data/claims/elite-history.yamlElite (history and reception)
Game: Elite.
Acorn User reported in December 1984 that Acornsoft had launched Elite in September 1984, for the BBC Micro and the Acorn Electron. Two weeks after the launch it had sold 13,000 copies and entered the top five of a weekly software chart, and Acornsoft was predicting sales of more than 100,000 by the New Year, more than double those of any other Acornsoft game. elite-history/bbc-launch
p. 16 (image 18), news, "Elite on target for 100,000"Two weeks after its launch in September, 13,000 copies of the game had been sold and it entered the top five in a weekly software chart.Acorn User, issue 29 (December 1984) · p. 16 (image 18), newsBy the New Year, the company is predicting sales exceeding 100,000Acorn User, issue 29 (December 1984) · p. 16 (image 18), news — the OCR runs "Acornsoft game" togetherthan double that of any other Acornsoftgame.Acorn User, issue 29 (December 1984) · p. 16 (image 18), newsElite, available for both Beeb and ElectronChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The folio (p. 16) and the item's text were read on the page image (image 18); the quotes match the OCR text. The 100,000 is Acornsoft's forecast, not a sales figure. The year comes from the issue's date. Wikidata's 1984-09-20 is in elite-bbc/release.
Cited by: Elite
Acornsoft sold Elite on cassette and disc for the BBC Micro (Model B), at £14.95 and £17.95, and on cassette for the Electron, at £14.95. Acornsoft's advertisement says either version came with Elite: The Dark Wheel, a novel that sets the scene. elite-history/bbc-formats
p. 165 (image 167), review header'Elite', Acornsoft, BBC B, £14.95 (disc £17.95), Electron, £14.95Acorn User, issue 27 (October 1984) · images 18-19, Acornsoft advertisementElite is available on both disc and cassette for the BBC Micro and on cassette for the Acorn Electron.Acorn User, issue 27 (October 1984) · images 18-19, Acornsoft advertisementWith either, you will get "Elite: The Dark WheelAcorn User, issue 27 (October 1984) · images 18-19, Acornsoft advertisement — the OCR reads "The Dark Wheel?" before it, where the page probably closes the quotationa compelling novel which sets the whole mood of your adventure.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: quote added for the ad's "With either, you will get Elite: The Dark Wheel".Acornsoft's own advertisement, held at T1 because the lint counts a magazine-kind source as secondary. Read in the OCR text; the page images haven't been checked.
Cited by: Elite
Acorn User's Tony Quinn saw Elite before its launch: Acornsoft took half a dozen journalists to Cambridge and locked them in a room with the game, so his piece was impressions after a couple of hours rather than a full review. He found that "Elite looks superb". The package held a short science fiction novel, a training manual, a poster of the ships and a postcard entering the player in Acornsoft's competitions, and the disc version added missions. elite-history/bbc-first-look
p. 165 (image 167), "Star Status", bylineTony Quinn goes boldly to Cambridge on an Elite missionAcorn User, issue 27 (October 1984) · p. 165 (image 167)Acornsoft spirited half a dozen journalists up to Cam- bridge and locked them in a room to review the game.Acorn User, issue 27 (October 1984) · p. 165 (image 167)this is not a full review, but my impressions after bash- ing away for a couple of hoursAcorn User, issue 27 (October 1984) · p. 165 (image 167)I must say Elite looks superb.Acorn User, issue 27 (October 1984) · p. 165 (image 167) — the OCR's "ashort" for "a short"wrapped in ashort science fiction novel that sets the scene, a substantial train- ing manual, a poster identifying the foes and friends you are likely to encounter and a postcard giving entry to the competitionsAcorn User, issue 27 (October 1984) · p. 165 (image 167)on the disc version there are these things called 'missions' where a task is set.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: package quote extended back to the short science fiction novel.Read in the OCR text; the page image hasn't been checked. The contents page lists the piece at p. 165.
Cited by: Elite
Quinn reported that the BBC Micro version draws circles and ellipses in full in real time with hidden line removal, uses screen modes 4 and 5 at once for accurate plotting and colour, and narrows the screen to save time and memory. Drawing suns and planets slows the game, so it runs slower looking straight ahead at one. elite-history/bbc-graphics
p. 165 (image 167)Circles and elipses are drawn in full in real time with hidden line removal.Acorn User, issue 27 (October 1984) · p. 165 (image 167)Screen graphics modes 4 and 5 are used at the same time to give accurate plotting and colour for the display.Acorn User, issue 27 (October 1984) · p. 165 (image 167)Screen width is reduced to speed up plotting and save memory.Acorn User, issue 27 (October 1984) · p. 165 (image 167)If you look straight ahead, the game is slowed down!Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.A journalist's account of what the authors showed, not a reading of the code. Read in the OCR text; the page image hasn't been checked.
