User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 1913 Ratings

User score distribution:

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
  1. Jan 12, 2015
    10
    Got in love with this game from the very first moment I realized how much of a simulator it is. the attention to details, from the pre flight check list at start to all th different flight mechanics including SuperCruise and gravitational effects to take into account etc.
    Then there is the combat aspect, which has had me engrossed for ages. Graphics, sound and the 1:! galaxy is there to
    Got in love with this game from the very first moment I realized how much of a simulator it is. the attention to details, from the pre flight check list at start to all th different flight mechanics including SuperCruise and gravitational effects to take into account etc.
    Then there is the combat aspect, which has had me engrossed for ages. Graphics, sound and the 1:! galaxy is there to top it off.
    Expand
  2. Jan 13, 2015
    10
    I havent touched any other game since I picked Elite after release before Christmas. So addictive, just like Civilization it has me in its grasp just to do "one more mission"...
  3. Jan 13, 2015
    10
    I just visited my first black hole in the galaxy, and have also seen images of a player at the center of the galaxy... "I have seen things you people wouldnt believe..." I love exploring in Elite but I have now turn into bounty hunting and I have just discovered my new passion. Pew pewing with friends in Elite is the best thing since sliced sidewinders!
  4. Jan 13, 2015
    10
    Elite Dangerous jas to be one of the slickest and smoothest space sim sand box experiences out there. Everything from the ease of flight controller set up, to the perfect graphics and sound, waving through probably the best experience out there in the Oculus Rift is just very addicitive.
    The mix of chore simulator tasks with the epic combat gameplay it all transpires a dedicated attention
    Elite Dangerous jas to be one of the slickest and smoothest space sim sand box experiences out there. Everything from the ease of flight controller set up, to the perfect graphics and sound, waving through probably the best experience out there in the Oculus Rift is just very addicitive.
    The mix of chore simulator tasks with the epic combat gameplay it all transpires a dedicated attention to detail leading to a crescendo of awe when confronted with teh 1:1 galaxy model where most of all the detected actual celestial bodies are in the game.
    The game at launch has several key mechanics missing such as wings and more fleshed out missions but all that can easily be forgiven knowing what is already in the game and what is coming.
    Expand
  5. Jan 1, 2016
    10
    3rd review update:

    Now it's been more than a year and I can see (with much certainty) where things are going with Elite Dangerous. It is still the best (by vast margin) space flight/combat simulation ever made in terms of it's flight model and amazing feeling of freedom of control over your ship and graphics and sounds. Addition of CQC (close quarter combat) brought that advantage up
    3rd review update:

    Now it's been more than a year and I can see (with much certainty) where things are going with Elite Dangerous. It is still the best (by vast margin) space flight/combat simulation ever made in terms of it's flight model and amazing feeling of freedom of control over your ship and graphics and sounds.

    Addition of CQC (close quarter combat) brought that advantage up front and made best of it - CQC is the pinnacle of what I'm talking about here - it adds tactics to space combat (objects to take cover behind and inside, rock-paper-scissors weapon/defense choice (which can be changed during match by a number of custom made setups). Faster, nimbler smaller fighter ships.

    "Flight assist off" mode is still the best and only way to properly experience the joy and freedom of space flight (and don't listen to those who tell you to only use it situationally - when you need to turn around fast and such - simply always keep it turned off, then you'll get to feel it). If you start learning it from the beginning you'll just need a few weeks to master it and each step will give you lots of rewards and fun. Don't skip it. Really it's worth it.

    Now to problems:

    Combat vs NPCs in the main game is predictably bland and boring (as in every single computer game, so nothing to worry about). PVP in main game is unforgivably bland, too long and boring (compared to fun CQC fights it's even more pronounced) - by the very end of the year and months of countless complain threads devs finally pretended to address it, but only added some superficial changes - PVP is still in same state, now we just have a bit of freedom of choice on what modules to put on before engaging in bland, boring and too long fights. My previous review on combat was mostly based on fun duels I had before devs ruined PVP with SCBs (shield potions) and duels I had to specifically arrange, by asking people not to use SCBs - I was under impression that thing will get fixed in near future seeing how many players complained about it.

