produced the same back and forth boring game play. In 2014, its the same none sense. Yet the X series by Egosoft stole the Elite crown over a decade ago by adding more depth to that simple formula. Making space inElite has not learned a thing in the past 30 years. In 1984 is was all back and forth, back and forth in a very tedious fashion. In 1993 with Elite 2 they updated game but still produced the same back and forth boring game play. In 2014, its the same none sense. Yet the X series by Egosoft stole the Elite crown over a decade ago by adding more depth to that simple formula. Making space in to an interesting simulation.... Admittedly Egosoft threw the crown away with X3 and XR, abandoning core features that made it a great space sim. But does Elite Dangerous deserve a crown, even one that is laying in the mud because nobody wants it....

    The biggest issue here is the fact they decided to make a single player game in to a multiplayer game, so multiplayer feels like single player should feel and solo play is just you in multiplayer without players. Truth is, without Multiplayer Elite Dangerous is so boring it will put you to sleep.

    It is a great space sim, definitely made for the PC and PC hardware, from a space flight perspective its great the best. But these games moved on decades ago, they became much deeper than any Elite game has ever managed to be.... Elite Dangerous is like a Pacman shoot em up in the age of Call of Duty. Players simply expect more in a universe then to watch the stars flash past for 10 minutes at a time as you fly towards a station you will be leaving within seconds of arriving over and over and over again.

    Good game, poorly designed, nice flight mechanics, but this is not the 1990s anymore....    … Expand
  53. behastie
    Dec 17, 2014
    7
    There's a lot to like in Elite: Dangerous, but there's also a lot missing and even more that isn't working. The grouping system doesn't work, so the game is multiplayer that doesn't let you play with your friends. They have a really good economy, except that the AI doesn't work so well, so space stations are a mess of exploding npc transports and missing commodities. They have a reallyThere's a lot to like in Elite: Dangerous, but there's also a lot missing and even more that isn't working. The grouping system doesn't work, so the game is multiplayer that doesn't let you play with your friends. They have a really good economy, except that the AI doesn't work so well, so space stations are a mess of exploding npc transports and missing commodities. They have a really good set of bounty hunting, exploring and trading careers to advance with, but bounty hunting often makes the feds or random factions turn red and shoot you (confirmed bug), trading cargo is glitchy and exploration data disappears. At this point, after around one million credits lost to bugs, most of the tension in the game boils down to a question of whether a given feature will explode when I try to play with it.… Expand
  54. TGMode
    Apr 18, 2015
    7
    I played the original and it was like nothing else, you could just fly forever and I did. I loved it. Then X came along and I thought of it as an up to date Elite. That was in 1999. Now the new Elite has come along and it's a disappointment. It looks great but that's about it. I don't think it is anywhere near as good as the X games. I was disappointed with Rebirth when it first came outI played the original and it was like nothing else, you could just fly forever and I did. I loved it. Then X came along and I thought of it as an up to date Elite. That was in 1999. Now the new Elite has come along and it's a disappointment. It looks great but that's about it. I don't think it is anywhere near as good as the X games. I was disappointed with Rebirth when it first came out but they have patched it up to a good game. I hope this will happen with this game. I have quit for now after giving it a good go but there isn't enough to do. It's a huge game but it's repetitive and boring. I did see one site had titled their review "In space no one can hear you yawn". I'll keep my eye on the game and drop back in when it's finished. Till then it's back to Rebirth.… Expand
  55. Bmane
    Jan 16, 2015
    7
    Elite Dangerous is a odd game. It's perhaps one of the most immersive space game I've ever played, and I've pretty much played them all, being an avid space sci-fi gamer.

    What's odd about it is my playtime. I look at it, and shake my head. I feel ashamed. I feel guilty. Here's a game that I've dreamed about since my first outing in outer-space. Here's a game that I know I should love,    Elite Dangerous is a odd game. It's perhaps one of the most immersive space game I've ever played, and I've pretty much played them all, being an avid space sci-fi gamer.

    What's odd about it is my playtime. I look at it, and shake my head. I feel ashamed. I feel guilty. Here's a game that I've dreamed about since my first outing in outer-space. Here's a game that I know I should love, cherish and burn away at until I've soiled my pants and I'm knee-deep in my own waste...

    Unfortunately, that never happens.

    What happens instead is, I tend to play Elite in short strides, because, to be perfectly blunt, it isn't 'ready' yet. It still feels like a 'beta' and it most certainly does not feel complete. There is no mistaking that Elite has a lot of potential, it's just a shame that most of that potential will be in the form of paid expansions and future DLC. Which mind you, I have no problem with. With promises such as planetary landings, and multi-crewed ships, I'll happily throw my money at them. But make no mistake, I'll angrily grumble away while I do it, reminding them that I didn't pay for an empty shell of a game.

    And that is sadly what Elite is at the moment. An empty shell. A game that promises so much, and has delivered so little. It is immersive. It is a great game, to be fair. But a deeply flawed one at that. The game's current mechanics are sub-par and undeveloped.

    Combat is exhilarating, takes skill, proper skill, and is a joy to behold. It's just a shame that combat aspect of the game that I'm least interested in. I'm sure the Elite combat jockey's are enjoying the game to its fullest, but even they get burned out from it now and again. I've a couple of friends of mine who also have Elite, and are 90% combat, 10% trading. They don't play Elite anymore.. Why is that? It's a question that gets answered with a shrug and a statement of, "Well, there's not much too it..."

    There same could be said for trading. If your not doing anything related to combat, then your possibly grinding your way at the rather mundane method of making money in Elite. Regardless of how you earn your credits, be it bounty hunting missions or trading away on some profitable route, or doing sanctioned courier missions for some NPC faction, watching your faction rep tick up, one percent at a time, you and along with your combat buddies, are all in the same boat.

    That is, you are all grinding away for money. Combat pilots do it for the bounties, and faction rep to boot is a nice bonus for them. Traders do it via smuggling or legit means, regardless, it's all about money. And what can you do with that money? Well, here's where Elite falters greatly.

    The core process of progression in Elite is jumping from Ship A to Ship B, and from there to Ship C and D. That's basically what Elite is, in a nutshell.

    Some of the mechanics are not fully fleshed out and this further emphasizes why Elite is a great but deeply flawed multiplayer game. Let's do a rundown on some of them:

    Piracy - For anyone that hasn't played Freelancer Discovery, the online RP mod that has a medium sized community following it, then let me tell you that piracy in that game was fun. Essentially you would camp a space highway/tradelane and wait for your intended target. You'd then knock out the tradelane and issue your demands. That was enjoyable and when I did it, I felt like I was committing piracy. It felt... 'right'. In Elite, I do not get that feeling at all. Piracy is not only difficult, (as it should be) but it can be tedious and downright boring at times. It takes a lot of work, a lot of luck, and a lot of waiting around, for it to be reliable and profitable. And even then, why do it?

    Economy: Essentially Elite's economy is only there to support players in upgrading their ships, there is literally nothing else to it. Sure prices will change based on trades being done, but really, nothing happens on the grandiose scale of things.

    Factions: Players can grind, and I mean that literally, GRIND to gain faction influence for a system that overall has little value in things, barring direct intervention by the developers. This is an area that is still being worked on, and I'm still not impressed.

    Exploration: My favorite aspect of the game. Or, it would have and should have been if it was even remotely interesting. It isn't. Go look up player vids of players exploration. Most of it contains oddball commentary on the stats of a planet, such as atmosphere and orbital period, while pretending to sip some cognac while pretending to be the late great Sir Patrick Moore. I want to explore ancient ruined wrecks in space. Interesting and bizarre visual anomaly's and other odd stuff... I don't want to drool over a planets stats. Speaking of planets, another point of criticism is that most of the planets look the same, and are quite dull and not as beautiful as they should be.

    I can recommend Elite, but I whole heartily recommend waiting for a more complete Elite.    … Expand
  56. Hamerstein
    Dec 18, 2014
    7
    A solid release, if unspectacular. Elite Dangerous 1.0 is a framework, the fundamentals are there - trade, fight, mine, explore but it's lip-service. Having experienced the game's development from Kickstarter onwards, having insight into the development process via the Design Decision Forum and access to all builds from premium Alpha, it's fair to say that the release was premature.A solid release, if unspectacular. Elite Dangerous 1.0 is a framework, the fundamentals are there - trade, fight, mine, explore but it's lip-service. Having experienced the game's development from Kickstarter onwards, having insight into the development process via the Design Decision Forum and access to all builds from premium Alpha, it's fair to say that the release was premature. Features had to be dropped (postponed), the last month of development took on an almost panicked air, with as many elements being broken as were fixed.

    Fortunately the release candidate worked fairly well out of the "box", I haven't experienced any game breaking issues and am still enjoying the experience - which is not a bad thing at all as having "played" for a year prior, I'd be likely to feel entitled to a more jaded outlook - but I don't.