Cited by: Elite
Acorn User's Top 20 for December 1984 had Elite straight in at number one, "the best game ever for the BBC micro". elite-history/bbc-chart
image 190, Top 20 SoftwareStraight in at number one comes the best game ever for the BBC micro - Elite.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text; the page image hasn't been checked. The contents page puts the Top 20 at p. 186. The chart is compiled by RAM/Computer, per the OCR.
Cited by: Elite
In a 1991 interview David Braben said that he and Ian Bell set out at the beginning of 1983 to see whether a 3D space game was possible, after he had experimented on the Acorn Atom. They wanted no score at all; trading was at first a minor part, and the missions came in late. They finished the game on their own and took it to publishers, and Thorn EMI, one of the first, turned it down as too different, with no obvious goal. elite-history/origins
p. 112 (image 128), The One on OneI did some experimentation with the Acorn Atom and decided that it was possible and, at the beginning of 1983, myself and Ian Bell decided to try and do it.The One, issue 28 (January 1991) · p. 112 (image 128)We were adamant there was to be no concept of score at all.The One, issue 28 (January 1991) · p. 112 (image 128)but trading was originally a very minor aspect.The One, issue 28 (January 1991) · p. 112 (image 128)The missions however, came in almost after the event.The One, issue 28 (January 1991) · p. 112 (image 128)One of the first places we took it to - Thorn EMI - actually rejected it! They said it was too different, and that there was no obvious goal.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Braben's own account, seven years on, held at T1 because the lint counts a magazine-kind source as secondary. The quotes were read in the OCR text, and the scout confirmed the first and the page's folio (112) on the page image (image 128).
Cited by: Elite
The player starts at the planet Lave in a Cobra Mk III with 100 credits, trading goods between planets to pay for weapons and equipment, and fighting to raise a combat rating from Harmless to Elite. Zzap!64's review of the Commodore 64 version counts eight galaxies of 250 planets and 17 goods, three of them illegal (slaves, narcotics and firearms), whose trade brings the police. The cargo bay holds 20 tons, or 35 with an extension. elite-history/premise
p. 16 (image 16)improve your rating from Harmless to the much sought after Elite.Zzap!64, issue 1 (May 1985) · p. 16 (image 16)You begin your quest on the planet Lave in your Cobra Mk III spacecraft. You have one hun- dred creditsZzap!64, issue 1 (May 1985) · p. 16 (image 16)There are eight galaxies in all and 250 planets in each oneZzap!64, issue 1 (May 1985) · p. 18 (image 18), "Make a Killing without getting Killed"There are 17 goods in which you can trade although some bring better profits than others and three are officially illegal.Zzap!64, issue 1 (May 1985) · p. 18 (image 18)Your cargo bay only holds twenty tons, although for 400 credits you can buy a 35 ton bay.Zzap!64, issue 1 (May 1985) · p. 18 (image 18)The most profitable forms of cargo are slaves, narcotics and firearms, but these are all illegal and trading in them will get you a rating of fugitive and bring the police onto your trail.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.From the Commodore 64 review; the other versions' reviews describe the same start (Amstrad Action 5, The One 2, Total! 11). Read in the OCR text; the page images haven't been checked.
Cited by: Elite
Firebird published the Commodore 64 version, due in the shops in mid-April 1985, at £14.95 on cassette and £17.95 on disk. Zzap!64 reported that Bell and Braben had made the conversion themselves while studying for their final exams at Jesus College, Cambridge, and that Firebird had paid them what was reckoned a six-figure sum for the worldwide rights. elite-history/c64-release
p. 17 (image 17), side box "The Zzap! review"The 64 Elite is due in the shops in mid April, the same time as this mag- azine.Zzap!64, issue 1 (May 1985) · p. 16 (image 16), review header — read on the page image; the OCR reads "£14.35 case"Firebird, £14.95 cass, £17.95 disk, joystick with keys or keys.Zzap!64, issue 1 (May 1985) · p. 17 (image 17), "Two rich programmers"They've been paid a fortune by Firebird for world-wide rights to the game - those in the know reckon it's a six-figure sum!Zzap!64, issue 1 (May 1985) · p. 17 (image 17), "Two rich programmers"Ian and David have done the conversion to the 64 at the same time as studying for final exams at Jesus College, CambridgeChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The header's prices were read on the page image (image 16); the rest in the OCR text, which the scout's reading of p. 17's side box agrees with. Zzap!64 reviewed a copy Firebird called nearly finished (p. 17).