    Which takes me to one thing I've understood about Elite Dangerous development by now - if you see that something in the game is completely wrong - it will not be changed. Also there are things that gradually getting worse - graphics get toned down every single update and devs do not acknowledge it.

    And there's a lot of those things in the game. At the beginning whenever I saw a placeholder like exploration mechanics ; retarded missions (most of which are broken in one way or another) ; utterly broken background simulation (all those politics to take over systems, me being part of a small faction, economics simulation - it all either static or doesn't work or non existent) ; POI (signal sources) mechanics ; Super-Cruise flight mode.
    There's much more big and small placeholders in this game and when all of them are taken together - the only part of this game that doesn't feel less than half-baked is flight mechanics and CQC combat.

    So after a year this game is still a big promise and nothing changed, no game mechanics element was addressed (if only very superficially) to point where we can say it's not a placeholder thingie, but a strong and fun gameplay element.

    I won't pay Frontier for their another big promise - Horizons. I'm fed up with their promises already and I can dream on how this game could be if/when they fix it completely free - there's no point of paying for it.

    But what they made with flight model is something I like so much that I still play the game (CQC part). So still a 10 from me - if only for a small (but insanely important) part of this game.

    2nd review update:

    Why I'm still giving E:D a 10? - it offers the best space combat simulation (multiplayer and solo) ever made. Especially good are PVP duels or 4x4 fights and all configurations in between - like 3x1; 2x4. (if you want to properly feel it - use "no-assist" piloting mode where you can control all acceleration vectors your ship is capable of). It's easy enough to find a good match for your skill and fighting is so great that your hands will be shaking from excitement while you try to keep your opponent inside your reticle. It's never getting old. Don't forget that this game offers very good in-game voice communication - they apply same radio filter to voice they use in action movies and it adds a lot to game atmosphere.

    This game is a promise. Right now it only shows parts of game mechanics, but they are so good that can pass as a great game by themselves (some things are crude placeholders though, like missions, or mining, or exploration but devs are working on it).

    Galaxy is beautiful and vast, sounds are wonderful, flight simulation is great, especially docking and asteroid field fighting. You actually feel like you're piloting a spaceship.