    Give it 6 months, and we may see the kind of game that it's potential implies, as it is, the release is worth a solid 7/10.    … Expand
  57. Rauta
    Mar 17, 2015
    7
    My opinion is based on current state of E:D (v. 1.2).

    As for the graphical side of the game it's very good, even on worse PC 's game's running smoothly enough. Sounds and music stands on a high level. The feeling of flying is great on joystick and decent on mouse and keyboard. Although there are a lot of things that are not yet fully finished and makes me feel that I payed 40€ for    My opinion is based on current state of E:D (v. 1.2).

    As for the graphical side of the game it's very good, even on worse PC 's game's running smoothly enough.
    Sounds and music stands on a high level. The feeling of flying is great on joystick and decent on mouse and keyboard.

    Although there are a lot of things that are not yet fully finished and makes me feel that I payed 40€ for product not yet finished. The universe is beautiful but it feels like it is mostly dead, and as far as there are community goals that are bringing the game back to life a bit there's still not really that much to do. There is no planetary landing (yet) and no first person module (yet) which in Star Citizen (SC dev 's had much more money and the game is not released but still) will be already implemented on release. Nonetheless it is a good game that can bring up a lot of fun if you are not against a continuous repeating the same scheme all over again. I would also love to say that after adding needed expansions and some more polishing it will be perfect space sim but right now it deserves 7/10.    … Expand
  58. grimdar00
    Dec 21, 2014
    7
    Elite is basically an amazing space sandbox, with an enormous size to play in. However, you'll get bored rather quickly at the moment due to lack of content and things to do.

    The missions are randomized and based off templates, so you'll see the same mission pop up at different stations with a different item to acquire, or person to kill. Unlike the X series of games, each    Elite is basically an amazing space sandbox, with an enormous size to play in. However, you'll get bored rather quickly at the moment due to lack of content and things to do.

    The missions are randomized and based off templates, so you'll see the same mission pop up at different stations with a different item to acquire, or person to kill.

    Unlike the X series of games, each planet/star only has ONE station in it. And there's only a small handful of station designs. So while there are literally billions of systems to visit, they all seem the same.

    Right now the esthetics, visuals and controls of the game feel FINISHED, and really nicely refined. It feels *really* good to fly especially with a nice joystick system. However the content is painfully lacking. I've spent a LOT of time grinding, doing research on best trading runs and making lots of credits, but I actually have nothing to buy with all these credits.

    - I can't make a fleet
    - I can't build a station
    - I can't make my own empire
    - Very, very limited number of equipment/customizations to buy for my ship
    - and even if I could customize my ship the way I wanted, I can't even see it from the exterior, except in "outfitting mode"

    As far as a trader is concerned, all I can do is just buy a bigger ship, and continue... grinding with absolutely no end point. And when I get the "elite" trader status, then what?

    Ok, but we do have a REALLY fantastic sandbox right now. So I'm just hoping this was planned by the developers to release the "heart" of the game so to speak, by a series of expansion packs. I do sincerely hope there is something amazing planned to input into this cool world, because it has amazing potential.

    Right now unfortunately, feels pointless.    … Expand
  59. daroczi
    Jan 14, 2015
    7
    I despise everything related to trading.
    I despise everything related to missions.
    I don't mind the time it takes to travel because it's an expected side-effect of the 1:1 size galaxy. I don't mind that the systems are all similar and repetative because I expected it. I'm disappointed with the absence (not lack, absence) of multiplayer features. I'm disappointed that all of a ship's    I despise everything related to trading.
    I despise everything related to missions.
    I don't mind the time it takes to travel because it's an expected side-effect of the 1:1 size galaxy.
    I don't mind that the systems are all similar and repetative because I expected it.
    I'm disappointed with the absence (not lack, absence) of multiplayer features.
    I'm disappointed that all of a ship's aesthetic options cost actual mf dollars.
    I love the visuals.
    I love the audio.
    I love lamp.
    I love the combat (i didn't know until yesterday that visiting Nav Beacons guarantees a steady flow of combat).
    I love that this game has endless potential. Yes this is a shell of a full-game, but its a perfect shell. When the modding community gets their hands on this, they've got the best foundation to support their talent. I'm optimistic.
    I'm so invested in this game that I often catch myself talking to myself while playing, and even if it's something minor, I'll leap outta my chair yelling whether I'm giddy or pissed. Not having some unintellectual hand-holding HUD to play the game for you and actually having to do tasks yourself like travelling makes for a sense of accomplishment and individuality (Skyrim vs Morrowind). I can see how many gamers wouldn't have the patience to enjoy this and I don't blame them. It isn't a casual game, its a long long-term investment. Please Frontier, IMPROVE CORE GAMEPLAY BEFORE ADDING NEW. Scouring a whole star-system for a USS (unidentified signal source) is more repetative, frustrating, and boring than travelling or docking. Last thing, do Discovery Scanners need to be so expensive?

    -3 points for: poor customer service, no multi-player features other than coexistance, everything related to trade, and "find" missions (including: how the f am I supposed to selectively retreive personal weapons or slaves in 2 hours?).    … Expand
  60. NewMenace
    Dec 25, 2014
    7
    Its a wonderful Space Sim with lots of stuff to do and tons of content to explore, with a dynamic universe a trully remarkable game. Its a challenging game (im playing using a regular KB+M config, and it took me around 10 hours of in game time to be a decent pilot who can land, launch engage without fail), mainly because of its gameplay which is very complex ( you cant land on a spaceIts a wonderful Space Sim with lots of stuff to do and tons of content to explore, with a dynamic universe a trully remarkable game. Its a challenging game (im playing using a regular KB+M config, and it took me around 10 hours of in game time to be a decent pilot who can land, launch engage without fail), mainly because of its gameplay which is very complex ( you cant land on a space platform for example without asking for permition first, and you must go to the landing pad assigned to your ship otherwise your ship will be attacked and most likely destroyed), the grinding at first its a little bit boring since you only start with 1000 in game credits, a very weak spaceship and many things you have to figure out either by watching youtube videos or searching the forum since the in game tutorials are very basic. For me at least its a great game that would evolve in the future (now it has only the features of the first Elite released in 1984, later they will add more things that are found in Elite 2, and other space sims like landing on planets, more freedom to exploration etc. At this point it has a decent amount of bugs but if you enjoyed space sims before you would enjoy this game too. (also the voice control commands work like a charm).… Expand
  61. Vidicus
    Mar 28, 2015
    7
    When it comes to space flight sims, none can touch Elite Dangerous. The game is beautiful, has great sound, and the flight controls work fine. The only downside to this game is the current lack of content. No story, no NPCs, and little to do outside of mining, hunting, exploring, and trading. However, if you own a Oculus Rift.... this game is a must have. Perfectly executed for VRWhen it comes to space flight sims, none can touch Elite Dangerous. The game is beautiful, has great sound, and the flight controls work fine. The only downside to this game is the current lack of content. No story, no NPCs, and little to do outside of mining, hunting, exploring, and trading. However, if you own a Oculus Rift.... this game is a must have. Perfectly executed for VR gameplay.... a true treat to behold.… Expand
  62. Ranulph
    Mar 6, 2015
    7
    After spending probably around 80 hours playing Elite: Dangerous, I find it a bit of a mixed bag. Echoing other reviews I have read out there, when it is good, it is very good, but it can also be dull and slightly infuriating at times. I have been mainly doing exploration, with a side of bounty hunting. The former can be very dull, even if profitable if you have the right specs in yourAfter spending probably around 80 hours playing Elite: Dangerous, I find it a bit of a mixed bag. Echoing other reviews I have read out there, when it is good, it is very good, but it can also be dull and slightly infuriating at times. I have been mainly doing exploration, with a side of bounty hunting. The former can be very dull, even if profitable if you have the right specs in your ship. The latter can be exciting, but it really depends on your opponents. The frequency of dog fighting in Elite is a bit uneven. Sometimes one gets attacked by pirates in supposedly safe systems, while in star systems where anarchy reigns you don't get almost anything happening. The steep learning curve is fairly steep, which is both good and also bad. I feel some systems would require a bit more explanation. The controls, even if highly customizable, are a bit overwhelming for newcomers. However, if you get a decent flight stick controller (I have the Hotas X) flying will seem like second nature after a while, and that is a pretty good feeling to have. Overall, the game is just good enough to keep me interested, albeit mildly, and I look forward to what the future brings to Elite: Dangerous.… Expand
  63. bbcokeley
    Dec 16, 2014
    7
    Very pretty game, solid combat and decent structure. Although a lot of recent news surrounding the 'Offline mode' being dropped is true, I have played since Premium Beta and have a lot of hours in this game.
    .
    the mining as it stands is pretty good, a solid mechanic and a bit of thinking is required to get to/find the best places. . Like I said combat is solid, its engaging, exciting    Very pretty game, solid combat and decent structure. Although a lot of recent news surrounding the 'Offline mode' being dropped is true, I have played since Premium Beta and have a lot of hours in this game.
    .
    the mining as it stands is pretty good, a solid mechanic and a bit of thinking is required to get to/find the best places.
    .
    Like I said combat is solid, its engaging, exciting and can be rewarding as an early career path.
    .
    Exploring still needs some work, bu I kind of enjoyed this feature as it can be easily done in a starting ship to get you on your way with a couple grand in Cr.
    .
    This is it for a basic out line of the game.
    7/10 for the following reasons:
    .
    you need a joystick/HOTAS setup so -1 point for that.
    .
    there is are a few missing features and or broken petty things that should have been addressed -1 point for that.
    .
    Offline mode was killed but its not a major feature for me personally I can understand if its off putting for some people but just remember there are clever people that can (and probably will) mode the files to make it off line (watchdogs had it (got hacked), SimCity had it....(EA finally gave inn) this will have it eventually) -1 point for that    … Expand
  64. toramo
    Dec 16, 2014
    7
    Hello commanders !