Cited by: Elite
Zzap!64 credited James Scoular, publisher of Firebird's games, with obtaining the rights from the programmers; it reported that he had died in March 1985. elite-history/firebird-rights
p. 27 (image 27), newsJames Scoular, publisher of Firebird games, died in March of a heart attack.Zzap!64, issue 1 (May 1985) · p. 27 (image 27), newsIt was he who obtained' the rights for the game from the pro- grammers.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text; the page image hasn't been checked. The year is the issue's (May 1985).
Cited by: Elite
Zzap!64 found the Commodore 64 version slower than the BBC Micro's, though not noticeably in play, and listed its changes: the known bugs of the BBC game fixed, the whole game in memory where the BBC cassette had cut features, extra special missions, and the Trumbles, unique to the 64, which breed and fill the cargo bay. elite-history/c64-differences
p. 18 (image 18), "64 version v BBC version"the game runs quite a bit more slowly on the 64Zzap!64, issue 1 (May 1985) · p. 18 (image 18)In actual play the 64 graphics do not seem slow at allZzap!64, issue 1 (May 1985) · p. 18 (image 18)bugs in the BBC game (and there are plenty) have been eliminatedZzap!64, issue 1 (May 1985) · p. 18 (image 18)the entire game is present in memory all the time, a considerable improvement on the BBC cassette version which had certain features trimmed.Zzap!64, issue 1 (May 1985) · p. 18 (image 18)there are extra 'special missions' that can occur if you prove yourself in battle.Zzap!64, issue 1 (May 1985) · p. 18 (image 18)Then, unique to the 64, there are the Trumbles.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text; the page image hasn't been checked.
Cited by: Elite
Zzap!64 gave the Commodore 64 version its Gold Medal Award in its first issue, in May 1985, with marks of 94% for presentation, 87% originality, 91% graphics, 95% hookability, 52% sound, 98% lastability and 95% value for money, and no overall mark. Bob Wade, the reviewer, called it "certainly the best game I've seen this year". elite-history/c64-review
p. 16 (image 16), rosette beside the heading — read on the page image; the rosette also reads "May 1985"GOLD MEDAL AWARDZzap!64, issue 1 (May 1985) · p. 27 (image 27), newsThose who enjoy playing Elite 64, this month's gold medal gameZzap!64, issue 1 (May 1985) · p. 17 (image 17), ratings box — read on the page image, with the marks Presentation 94%, Originality 87%, Graphics 91%, Hookability 95%, Sound 52%, Lastability 98% and Value for money 95%; the OCR garbles the boxEven at £14.95 it's a must.Zzap!64, issue 1 (May 1985) · p. 17 (image 17), comment beside a caricature labelled B.WIt is a brilliant game of blasting and trading and is certainly the best game I've seen this year.Zzap!64, issue 1 (May 1985) · p. 17 (image 17), sidebar — the OCR reads "out Chris Anderson"Chris Anderson and Bob Wade were able to give the game a thorough testChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The award, the marks and the B.W label were read on the page images (images 16 and 17); the review text on p. 18 also ends "BW". Zzap!64's contents page (p. 3) marks the review "(G)", for Gold Medal. There is no Sizzler label.
Cited by: Elite
Crash reviewed the ZX Spectrum version in November 1985 and made it a Crash Smash, with 92% overall. Published by Firebird for the 48K Spectrum at £14.95 and converted by Torus, it had come out for the Spectrum "a mere three months late", after the Commodore 64 version, and was sold with Lenslok, a plastic lens through which the player reads a code from the screen before the game runs. One reviewer called it "one of the most imaginative games ever to be designed to run on a home computer"; another noted five missions against two in the Commodore 64 and BBC versions. elite-history/spectrum-review
p. 28 (image 28), badge — read on the page imageA CRASH SmashCrash, issue 22 (November 1985) · p. 28 (image 28), review headerMemory required: 48K Retail price: £14.95Crash, issue 22 (November 1985) · p. 28 (image 28) — read on the page image; the OCR garbles the sentenceStarting life on the BBC, Elite was converted for the Commodore and, has just appeared for the Spectrum, a mere three months late.Crash, issue 22 (November 1985) · p. 28 (image 28) — the page goes on "Gyron"Converted by Torus, creators ofCrash, issue 22 (November 1985) · p. 28 (image 28)a plastic decoding lensCrash, issue 22 (November 1985) · p. 28 (image 28) — read on the page image (image 28); the OCR reads "after loading you need to look throuoh the Terts onto the screen in order to SBa Mw cods ietters whicti must tw inpMt bsfore the program will RUN."after loading you need to look through the lens onto the screen in order to see the code letters which must be input before the program will RUN.Crash, issue 22 (November 1985) · p. 28 (image 28), criticism, first comment — read on the page imageElite is one of the most imaginative games ever to be designed to run on a home computerCrash, issue 22 (November 1985) · p. 30 (image 30), criticism, third comment — the OCR reads "5 miss- ions" and goes on "oi the C€4 and BBC versions"The addictive nature of the game is increased with 5 missions compared to the meagre 2Crash, issue 22 (November 1985) · p. 30 (image 30), ratingsGraphics 93%Crash, issue 22 (November 1985) · p. 30 (image 30), ratingsOverall 92%Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: quote added for the Lenslok procedure (read on the page image).The badge, the "three months late" sentence and the first comment were read on the page image (image 28), and the ratings box on image 30, in the Elite column beside the review's comments: Graphics 93%, Playability 91%, Getting started 92%, Addictive qualities 94%, Value for money 81%, Overall 92%. The header reads "Producer: Firebird" and "Author: Torus". The page goes on to call it "the first major piece of software" with the Lenslok device; that is Crash's claim, not checked here. The three comments carry no names.