    We are at the beginning of a battle on who will dominate colonized space there and peoples actions already have tangible effects on galaxy and game story developments
    Expand
  6. Jan 14, 2015
    10
    The 1:1 scale of the galaxay is just mind blowing. Hunting for black holes, earthlike planets or well known nebulae is all possible in game. The recent Kepler discovred exoplantes are now in the game too.
    Combat and dogfighting is sim like and really complex. The options and trade offs for pilots are multiple and there is a feel of real depth in your ship.
  7. Jan 14, 2015
    10
    Picked up this game after launch. I had my doubts on multiplayer given the huuuge galaxy but after playing with my friends I can confirm it is fun as hell. We have been bounty hunting together in asteroid fields and defending interdictions together in SuperCruise while travelling looking for a good trade together... endless oppotunities is very real in Elite.
  8. Jan 14, 2015
    10
    Excellent graphics supporting 4K and possibly the best experience in Oculus rift out there at themoment. Holy cr@p, the ship is real, the cockpit is real... Wait until you see those massive space stations looming over you as you approach those tiny entrances rotating and where you need to align your own rotation to line up... the game is full of attention to detail and all space sim fansExcellent graphics supporting 4K and possibly the best experience in Oculus rift out there at themoment. Holy cr@p, the ship is real, the cockpit is real... Wait until you see those massive space stations looming over you as you approach those tiny entrances rotating and where you need to align your own rotation to line up... the game is full of attention to detail and all space sim fans out there owe it to themselves to grab a copy. Expand
  9. Jan 14, 2015
    10
    I have not slept in the last 2 days more than 4 hours... I had to come here and tell the story of a game that has prevented me for serious amounts of real life! One more mission. Just one more mission.
  10. Jan 15, 2015
    10
    I am also an early backer of Star Citizen and I was not really expecting much from Elite given all the detailed and huge scope for Star Citizen. Playing Elite at first was a bit of a cold experience as the galaxy and the game are not really guiding you at all to any specific "hero" mission. You have to find your way, and if you get through the initial shock then you are in for a treat. II am also an early backer of Star Citizen and I was not really expecting much from Elite given all the detailed and huge scope for Star Citizen. Playing Elite at first was a bit of a cold experience as the galaxy and the game are not really guiding you at all to any specific "hero" mission. You have to find your way, and if you get through the initial shock then you are in for a treat. I now am firmly in the camp that both star Citizen and Elite have a place in the galaxy (pun intended) and I am sure I will enjoy both "heavily". Elite is a recommended buy with no doubt. Expand
  11. Jan 17, 2015
    10
    This sand box base space sim will keep you entertained for hours on end. The galaxy, the combat, the exploration... Although some mechanics will be delievered in the next few weeks this game has most of the ingredients to succeed already.
  12. Jan 17, 2015
    10
    This game is absolutely worth its money and then some more. It is so wonderfully done, the devs have gone to great length to avoid glaring blocker issues and it was really smooth at launch. It really works! The more I play the more I realize it all has its place in the galaxy.
  13. Jan 17, 2015
    10
    Love this game. The persistent universe is currently being tested by players and devs alike, and many pvp initiatives have spawned emergently in several systems in addition to the actual "official" story line. The systems in Sanna and Dulos for exampe battle it out for independence while the Crimson Group are about to force civil war thanks to player intervention. There is still a, longLove this game. The persistent universe is currently being tested by players and devs alike, and many pvp initiatives have spawned emergently in several systems in addition to the actual "official" story line. The systems in Sanna and Dulos for exampe battle it out for independence while the Crimson Group are about to force civil war thanks to player intervention. There is still a, long way to go but the attention by Frontier is constant and it is very common seeing them answering questions or intervening daily. Refreshing. Expand
  14. Jan 17, 2015
    10
    The game has been in a very polished state (excellent 4K and Oculus Rift support) and amazing sounds. Eventhough it has kept me busy since day 1 the game was missing some key features being launched in Beta in the coming weeks. I am also looking forward to the first person and planetary landings expansions.
  15. Jan 17, 2015
    10
    Elite has been developped with passion, attention to detail and a huge persistent universe in mind. Lots of mechanics to come and in its current state it is amazingly playable and fun. I usually end up at the wee hours in the morning doing that "just one more mission"...
  16. Jan 18, 2015
    10
    Elite, although unfinished, is really "moorish" and has me long hours at the helm of my Cobra. The game has been designed as an immense space sim sandbox and will need you to make your own game out of it. If you are looking for immediate satisfaction or a hand holding heroe story you wont get it here. But all things considered Elite is probably the best space sim out there.
  17. Jan 19, 2015
    10
    30 Jahre nach dem Release vom Ur-Elite beglückt David Braben seine alte und neue Spielerschaft mit einer PC-Perle.

    Vorab sei gleich erwähnt, dass der Einstieg für neue Commander nicht unbedingt einfach ist. Ein fehlendes deutsches Handbuch, die noch nicht komplett umgesetzte deutsche Übersetzung inGame und eine sehr umfangreiche Steuerung erschweren den Einstieg. Zudem wird man als
    30 Jahre nach dem Release vom Ur-Elite beglückt David Braben seine alte und neue Spielerschaft mit einer PC-Perle.

    Vorab sei gleich erwähnt, dass der Einstieg für neue Commander nicht unbedingt einfach ist.
    Ein fehlendes deutsches Handbuch, die noch nicht komplett umgesetzte deutsche Übersetzung inGame und eine sehr umfangreiche Steuerung erschweren den Einstieg.
    Zudem wird man als neuer Commander irgendwo in den Kernsystemen abgesetzt und es heißt erstmal:
    "Hier dein Schiffchen, hier eine handvoll Credits! Dann mal viel Spaß!"