    This Elite Dangerous is a really cool game. I already spent a lot of time on beta/ gamma. Pro Immersion ! Exploration, trade, fight, mining, Each module is working really nicely and the bunch of ships available deserve it ! And there is of course a tons of mission relative to your stuff and specialization. Buy & stuff your ship to specialize it or keep it    Hello commanders !

    This Elite Dangerous is a really cool game. I already spent a lot of time on beta/ gamma.

    Pro

    Immersion !
    Exploration, trade, fight, mining, Each module is working really nicely and the bunch of ships available deserve it ! And there is of course a tons of mission relative to your stuff and specialization.
    Buy & stuff your ship to specialize it or keep it versatile, it is your choice :)
    Everything is working fine and there is a lot to discover in the game.

    Cons:
    Multiplayer !!!!!!!! seriously this game is sold as an 'MMO' like game but actually there is absolutely nothing to do with your friends.

    It is really hard to meet friends (you don't know where they are) and even more hard to try to do something with them... No coop mission, no PVE (except conflict zone but it is really boring), no convoy escort for example etc...

    Just don't buy it if you don't like to play Solo, wait for early next year, the multiplayer part called "wings" will be added.

    -3 points because of this, it looks unacceptable to sold a multiplayer game without multiplayer stuff !!

    Otherwise, all good !    … Expand
  65. W3a7herman
    Dec 16, 2014
    7
    GREAT POTENTIAL!!!!
    Bulletin Boards / Missions? maybe tomorrow they will be better 5 (only fetch 5 or kill 5)
    Exploration? lolwut? fly around and aim at stuff Mining? shoot rocks and pick up bits (barebones) Trading? (allmost there!!!!) Outfitting? (could use info on what you outfit, oke i guess) Graphics? (awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) Sound?(incredibly    GREAT POTENTIAL!!!!
    Bulletin Boards / Missions? maybe tomorrow they will be better 5 (only fetch 5 or kill 5)
    Exploration? lolwut? fly around and aim at stuff
    Mining? shoot rocks and pick up bits (barebones)
    Trading? (allmost there!!!!)
    Outfitting? (could use info on what you outfit, oke i guess)
    Graphics? (awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
    Sound?(incredibly awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1111234omfg!)
    Combat? (hit and miss, sometimes great sometimes completely naff)
    Multiplayer?(chat not working, grouping absent, instances a disaster, not working too well)
    Social? (broken
    Piracy/Bounty Hunting? (it is there, sort of)
    Smuggling? (hahahaha, soon)    … Expand
  66. nightia
    Dec 18, 2014
    7
    Merely a platform and framework for something better in the future, experience and atmospherics really great. Solid stability. Beneficial to have some sort of HOTAS input peripheral to really appreciate the experience. It has a very steep learning curve. Performance is good, even on less than powerful hardware. Generally the other reviews are correct, its warm but not hot.

    It has the    Merely a platform and framework for something better in the future, experience and atmospherics really great. Solid stability. Beneficial to have some sort of HOTAS input peripheral to really appreciate the experience. It has a very steep learning curve. Performance is good, even on less than powerful hardware. Generally the other reviews are correct, its warm but not hot.

    It has the potential to become the "Killer App" for Oculus Rift when the Rift goes mainstream.

    Just don't expect a top tier AAA title with story line with a vast multi-player experience, since the on-line social interaction is hopelessly weak to say the least. This is modern take on Elite:1984, ground breaking at the time, but hopelessly weak compared to its modern contemporaries.

    I know quite a few individuals who have picked this title up, well aware of what they were getting into. They have all expressed the notion that the experience will greatly improve as the game develops.
    Difficult to justify the $50 cost at this stage for what you are getting. I see that $50 as an investment for something better in the future.

    Frontier Developments now have the responsibility to deliver an experience ultimately better than its modern contemporaries. The only problem could be forthcoming space combat/trading titles due for release in the 2015/16, they may steal the thunder.

    At least coming in at the ground floor at this stage, if the game does eventually take off, individuals should have a head start with equipment, cash and experience.

    I have no issues with the online cloud server interaction, if it protects the investment Frontier Developments have made in Elite Dangerous.

    I'm giving it 7 out of 10, since it has the potential to be something fantastic. From a gaming perspective. I wouldn't put it into the realms of BF4, Skyrim or GTA V at this point, since I'm not going to be running into the office tomorrow saying what an epic session I had on Elite Dangerous last night.    … Expand
  67. bombocloddo
    Jan 2, 2015
    7
    Not quite there yet. Needs more variety, more content and some immersion enhancers such as voice / radio / video feeds and better mission texts. Its a bit too generic. only 3-4 stations, and planets with different textures, then 2-3 sorts of asteroid fields, makes the 400 Billion star systems seem a bit strange. instead 50 star systems with more detail would have been much better.

    They    Not quite there yet. Needs more variety, more content and some immersion enhancers such as voice / radio / video feeds and better mission texts. Its a bit too generic. only 3-4 stations, and planets with different textures, then 2-3 sorts of asteroid fields, makes the 400 Billion star systems seem a bit strange. instead 50 star systems with more detail would have been much better.

    They should watch the old Freelancer game, that made many things quite right.    … Expand
  68. CmdrRoy
    Jan 4, 2015
    7
    I get annoyed by people who either give this game 0 - usually the ones who will never forgive Frontier for the offline mode debacle - and also the ones who give it 10 who are blinded by all the hype.

    I have been playing since mid-beta and can see why it is not for everyone. But there is one factor that keeps me coming back: It's not Eve. I don't have to spend my time playing by other    I get annoyed by people who either give this game 0 - usually the ones who will never forgive Frontier for the offline mode debacle - and also the ones who give it 10 who are blinded by all the hype.

    I have been playing since mid-beta and can see why it is not for everyone. But there is one factor that keeps me coming back:

    It's not Eve. I don't have to spend my time playing by other people's rules. I can have fights with other players and not worry about a million other players turning up and zapping me. I can do my own thing.

    If you want Eve fork out your 10 quid a month and stay away with your tedious griefer buddies. Sit around in space stations all night doing nothing except talking because you are too scared to leave and might start having to play the game.

    The graphics are amazing and although gameplay can be repetitive, that's the nature of computer games.

    A few points get knocked off because missions don't work tremendously well. I would like to be able to complete them without having NPC pilots trying to bribe me all the time and then having the whole thing cancelled because I hit the wrong button.

    The nerd in me admires the attempt to create a Milky Way copy in the game. There's no way of telling whether or not it's accurate but I like the point it makes about the vastness of space.

    In conclusion I hope that Frontier keep pushing this thing forward and make some improvements, add a few more ships and perhaps add some more variety in terms of missions.

    I have spent a fair bit of money on this game and although it's been worth it, my VFM rating will go up if Frontier introduces developments such as landing on planets and walking around.

    So ratings are:

    Graphics 10/10

    Gameplay 7/10

    Sound 9/10

    Value for money: 6/10

    Overall 7/10    … Expand
  69. theWhip
    Jun 3, 2015
    7
    Und Multiplayer fähig ist es auch nur eingeschränkt, wenn sich alles in Instanzen abspielt, wo wie ich hörte immer nur max. 200 Spieler + NPCs befinden.... das ist echt wenig bei 400 Mrd. Sternen....
  70. gAndyGD86
    Feb 26, 2015
    7
    since freelancer i'm waiting for a game like that and this could be it...almost.
    the best thing about this game is the atmosphere. there is no other game where you feel like a real space pilot like this. on the bad side are the quests which are for the most parts pretty boring, repetitive and sometimes just really hard to complete without getting an appropriate reward.
  71. hawkenfox
    Apr 3, 2015
    7
    PROs
    1 - 400 Billion Stars
    2 - Great Ship interface 3 - Great fun in wings with friends 4 - Cruising through space demonstrates it's vastness. 5 - Ever changing player crafted storyline with their interaction with persistence AI characters. 6 - No 2 planet are the same 7 - Nebulas are beautiful and getting more beautiful thru updates. 8 - If you are a space nerd you will get space    PROs
    1 - 400 Billion Stars
    2 - Great Ship interface
    3 - Great fun in wings with friends
    4 - Cruising through space demonstrates it's vastness.
    5 - Ever changing player crafted storyline with their interaction with persistence AI characters.
    6 - No 2 planet are the same
    7 - Nebulas are beautiful and getting more beautiful thru updates.
    8 - If you are a space nerd you will get space orgasm.
    9 - No hand holding figure the game out ... for those who love this sort of stuff.

    CONs
    1 - Not really a full game yet.
    2 - Certain career path are not focused on and lack polish. Eg. Exploration.
    3 - Space can feel empty when you travel the fringe world.
    4 - Bugs and more bugs (expect that in all next gen games with loads of hardware to render to.)
    5 - Downloading the game from frontier can be a pain but there is a steam version now.
    6 - Steep learning curve for some players who require hand holding (Hint : Play the training mission)

    Elite is not a full game at the moment. Although it's released in Dec 2014, frontier is still developing the release version. I am a beta backer, did not really agree with the way it's being done. Certain key feature
    that were promised never came, some backers asked for refund on the game. They felt betrayed.
    Nonetheless I still hold high hope for the game as there were active development every month and lots of
    patches when the need arises. Needless to say it's a painful still beta game, and probably will forever be
    beta.

    It's only right that I should warn potential buyer into this game that if you are not ready to come into a beta
    game that have been said to be fully release , dont. Just dont because you would feel cheated. But if you
    came here to see some beautiful space scape your money will be well worth. Just have to sit tight to let
    the feature roll in. I come on and off the game once in a while so I don't feel burnt by the current lack of
    content. The only cool thing in Elite Dangerous is pvp , war , community events and wings system where
    you can have friends in a squad of 4.

    With that being said it's a strange kind of MMO ... althought it's an MMO with 100K players only 32 players can appear in the same instance. So for example no more than 32 human players will be visible to you in the same system. There have been some issues with match making, bugs that make wing members invisible and such. Yes there are bugs and issue, but all modern games have loads of them as they become more complex over the years to write and compile... so this will be the future issue of all next gen games.    … Expand
  72. Heathy87
    Apr 7, 2015
    7
    Compared to the X-series that is X3:TC or AP, Elite simply lacks depth, Its not finished like others have said and is largely hinging of the success of its expansions and content patches. Elite is good in many ways, Its graphically superior to X3, has deeper combat and has a much larger game world (the entire milky way) but lacks any real depth or synergy with the game play professions youCompared to the X-series that is X3:TC or AP, Elite simply lacks depth, Its not finished like others have said and is largely hinging of the success of its expansions and content patches. Elite is good in many ways, Its graphically superior to X3, has deeper combat and has a much larger game world (the entire milky way) but lacks any real depth or synergy with the game play professions you can take up.

    You either Fight, Trade, Mine, or Explore.

    Fighting is done in various places in the game, it doesn't feel very consistent in that there are either a limited number of ships in your instance, or they continually spawn in, it can be fun but becomes a grind relatively quickly no matter where your doing it.

    Trading speaks for itself, unlike the X games however where trading seemed to have an effect on the stations, getting them to create new items over time, the Commodities market in Elite seems flat and lifeless, there is no crafting in this game by players or by the game world itself everything simply exists, so trading is a means of moving stuff from A to B endlessly trying to make a profit while doing so.

    Mining is a sub set of trading, as there is no crafting or manufacturing aspect to this 'mmo' you simply sell what you mine, no depth here. fly to asteroids shoot them scoop chunks, currently its less intuitive than if you could get out the space ship with a pickaxe.

    Exploration has the most depth for me, you have enough star system to explore the galaxy is massive, if all you need is the variety of space itself to keep you entertained you'll enjoy this aspect of the game, although it doesn't necessarily have much depth in itself, its a matter of going out scanning planets and star and returning to civilisation with the data.

    Basically I feel its potential but Elite: Dangerous doesn't really do anything new, the cockpits are nice to look at, space is great, the detail and sound are top notch, but there is barely an mmo here and barely a game I would consider playing for more than a couple of hours every other day. No matter what profession you do in Elite it doesn't not feel like a grind toward a new ship.

    If your the kind of person that is happy just exploring space from a first person perspective, uninterested in too many complex game features and player impact, you'll like it, there are plenty of places to visit in the galaxy and plenty of nice vistas to find.

    If you want a deep complex sand box mmo similar to Eve online, you will not find it in Elite, they both try to achieve similar things that is a breathing universe, although Elite is a far cry from the intricacies that gives Eve its notorious wrap for having a extremely steep learning curve. and depth/synergy with the professions.

    I'll Score the game a 7, and put it on Par with what X3:TC is sitting at on this site, which i think is fair, although X3:TC or AP, are currently the deeper games of the 2, what elite has is better fidelity and sound mostly, but less player control no empire building which directly results in basically less things to do to keep the game feeling grindy. Elite: Dangerous is not a terrible game its simply not a very deep one, although as time goes by it hopefully will grow depth to bring it in line with X3 or Eves longevity/complexity.    … Expand
  73. Midds
    Jun 7, 2015
    7
    Elite: Dangerous is, at its core, a solid game. The flying is smooth, the visuals are great, the fighting is entertaining and the size of the game's universe is an interesting and unique aspect. Unfortunately, the amount of variety in the things you can actually do is unnecessarily limited.

    Your choices are mining, trading, bounty hunting and exploring. Unfortunately, the combat and    Elite: Dangerous is, at its core, a solid game. The flying is smooth, the visuals are great, the fighting is entertaining and the size of the game's universe is an interesting and unique aspect. Unfortunately, the amount of variety in the things you can actually do is unnecessarily limited.

    Your choices are mining, trading, bounty hunting and exploring. Unfortunately, the combat and trading (i.e the only significantly profitable ventures in the game) can become repetitive relatively quickly due to the little variety within those ventures.

    Elite: Dangerous has so much potential to be a great game, but unfortunately, that is all I am seeing. Potential.

    Nevertheless, I still have my hope that this game receives the attention it deserves from its developers.    … Expand
  74. noobmsu93
    Aug 13, 2015
    7
    Second review for this...all of my previous criticisms still stand with the game. Though I did forget to mention reputation decay...yeah that breaks down over time now too post 1.3!
    But...recently I have gotten into exploration (headed to Sag A via the Perseus arm of the galaxy) and despite the enormous time sinks (the absolute worst for me is the detailed scan 15+ seconds to complete!    Second review for this...all of my previous criticisms still stand with the game. Though I did forget to mention reputation decay...yeah that breaks down over time now too post 1.3!
    But...recently I have gotten into exploration (headed to Sag A via the Perseus arm of the galaxy) and despite the enormous time sinks (the absolute worst for me is the detailed scan 15+ seconds to complete! All the time watching that silly "disco ball"...very tedious FD - please, please, give us a progression bar or time to completion or percent complete, for the surface scanner!) I'm absolutely loving exploring. I do love astronomy and "space" science in general. Definite prerequisite if you want to explore.    … Expand
  75. blaze787
    Jul 28, 2020
    7
    Elite: Dangerous is a space sim that allows you to trade, explore, or engage in combat as you see fit and make progress (I won't exactly say "meaningful" progress) in any or all of the three. There are about 38 ships to choose from that vary by cost, and in some cases, other unlock requirements and allow a lot of customizability. Some ships are more suited to exploration, some to trading,Elite: Dangerous is a space sim that allows you to trade, explore, or engage in combat as you see fit and make progress (I won't exactly say "meaningful" progress) in any or all of the three. There are about 38 ships to choose from that vary by cost, and in some cases, other unlock requirements and allow a lot of customizability. Some ships are more suited to exploration, some to trading, and others to combat, while still others are great (but not the best) at all three. Due to the variety of tasks that you can perform, the game can get quite addictive as you spend "just one more hour" to try something else.

    While the game has a lot of breadth, it doesn't have a whole lot of depth. There isn't much of a story to speak of (you'll have to dig for the lore in the form of text or audio logs) and definitely no campaign mode. The game is a sandbox where the galaxy is your playground and you make of it what you will. This in itself isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, the learning curve is steep. Very little is explained in-game and you'll find yourself heading to Google or YouTube quite often in an attempt to figure things out.