    Irgendwo auf einem Außenposten oder einer Raumstation wird man mit der kleinen Sidewinder (Anfängerschiff mit 4t Laderaum) abgesetzt und muss zusehen, dass sich der Kontostand durch das Handeln von Gütern, das erledigen von Missionen oder das Scannen von unbekannten Systemen erhöht.
    Fälschlicher Weise kommen in dieser Phase einige Neueinsteiger zu der Erkenntnis, dass es sich bei Elite um einen Weltraum-Grinder handelt. In der Anfangsphase ist dem auch schwerpunktmäßig so.
    Hat man sich jedoch ein kleines Grundkapital erwirtschaftet, so lässt sich dieses in den Ausbau des Schiffes und später in die Neuanschaffung eines anderen und besseren Schiffstypen investieren und vielerlei Wege stehen einem offen.
    Was man aus dieser gewonnen Freiheit macht, bleibt dabei jedem selber überlassen.

    Entsprechend des Schiffstypen und des Fittings lassen sich schwerpunktmäßig diverse Karrieren (Händler, Explorer, Miner, Bountyhunter, Pirat etc.) anstreben. Da man mehrere Schiffe besitzen kann, lassen sich die Raumschiffe so sehr individuell ausrüsten und auf die Einsätze abstimmen.

    Auch kann man sich auf eine der drei großen Fraktionen unterstützend konzentrieren (Imperium, Föderation oder Allianz).
    Mit Missionen, die man für oder gegen eine dieser Fraktionen fliegen kann, lassen sich militärische Ränge erklimmen oder die allgemeine Reputation erhöhen, was wiederum zu Vorteilen beim Handel, bei der Bezahlung von Missionen und zu Unterstützung durch das Sicherheitspersonal (Polizeischiffe) führt.

    Es gibt drei unterschiedliche Spielmodi, zwischen denen man auch wechseln kann.
    Zum einen gibt es das Solospiel.
    Hier trifft man nicht auf andere Spieler, das Universum wird aber trotzdem von allen Spielern beeinflusst (Preise in den Stationen verändern sich, Systeme erlangen z.B. die Unabhängigkeit etc.). Man spiel zwar alleine aber in einer sich verändernden Umwelt.
    Darüber hinaus gibt es noch zwei Multiplayer-Modi.
    In einer Variante trifft man auf zufällig zusammengewürfelten Spieler mit denen man sich dann friedlich oder feindlich auseinandersetzten darf.
    In der zweiten Varinate trifft man schwerpunktmäßig auf Spieler in seiner eingens gepflegten Freundesliste/Gruppe.

    Insgesamt bietet Elite einem eine riesige Spielwiese!
    Dabei ist der Begriff "Dangerous" nicht unwichtig, da man mit all den Konsequenzen leben bzw. speilen muss.
    Es gibt keine Möglichkeit ältere und andere Spielstände zu laden und den Verlust von Schiff und Ladung rückgängig zu machen.

    Hilfestellungen für alte und neue Commander bietet übrigens das deutsche Community-Forum unter www.elitedangerous.de
    Expand
  18. Jan 19, 2015
    10
    I have been having a blast with my friends in the Lugh system. Testing on background simulation goes at pace and even though wings mechanics is still not in the game (everlasting beta) we have no issue working together as a team in game.
  19. Jan 19, 2015
    10
    Best money spent for a very long time.

    I was also a backer in Star Citizen but I have already given up on that atrocity that will never see the light of day and is bug ridden in its AC 1.0. SC community is just toxic too. Elite in the other hand is probably the best space sim I ve played. And devs are constantly out there to answer most issues. My support tickets have all been
    Best money spent for a very long time.

    I was also a backer in Star Citizen but I have already given up on that atrocity that will never see the light of day and is bug ridden in its AC 1.0. SC community is just toxic too.