    You can either play in Open with other players or Solo, and herein lies the biggest drawback. Once you leave the starter areas, you'll have players in fully decked out ships that are bent on your destruction just for the fun of it. There is no Open PVE server. If you wanna play with others, be prepared to get ganked by experienced players. If you play Solo, you won't have to deal with that annoyance, but you'll be alone. The alternative is to join a Private Group where only you and other like-minded players can have fun, but then the game doesn't feel like a true MMO. If you like the idea of open PVP with ganking, the game may work for you, but these days, you'll still need a fully "engineered" ship. To put it simply, Engineering is the process of upgrading various aspects of your ship to make it a lot more powerful than it is by default. This process is a tremendous grind and not fun at all. It is tedious and will take you a long time. Die-hard fans will attempt to shoot me down for this, but that's no concern of mine. It is what it is, and as a potential new player considering purchasing this game, you deserve to know the facts.

    In my opinion, an Open PVE server will solve this problem and make the game a lot more playable, perhaps even increasing the game's fanbase as more people get to cooperate and socialize with others. Until then, the game is going to remain very restricted. A lot of players did return to try out Fleet Carriers, which are the newest addition. But there's no guarantee that most of them will actually stay once the novelty wears off. So in the end, is the game worth it? It definitely has potential. But Engineering is mind-numbing and Open PVP is a substantial deterrent for many. Those are good reasons not to waste your money.    … Expand
  76. Arniedadrink
    Mar 11, 2015
    6
    This is the core of what I hope will become a great game but at the moment a lot is left up to your imagination on what is happening in the universe around you. There are some background stories going on but keeping up with them seemed like you had to keep reading small new clips in game on a daily basis and the information in them was too brief to keep me interested. How to representThis is the core of what I hope will become a great game but at the moment a lot is left up to your imagination on what is happening in the universe around you. There are some background stories going on but keeping up with them seemed like you had to keep reading small new clips in game on a daily basis and the information in them was too brief to keep me interested. How to represent what is going on in the universe definitely needs to be thought out a bit more.… Expand
  77. Masterhummel
    Jan 8, 2015
    6
    Elite currently builds on 'whats about to come' Because currently, there's not that much to do and the things that are there are connected by the yet not really fleshed out supercruise mechanic. It is especially dissapointing that the multiplayer metagame - which was the reason for the lack of a offline mode - barely works. Player may see each other in supercruise but as of now can barelyElite currently builds on 'whats about to come' Because currently, there's not that much to do and the things that are there are connected by the yet not really fleshed out supercruise mechanic. It is especially dissapointing that the multiplayer metagame - which was the reason for the lack of a offline mode - barely works. Player may see each other in supercruise but as of now can barely interact with each other due to bugs or not implemented features.… Expand
  78. AlienSpaceBats
    Apr 28, 2015
    6
    I feel bad disliking this game so much because it was a gift, but after numerous sessions I often felt frustrated and annoyed to the point where I just had quit out of the game, especially during my first ten hours.

    The game is a work in progress however, and has a long way to go. This is my second or third revision of this review, and I went from outright frustration and hate, to    I feel bad disliking this game so much because it was a gift, but after numerous sessions I often felt frustrated and annoyed to the point where I just had quit out of the game, especially during my first ten hours.

    The game is a work in progress however, and has a long way to go. This is my second or third revision of this review, and I went from outright frustration and hate, to something approaching liking it.

    Elite: Dangerous makes a terrible first impression, it does a terrible job at explaining itself and has a huge learning curve. To make things more difficult than they already are, there are some vague tutorial missions that explain some basics, and some obnoxious, barebones YouTube tutorial videos that attempt to explain *what* to do, but never *how* (familiarity with the genre helps). I found these are as useful as a wooden compass. I soon learned that I was expected to hit alt+tab to find out everything I needed to know, or check keybinds; something I had to do constantly. There is no manual; to compare, my physical copies of X2 (The Threat) and X3 (Rebirth) came with instructions the thickness of a novella, and a huge fold-out sheet listing key functions. I suppose I was lucky in a sense though, as I know people in person who play the game who I could query on the massive list of questions and issues I had with the game. One could argue that this would form a 'social' part of the game, but I like space sims, so I'm anything but social.

    A lot of effort has clearly been put into the game, it looks and sounds amazing and has the potential to be truly immersive. The universe is truly huge and the possibilities might be endless - I don't know though, because it's never explained outside of exploration, delivery jobs and combat sorties what exactly I'm able to do. There are peculiar design decisions in place that just serve to make the game more confusing and annoying, polyhedron space stations with one (hidden) letterbox docking entrance (approach vectors would be nice!), fines for every minor infraction from hovering too close to a landing pad that isn't yours (leave me alone, I'm learning to fly!), fines for spending too long exiting a station, timed docking procedures, confusing docking manoeuvres (don't you dare park the wrong way around!) to an unintuitive UI and hidden, dogpiled menus that hide crucial information from the beginner.

    Currently, I think the main problem is that the game feels like an F2P MMO as opposed to the free-roam sandbox it's supposed to be, as a participant in this game, I feel as though I've no presence or identity, just a faceless blob delivering tea to the outer reaches of space or destroying/being destroyed by the occasional pirate that attempts to interdict me.

    The experience improves over time, but from the perspective of a beginner, 20 hours may be too much an investment to simply learn the ropes.    … Expand
  79. Kazuki
    Dec 16, 2014
    6
    Elite ha vuelto con muchas novedades y muchas carencias, en un juego donde el dorado predomina, no es oro todo lo que reluce.

    No es mal juego, para nada, pero no tiene ni el 40% de lo que se supone que será el juego completoo (Obviando los futuros DLC) así que mientras esto no cambie, no se merece más que un mero... bueno.
  80. alexnode
    Jan 20, 2015
    6
    Really steep learning curve, feels a bit unfinished in certain areas, some commodities have wrong descriptions, monotonous algorithm to generate the universe, icy planets everywhere. The core universe feels ok. Planet textures a bit flat. Great potential though but needs more love from the developers. Too hard and slow since there is not enough fun apart from buying better ship to doReally steep learning curve, feels a bit unfinished in certain areas, some commodities have wrong descriptions, monotonous algorithm to generate the universe, icy planets everywhere. The core universe feels ok. Planet textures a bit flat. Great potential though but needs more love from the developers. Too hard and slow since there is not enough fun apart from buying better ship to do things more quickly. Wish they could add a bit more content...Nevertheless it is a must have and a great experience ...… Expand
  81. Rudal
    May 30, 2016
    6
    great engine and amazing ground for a good game play but nothing to do
    game is boring after a couple of hours and does not reward you for playing
    you are forced to do trading if you want a new ship or upgrade the one you own cause combat and exploring does not give you enough credits
  82. ShearForce
    Dec 16, 2014
    6
    Doesn't matter how big the sandbox is if there is no sand in it, or in this case very little of it.

    If you truly do love the space games, go ahead. Currently there are five things to do in game. Running missions Bounty Hinting Mining Exploration Trading Non of them earns you a vast number of credits, but the ships and upgrades cost a lot, so be prepared to grind for that ship    Doesn't matter how big the sandbox is if there is no sand in it, or in this case very little of it.

    If you truly do love the space games, go ahead.

    Currently there are five things to do in game.
    Running missions
    Bounty Hinting
    Mining
    Exploration
    Trading

    Non of them earns you a vast number of credits, but the ships and upgrades cost a lot, so be prepared to grind for that ship you really want.

    Anyways, off to play some more.    … Expand
  83. allan_treebeard
    Jan 11, 2015
    6
    An outstanding achievement, but not my cup of tea. Elite: Dangerous asks a lot of you, you need to put in a lot of time to get anywhere and the learning curve is steep. Elite gives you freedom, but it is freedom without direction and many may literally become lost in space (sorry couldn't resist) as they wonder what to do and where to go. If you put the time into this game and enjoy theAn outstanding achievement, but not my cup of tea. Elite: Dangerous asks a lot of you, you need to put in a lot of time to get anywhere and the learning curve is steep. Elite gives you freedom, but it is freedom without direction and many may literally become lost in space (sorry couldn't resist) as they wonder what to do and where to go. If you put the time into this game and enjoy the undiluted freedom it offers, i'm sure it would be an amazing experience. But not for me....… Expand
  84. indi01
    Dec 17, 2014
    6
    My opinion:
    To me the biggest problem with this game coincides with its biggest selling point: its pursuit of realism.
    On the one hand it's cool to see the entire map of the milky way, but after a few instants my thoughts were "What's the point of all those stars, I'll never be able to explore them all". I'm not even sure it's possible, since I tried to venture in the dark and couldn't    My opinion:
    To me the biggest problem with this game coincides with its biggest selling point: its pursuit of realism.
    On the one hand it's cool to see the entire map of the milky way, but after a few instants my thoughts were "What's the point of all those stars, I'll never be able to explore them all". I'm not even sure it's possible, since I tried to venture in the dark and couldn't find any star to scoop...
    It's also great to experience the sheer size of stars, planets, and to have like "realistic" dockings, but after a while that becomes tedious, a chore, to lose 15, 30 minutes, even hours, just to fly between systems and dock. Also understanding how the UI works is a nightmare, and that's one of the most important thing to attract players!
    So it's all too slow-paced, you will spend most of the time just flying through systems. Combat is cool I have to say, it requires skill, but again, it's rare to pick up a fight and you spend more time "searching" for opponents than actually fighting.
    I have hopes for the (paid) expansions, planetary landings etc, but honestly I don't think it's possible to get outstanding results out of procedural generation of 1:1 scale planets, due to the limits of (current) computational power.
    So in essence a fantastic space simulator, a meh game so far.    … Expand
  85. Borreh
    Nov 13, 2015
    6
    In two years, this might be a great game.

    As of now, never before did I regret buying a game as much as after a few weeks with Elite. But mind you, I didn't play Fallout 4 yet. Let's get this clear: I love big, huge, demanding, open-ended games that are demanding towards the player and might even seem tiresome at times. I'm a Dark Souls fan for crying out loud. But Elite is just    In two years, this might be a great game.

    As of now, never before did I regret buying a game as much as after a few weeks with Elite. But mind you, I didn't play Fallout 4 yet.

    Let's get this clear: I love big, huge, demanding, open-ended games that are demanding towards the player and might even seem tiresome at times. I'm a Dark Souls fan for crying out loud.

    But Elite is just unfinished. It masquerades as a huge, online space-sim while severly lacking in content and variety. Sure, you can do multiple different things, but all of them are shallow and monotone. Don't expect other players adding a new dynamic into the game - The only time I interacted with other people was when chatted about nonsense while waiting in a huge line to a ridiculiously small space station. Whatever you do, feels tedious, boring, detached. The only goal in this game is to grind money in order to get a better ship in which you will be able to grind money faster.

    Sure, the flight model is spectacular, the sound and music are awe inspiring (Try not to cry when supercruising for the first time). But for what? It's a shame that such amazing audio-video went to waste for a spooky skeleton of a game.

    The first time I saw the galactic map, manly tears were shed. But my amazement changed into frustration once I learned all of those systems were alike: Dull, empty and devoid of life.

    I will finish this review with a (quite good actually) quote from another disapointing game, Civilization: Beyond Earth. Why? Because I feel like it. Also, it expresses what I felt before quitting Elite perfectly.

    "When Coyote learned he was the only one of his kind on the new planet, his howl echoed through the rifts and off the distant hills."    … Expand
  86. Xzenor
    Mar 4, 2020
    6
    It's beautiful, gorgeous even. They thought of everything. But it's unplayable. the controls are simply terrible. Simple flight is no issue. Docking is peanuts. But I have not survived one single fight outside of the tutorial. That's just insane! The ship handles like turd that's trying to turn around in thick honey.

    It's my go-to game if I want to rage-quit.. it's so beautiful that I    It's beautiful, gorgeous even. They thought of everything. But it's unplayable. the controls are simply terrible. Simple flight is no issue. Docking is peanuts. But I have not survived one single fight outside of the tutorial. That's just insane! The ship handles like turd that's trying to turn around in thick honey.

    It's my go-to game if I want to rage-quit.. it's so beautiful that I want to play it but it's an unplayable game.    … Expand
  87. MartinAtome
    Jan 14, 2015
    6
    The game is in fact still in beta, the basic structure is there and it's solid but both the gameplay and the content will need a lot of work before we can judge the final product.

    ED promises an open, immense, unforgiving world where the player has total freedom (and no safe nets), something we have seen already in games like EVE or DayZ and is very appealing, but it doesn't offer    The game is in fact still in beta, the basic structure is there and it's solid but both the gameplay and the content will need a lot of work before we can judge the final product.

    ED promises an open, immense, unforgiving world where the player has total freedom (and no safe nets), something we have seen already in games like EVE or DayZ and is very appealing, but it doesn't offer enough complexity to support that kind of experience.

    At the moment the main two strong points of the game are the flight/fight system (the only part of the game that feels like a finished product) and the scientific appeal that visiting a real 1:1 model of the known galaxy might have for some users, provided you have a tablet to spice up the journey with wikipedia.

    All other features are at embryonic state:

    -mining, trading and exploring are the only gameplay mechanics available outside fighting and are so simple that they could all be explained in detail in 2 pages.
    -stations and ships models are not enough for an open world, they become repetitive after few days.
    -ships equipment features few weapons and even fewer utility components, most of which are organized in tiers with an obvious best choice that makes all others intermediate steps to the most expensive piece.
    -the factions system (that's supposed to simulate the political struggles between NPC's factions, giving the player a chance to interact) is, again, too simple, a 15 minutes video on youtube will explain all you all there is to be known.

    All this simplicity means you'll master the game mechanics in a couple of weeks (except dogfight), from there on is just a matter of how many hours you are willing to trow at the game doing the same things over and over.

    As Scott Manley said: "it's a mile wide and an inch deep", if it manages to go a little deeper in the next year it'll be a great game, maybe the best space sim ever made (we'll see what SC has to offer)
    At the moment i wouldn't suggest the purchase of the game except for Elite series enthusiasts and Oculus Rift owners    … Expand
  88. TitusBalls
    Feb 22, 2015
    6
    This is my second review of Elite: Dangerous. At the launch of the game I gave it a 10. This was based on, at the time a very smooth launch, an enjoyable beta period and to counter the 0 reviews it was unfairly getting due to the the whole offline debatable.

    It's now over 2 months since the launch of the game and I've come back to update my review and I've decided to give it a 6.    This is my second review of Elite: Dangerous. At the launch of the game I gave it a 10. This was based on, at the time a very smooth launch, an enjoyable beta period and to counter the 0 reviews it was unfairly getting due to the the whole offline debatable.

    It's now over 2 months since the launch of the game and I've come back to update my review and I've decided to give it a 6.

    When David Braben was interviewed up to the launch of the game, he kept using the analogy of a house being built and that they were in the final stages of all the furniture being put in - as much as a month before release. This made many feel that from Gamma to launch there would be a lot of new stuff - however in the end what was released was little more than what we had seen at the end of Beta.

    What was added was shallow and quite frankly buggy. What has been confirmed is that the background simulation that Frontier told us was going to be amazing, and why offline needed to be removed, is actually nothing more than some simple (and broken) functionality - the real game has to be injected on an event-by-event basis by the development team.

    Basically Frontier are the wizard behind the curtain, and they keep telling us to try ignore it - but you can't ignore the fact they just pull leavers and knobs to make the whole thing work.

    The GalNet news items are shoddily written with little real enjoyable narrative, stories that go nowhere and very little quality or spell checking - as if someone let the dyslexic intern loose on the production CMS and isn't checking what they put out.

    Exploration is nothing like what it was touted to be - we were told it would be exciting, that there would be lots to find in the galaxy. Many of us imagined it would be like Skyrim in Space - where we would stumble on adventures. Sadly it's nothing more than Jump, Scan system with 1 button, find only the interesting worlds, point your ship at them for 30 seconds. Rinse and repeat and then sell the data.

    While the addition of "First discovered" tag on systems is a nice touch, it's not enough to hide the fact the game is very shallow.

    The latest addition of community goals seems like a rather slap-dash add on to the game to create some content but less than 5000 players took part and achieved no where near all the goals. The ones who did complained of any lack of real gameplay (granted not all players). What it did create was some conflict which saw people enjoying PvP but mostly it pushed risk-adverse players into private or solo mode.

    On the whole solo mode thing, my personal opinion is that it is what will completely ruin the game. People say they don't want another Eve-type game. Well not only will they not get that, but they also won't get a multiplayer game with any players in it.

    Overall when I was back in Beta 1, the game felt epic even though it was limited to a handful of systems. When they opened up the bubble it felt even grander. When they opened up the galaxy everything felt like it collapsed in on itself and the true game was revealed to be very little content.

    Frontier have committed themselves to new content patches and I will continue to watch this game change and grow over time but I don't feel confident that the captain at the helm of this ship sees the icebergs ahead.    … Expand
  89. ttshin
    Dec 16, 2014
    6
    There have been some definite improvements since beta 2.05, both to the game engine and to the gameplay. It still feels like there are some big gaps, and its not clear at this stage if the intention is to change this or not.

    We have two flight modes, effectively one for combat, one for exploration. The exploration mode (supercruise) is a tricky balance of tedium (is a 1000 Ls trip long    There have been some definite improvements since beta 2.05, both to the game engine and to the gameplay. It still feels like there are some big gaps, and its not clear at this stage if the intention is to change this or not.