    Elite in the other hand is probably the best space sim I ve played. And devs are constantly out there to answer most issues. My support tickets have all been responded to very fast and overall the community is very committed and constructive.
    Expand
  20. Jan 19, 2015
    10
    The way the galaxy has been replicated with procedural generation to a comma with known data is astonishing. Travelling through it is a dream come true. Being able to chase and combat wanted PC or NPC to Barnard star or to Bootes has no price.
  21. Jan 19, 2015
    10
    Although the game is not finished what is there will keep you on your screen for months. If you add that to what is coming this year and going forward this game is without a doubt a must. I would score this game an 8 but given all the star citizen haters giving it a 0 I must give it a 10 too.

    Graphics 10
    Souns 8
    Missions 6
    Multiplyer 7
    Open sandbox and galaxy 10
  22. Jan 19, 2015
    10
    I havent been playing any other game since launch.

    Huge open sandbox in a 1:1 "replica" of the milky way including al actual stars and planets known to date. If you like universe models such as Space Engine and you like space games like X wing or Freespace 2 then you are in for a treat. Best graphics (4K and Oculus) and best sound around meet with a first person space sim that ll make
    I havent been playing any other game since launch.

    Huge open sandbox in a 1:1 "replica" of the milky way including al actual stars and planets known to date. If you like universe models such as Space Engine and you like space games like X wing or Freespace 2 then you are in for a treat.
    Best graphics (4K and Oculus) and best sound around meet with a first person space sim that ll make you forget you have a real life!
    The development team is one of the most communicative around and you can see they care about the community.
    Expand
  23. Jan 20, 2015
    10
    Excellent space sim, honoring the long Elite tradiiton and expanding it into present times. The game has been coded to also prepare for the future (4K etc) and the attention to detail is magnificent.
  24. Jan 21, 2015
    10
    Best game for the year for me for sure. I have even stopped playing PS2 for Elite and now this little gem is my go to game for my PC gaming time. Playing with friends may seem daunting at first but once you get the hang of it it goes with no issues. Been bounty hunting in co op most of the time so far and cant get tired of it. The rest of the game is just awaiting!
  25. Jan 21, 2015
    10
    So looking forward to the wings expansion, and the first person and landings after that. So far it s been tremendous fan onboard of my ship. Really looking forward to be able to wak in it!
  26. Jan 21, 2015
    10
    A great game and, with time, potentially an amazing one. Lots need to be done but this was to be a rolling release. Even so I havent played any other game yet since release. 10 all around.
  27. Jan 21, 2015
    10
    After reading all the press reviews I have decided to take the plunge. My initial impression after a couple of weeks cant be better. I have just been to the solar system and plan to leave to explore the Pleiades region after I finish typing this. It ll take me many days to get there but I hope to catch most of it on video. Some of the exploration series I have seen on Youtube also helpedAfter reading all the press reviews I have decided to take the plunge. My initial impression after a couple of weeks cant be better. I have just been to the solar system and plan to leave to explore the Pleiades region after I finish typing this. It ll take me many days to get there but I hope to catch most of it on video. Some of the exploration series I have seen on Youtube also helped me decide for this game. Dont get me wrong I love the ship sim aspect too, but being able to play "Space Engine" while pew pewing is just a dream come true. Expand
  28. Jan 22, 2015
    10
    Old space sim fan here, but funnily enough never played the original Elite. I am more of an X wing and Wing Commander man. Also backer of Star Citizen but utterly dissapointed with how its development is going and how a pay to win even in its alpha incarnation that monstruosity is.
    Elite is the name of the game if you are looking for serious developers and a mature community.
  29. Jan 24, 2015
    10
    So far this game has been one of the leakest experience I had in recent times in a game launch. Server only had a minor glitch and no major bugs to account for. The game is indeed not finished and much more is to come. But I have to counter the 0 haterboy bs, so 10 it is.
  30. Jan 24, 2015
    10
    I just couldnt believe all the good reviews so I had to get the game and see it first hand. I am a backer of old in StarCitizen and EVE capsuleer, but have to admit Elite is really engaging me with its subtle, no **** sim philosophy. Already been involved in a good few PvP confrontations and it works wonderfully. Cant wait for the Wings update.
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 54 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 54
  2. 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. 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.
  3. 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.