    We have two flight modes, effectively one for combat, one for exploration. The exploration mode (supercruise) is a tricky balance of tedium (is a 1000 Ls trip long enough to put the kettle on, or check the forum), beauty, and interest (interdictions once an hour seem sensible, and evaded 50%. I mostly enjoy the exploration aspect too, locating nearby stars using parallax. Close quarters flight does take more learning, but is quite satisfying once you get the hand of it.

    Personally I've not experienced any major stability issues since the early beta phase, and there has been an impressive rate of patch releases over the past month.

    Although the game offers a variety of different play styles, at the moment with only a single live character per account, it is not too easy to experiment - particularly once you've spent a week or two building up credits and reputation only a catastrophic failure is going to act as an incentive to experiment. Similarly, the random quest locations (un-identified signal sources) offer a good risk/reward trade-off for someone with only 100cr to loose - not so much for someone with an insurance premium equivalent to a couple of days playing.

    Missions are currently just as shallow as in any other game, but they make for an easier life than trying to work out your own trade routes. The in game economy is still in a bit of a state of flux - why a complex background simulation is useful to players, I'm not sure.

    In a game which places such strong emphasis on trading, the approach to market information is bizarre. I have to pay for (almost no) information, then it expires after 24 hours of desk-time. There is no information I can log from the game (except for 3x4k screencaps per station), and loging data is actively discouraged by the EULA. 30 years ago, pen and paper was a reasonable way of keeping track of the markets - almost everyone has moved on by now. Its very disappointing to be denied the opportunity to easily log my flight history and market information. I suspect the background simulation was invented to facilitate obfuscation of this data - and this is a significant drawback if you don't want to play for several hours every day.

    Multi-player aspects seem to be the main focus of this game, online only and with player driven in-game politics. I'm not convinced I want to keep track of all this and take part in massive online wars, yet the game design seems to anticipate this being the primary activity (exactly how is yet to be seen).

    No doubt there will be improvements in the following months (well, after a break for Christmas), but exactly where this is leading isn't clear.    … Expand
  90. bazookoscircus
    Dec 16, 2014
    6
    OBJECTIVE REVIEW

    Most of the reviews on here will be either 10/10 from hardcore fans, or angry 0/10 from people who have suffered at the hands of Frontier's terrible customer service and suspicious motives for ditching offline play. I'd say looking at the middle-ground reviews will probably be more accurate. 1. Gameplay Currently the Gameplay is very similar to that of Elite II -    OBJECTIVE REVIEW

    Most of the reviews on here will be either 10/10 from hardcore fans, or angry 0/10 from people who have suffered at the hands of Frontier's terrible customer service and suspicious motives for ditching offline play. I'd say looking at the middle-ground reviews will probably be more accurate.

    1. Gameplay

    Currently the Gameplay is very similar to that of Elite II - Frontier. Much of the gametime will be spent doing very little flying around solar systems. This in itself is not necessarily a bad thing: it is after all a SPACE SIMULATOR and space is big. Really big. It can't all be Star Wars dogfights. With Nav Beacons & Unidentified Signal Sources you can still get into plenty of combat if that's your thing. the controls are somewhere between Newtonian Physics and Shoot-em-up gamer style - a decent compromise.

    However, the missions and space stations are, quite simply, boring. There feels like very little life around the stations, each one looking pretty much exactly the same. And you'd think in all of space exploration there would be more than a half-dozen different types of space station and 20 or so different spaceships. Missions feel deeply anonymous and repetitive.

    2. Content

    It very much feels the game has been rushed to release (ironically one of the big problems with FEII - first Enoucnters) and as a result, it feels like there is a lot missing. a LOT. As mentioned above, missions / spacestations etc. are repetitive and repetitive and repetitive. Planetary landing is still out. There's also not much visual variety in the planets & stars, nor does it contain any stellar objects aside from planets / belts / stars (where are the comets? asteroids? whay are there so few moons?)

    3. Graphics & Sound design.

    The graphics are as one would expect of a modern space game - decent but not exceptional - at around the same visual level as X-3, although there is still a lot left to be desired on the variety of stellar objects. Sound design is probably the games current strongest feature - the rattling of a Cobra Mk III feels like the pod-racers in Phantom Menace. Superb.

    4. Offline / online

    the big debate. Many people backed the game on the promise of an offline mode, where the game could be paused & saved. One month before release it was revealed this had been shelved, the reasons given seeming suspicious. Most believe it was a financially motivated change (to enforce further purchases / micro-transactions). Either way, the companies abyssmal PR handling of the matter, and lack of refunds or communication left an extremely soured relationship with many previous fans & backers.

    5. Overview / TLDR

    Feels rushed out & lacking content, but what's there so far looks promising. Could be an excellent game once fully developed. The lack of offline mode is still a suspicious move that feels financially motivated. Looking forward to updates & DLC, maybe in another 6-12 months this could be something special. Right now, it's just a skeleton. 6/10    … Expand
  91. wolverine2710
    Dec 16, 2014
    6
    ED looks great but the gameplay is a bit hollow. Atm a lot of the things discussed in the DDA-archives are NOT in the game, like for example wings. FD has released a good platform (if MP works OK with release that is) to build upon and they have said they will build upon it. To be fair atm I would give it a 6 but future improvements could make this a 8 or 9.
  92. Ciger
    Dec 16, 2014
    6
    Just a game shell, would compare to some early access titles. Dont get me wrong it is a lot of fun, just dont expect any deep gameplay mechanincs. Still some bugs to be dealt with mainly with alternate missions. Games hangs up from time to time. 6 is the best I can give ED right now.
  93. Blanke73
    Dec 18, 2014
    6
    It's quite unfortunate that as of now Elite is a skeleton of a game. the frame work is there, but not much meat on the bones. They rushed this game so they could count the pre-orders on their financials, and the game is suffering for it.
  94. Zhorge
    Dec 22, 2014
    6
    I've been waiting for this game for over 20 years now (Frontier Elite II, 1993). Many of my fondest gaming memories include FEII. But this game is not the game I've been waiting for all these years. It's just a shell of a game with some rather underwhelming and annoying 'features.'

    My first issue is that the control system is clunky and harkens back to the bad-old-days of    I've been waiting for this game for over 20 years now (Frontier Elite II, 1993). Many of my fondest gaming memories include FEII. But this game is not the game I've been waiting for all these years. It's just a shell of a game with some rather underwhelming and annoying 'features.'

    My first issue is that the control system is clunky and harkens back to the bad-old-days of second-rate flight sims. I would have thought by now we'd have gotten past third-rate, crap-fest controls but I guess not.

    My second issue is the unnecessary pre-flight controller checklist that must be passed the first time you play the game (or major update) or you can't launch your ship. And if there is a problem with the game registering one of your control-binds, you're just stuck there. (Which happened to me until I changed from Joystick to Keyboard/Mouse even though my joystick controls worked 100% fine with the tutorial and every other game that uses it and the forums are full of threads with people sharing the same exact issue -- joysticks not registering, keyboard key-bindings not registering, mouse controls not registering -- so it's hardly me.)

    Next, navigation through the menus is so antique and clunky I had research how to move through an interface that should be point-and-click with a mouse! Seriously, do they not have mice in the future? Or are they all limited to the keyboard?

    So I take two points off for the poorly-thought-out gate-keeping and antique control system. There's just no excuse, even for a game that's primarily a sim, to be so clunky in it's control layout or force people to pass arbitrary gate-keeping checklists.

    Once in space, I've had other issues. The KB/M controls are bad. If switch back to the joystick, the controls get fouled up in the transition. So, after crashing my first ship trying to transition over, I feel like I'm stuck with KB/M for now.

    So I took another point off that.

    After getting past that... Well, it's kind of duller than I expected. I would have thought with all the money they begged off of people, plus having a successful, large company, Frontier might have put a little more effort into the universe. But, really, it just plays like a reskin of a 20-year old game and not a comprehensive reboot of a great franchise.

    And while things are promised for the future, right now the game is shallow, superficial missions and a really messed up trading economy. I really expected some improvement in the missions and I'm not seeing it.

    So another point off for giving us 1993 all-over-again.

    In a few years, if Braeban actually delivers on his promises, this may be a great game. But right now, it's mediocre. So the best I could give it is a 6.0. Not because I'm a hater. But because this game has ignored 20-years of improvements in game-design and just didn't get much beyond a 'recycled feel.'    … Expand
  95. usualday
    Dec 28, 2014
    6
    I would love to rate this game higher, however at release "1.0" the game is still incredibly full of bugs. To compound this, because there is no concrete levelling system that will save your progress you may well find yourself destitute (aka back to level 1) in an entirely random set of circumstances because of bugs.

    I hope they fix this in the coming months / years. Until then I can    I would love to rate this game higher, however at release "1.0" the game is still incredibly full of bugs. To compound this, because there is no concrete levelling system that will save your progress you may well find yourself destitute (aka back to level 1) in an entirely random set of circumstances because of bugs.

    I hope they fix this in the coming months / years. Until then I can only state this game is brilliance wrapped in frustration – enough to make someone with limited play hours per week feel it's not worth the effort.    … Expand
  96. Musashi
    Dec 29, 2014
    6
    - Good graphics and sound.
    - Great sense of scale and wonder at the galaxy.
    - Good spaceship and station models. - OK spaceship cusomisation abilities. - Combat is generally fun, but gets boring after a while against NPCs. - Flight model is OK, but arcadey. Does the job without impressing. It was much better in Beta 1. Multiplayer is appallingly bad, with game-breaking network    - Good graphics and sound.
    - Great sense of scale and wonder at the galaxy.
    - Good spaceship and station models.
    - OK spaceship cusomisation abilities.
    - Combat is generally fun, but gets boring after a while against NPCs.
    - Flight model is OK, but arcadey. Does the job without impressing. It was much better in Beta 1.

    Multiplayer is appallingly bad, with game-breaking network problems. Again, this used to be fine in Beta 1 and Beta 3, so something has gone very wrong for Gamma and Release.

    Overall, the game is something of a shell at the moment, with nothing to keep interest in the longer term. Gameplay features are implemented in a barebones manner, and a lot of potential is yet to be realised.    … Expand
  97. Skamf
    Jan 15, 2015
    6
    So i was looking forware to play this game , 50 EU sounde a bit overprice but guss what it was Total overprice :P .. the game is so boring ,

    First thing i did was to jump into my ship and learn how to fly it then how to get mission ect .. then out into the big univers it goes "wich is total empty " lifeless and total boring , i got my first small Mission wich would give me " a small    So i was looking forware to play this game , 50 EU sounde a bit overprice but guss what it was Total overprice :P .. the game is so boring ,

    First thing i did was to jump into my ship and learn how to fly it then how to get mission ect .. then out into the big univers it goes "wich is total empty " lifeless and total boring , i got my first small Mission
    wich would give me " a small amount" of 2000 cr , i had to undock wich more or less was a Big pain , from a Station , i found my mission you cannot just choose to get it to point it on the map you have to remember the name of the system you have to go to then go into a Map write Down the system name , after then you can choose it so you know where to fly Ok ok fin fin we dont die of that , now 32 Mins later in so call Supercharge or hyperspace Iam still not at the mission where to deliver my cargo .. So boring it Hurts

    Update : gave a bit more in score , 11 hours and still not much to do when you are on a mission you cannot just fly to the mission and do what you came for you do have to try and find out wher the mission is in a system , it will only tell you what system to look in " a system can be big " , i ende up using 30 mins just to find a Black box from a Ship , now i will try mining to get som Money and hopefull this game will be more fun later on .    … Expand
  98. Moriarte
    Jan 27, 2015
    6
    An impressive, almost infinite galaxy is at your fingertips. Browse through the map and myriads of systems have something to keep one engaged for months. There is a system with crime lord threatening the inhabitants, a naval base for the Federation, a system producing rare goods, which get more expensive the further out you deliver them. Bouncing around populated space, from one starAn impressive, almost infinite galaxy is at your fingertips. Browse through the map and myriads of systems have something to keep one engaged for months. There is a system with crime lord threatening the inhabitants, a naval base for the Federation, a system producing rare goods, which get more expensive the further out you deliver them. Bouncing around populated space, from one star system to another, from federated space to that of the empire, or the alliance, filling the fuel tank directly from stars, doing random missions here and there, increasing reputation, bounty hunting and mining are all truly a magnificent experience, by the way of the graphics and the sound specifically.

    Slowly upgrading the ship from lowly sidewinder to majestic imperial clipper was my path as a pilot, since release, took me a month, and i never regretted a single minute of it. My build was incredibly stable, "unexpected error" situations happened only twice during that month. Unbelievable for a game that just released, if you ask me, considering i logged about a hundred hours.

    The combat is a compromise between Newton's physics and "fighter jets in space", it's solid and will definitely have longevity. As much as NFS 5: Porsche 2000 got it right about it's driving experience, the Elite got it right about space fighting. The choice of weaponry and outfitting modules is interesting and requires, at times, hours of contemplation: how to strike a good balance between weight, defence, offence and whatever your opponent might have? That is the question. An interesting and engaging one.

    The only downside i will note in this section: lack of choice for fighter space ships. Basically, there is Viper and Cobra at entry level, below one million credits. The next great ship is the imperial clipper, which costs 50 mil in fighter configuration and the one after that, the Python, is beyond a hundred. That is weeks and weeks of grinding. I grinding one may never want to choose, and, hence, one never gets a Python, as bounty hunter’s/explorer’s/miner’s life pays 1/100th of what the trading does, and trading isn’t for everyone.

    After the initial month of shock, awe and pure enjoyment, many players, including myself, attempted to get down to the screws and bolts of the underlying influence system, which is supposed to drive the economy and political system, only to find out there is no elephant in that dark room. The NPCs, roaming around in great numbers are not tied to the background simulation system. That miner? He isn’t really mining. That bounty hunter? He isn’t cashing in his bounties. That trader? He isn’t really trading. The actual work is done by the background simulation system with NPC’s pretending it’s them, who are doing it. Disappointing. Why is it disappointing? Because the player or the group of them can hardly influence the galaxy around them in a direct and logical way - by interaction with NPCs and other players. Example: one can completely blockade the station, cutting off potential supply chains, but supply won’t stop. In short, the meta-game is bogus.

    Every star system in Elite has factions. Every faction gains or loses political influence inside the system, depending on whether the trade happens with them, missions are accomplished in their favour and due to other minor interferences. Every faction has potential to become a ruler in the system and even to expand beyond, to other systems, depending on player/NPC interactions. Factions are driven into “states”: civil war, expansion, etcetera. The result of states is either seizure of power within a system or actual expansion. But how are they driven into these states? No one knows that. Two large groups of players are still, to this day, trying to figure out the way the system is supposed to work, but to no success. The consensus is: it’s either broken or incredibly difficult to figure out, as Frontier is unwilling to share the intricacies (or bugs) of the whole “influence” design. Some are even convinced the whole thing is not worth the effort of figuring it out as the players’ efforts are too detached from the works of the system.

    Elite Dangerous is the old school space arcade, where the player is expected to use his or her imagination heavily to engage in galactic struggle. With beautiful and engaging gameplay at the surface, the inner works are flawed, limited and, perhaps, are a result of Frontier’s wrong choice in vision and direction. The game experience is worth well beyond 50$ it’s priced at, but, at this stage, the potential of it joining the ranks of greatest space sims of all time is yet to be seen, and may be years away in development.

    6/10, yet definitely a buy.    … Expand
  99. CptBadger
    Feb 1, 2015
    6
    Half-baked release, with essential features missing and VERY dodgy multiplayer. Unable to play with friends.

    "Miles wide and an inch deep" seems to be a general consensus about this release. Pros: - Great sound design - Nice visuals - Great fly mechanics. - Rather on the "sim" side of things Cons: - bad core design - lackluster multiplayer - laughable amount of content -    Half-baked release, with essential features missing and VERY dodgy multiplayer. Unable to play with friends.

    "Miles wide and an inch deep" seems to be a general consensus about this release.

    Pros:
    - Great sound design
    - Nice visuals
    - Great fly mechanics.
    - Rather on the "sim" side of things

    Cons:
    - bad core design
    - lackluster multiplayer
    - laughable amount of content
    - very little variety
    - bugs

    tl;dr Will certainly get better with time, but right now it certainly does not deserve the praise it gets.    … Expand
  100. ireviewthings1
    May 19, 2015
    6
    Read a question about it once: "is this even a game?"
    Fair enough.
    Elite feels more like a simulator then a game. The flight mechanics are amazing. The ships just feel amazing to fly. There is a lot of micro management. Like Han Solo flicking all kinds of switches, using all kinds of systems while people who are watching you probably have no idea what the hell you are doing. Once you    Read a question about it once: "is this even a game?"
    Fair enough.

    Elite feels more like a simulator then a game. The flight mechanics are amazing. The ships just feel amazing to fly. There is a lot of micro management. Like Han Solo flicking all kinds of switches, using all kinds of systems while people who are watching you probably have no idea what the hell you are doing. Once you have a real purpose to do anything in Elite, it shines. It just feels that great as a flight simulator in space. The problem is the game part. The contextualization fall completely flat. You start with a ship and some cash with THE ENTIRE MILKY WAY to travel to. And that is all they tell you. No story, no nothing. Just a huge amount of systems, factions, wares, weapons. What you do with it is literally your problem. The lack of direction soon turns into a lack of purpose. If you manage to find some for yourself and make up your own stories like you used to do as a child with action figures, go ahead.

    Disclaimer: If I would have a Oculus Rift, it probably would have been rated higher.    … Expand
Page:

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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