Cited by: Elite
Sinclair User reported in January 1986 that Elite was the first game to use Lenslok, and that within days of its release Firebird had calls from players unable to get past it. Firebird did not deny that the faulty instructions had been a hindrance, and new instructions were available. elite-history/spectrum-lenslok
p. 5 (image 5), news, "The lens: 20/20 vision or mirage?"The first game to use Lens- ]ok is the chart- topping Elite, from FirebirdSinclair User, issue 46 (January 1986) · p. 5 (image 5), newswithin days of release the company received phone calls from furious games playersSinclair User, issue 46 (January 1986) · p. 5 (image 5), newsnew instructions are now available.Sinclair User, issue 46 (January 1986) · p. 5 (image 5), news — the OCR's "dues" for "does"; "He" is Phil Pratt of FirebirdHe dues not deny, however, that the faulty instructions were a hindrance.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: reworded: Firebird did not deny the faulty instructions had been a hindrance (was "admitted").The folio (p. 5) and the opening sentence were read on the page image (image 5); the rest in the OCR text. "First" is Sinclair User's word, for the Lenslok device only.
Cited by: Elite
Sinclair User's Top 30 for January 1986 said that within days of release Elite had become the biggest seller since Melbourne House's Exploding Fist. elite-history/spectrum-chart
p. 35 (image 35), Top 30Within days of release, Fire- bird's Elite became the biggest seller since Melbourne House's Exploding FistChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text; the page image hasn't been checked, nor Elite's position in the chart. The contents page lists the Top 30 at p. 35.
Cited by: Elite
Amstrad Action reviewed the Amstrad CPC version, by Firebird and Torus at £14.95 on cassette, in February 1986 and made it its Mastergame, the month's highest-rated game, with an AA rating of 94% (graphics 96%, sonics 24%, grab factor 94%, staying power 95%). It found more colour than in earlier versions and smooth vector graphics, but most of the sound effects disappointing. elite-history/cpc-review
p. 50 (image 50), review headerFirebird/Torus, £14.95 cass, joystick with keys or keysAmstrad Action, issue 5 (February 1986) · p. 35 (image 35), review indexMASTERGAME Elite Firebird 50Amstrad Action, issue 5 (February 1986) · p. 35 (image 35), review index — read on the page imageElite gains the coveted Mastergame slot, as everybody suspected it would.Amstrad Action, issue 5 (February 1986) · p. 35 (image 35), how the ratings work — read on the page imagethe highest rated game in any month becomes our MASTERGAMEAmstrad Action, issue 5 (February 1986) · p. 51 (image 51), ratings box — read on the page image; the OCR gives the headings and marks apartGRAPHICS 96% SONICS 24% GRAB FACTOR 94% STAYING POWER 95% AA RATING 94%Amstrad Action, issue 5 (February 1986) · p. 51 (image 51)Lots more colour than previous versions of the game.Amstrad Action, issue 5 (February 1986) · p. 51 (image 51)Most of the sound effects are disappointingAmstrad Action, issue 5 (February 1986) · p. 51 (image 51)The vector graphics are excellent, smooth moving and the variety of colours makes the display superb.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The ratings box, the Mastergame label and the index's lines were read on the page images (images 35, 50 and 51); the rest in the OCR text. The review is signed BW and its second opinion PC.
Cited by: Elite
Firebird's American advertisement in Compute!'s Gazette of May 1986 offered the Commodore 64 and 128 version as "here now", complete with manual, novel, control guide, ship identification chart and keyboard overlay, and called Elite "Britain's 1985 Adventure Game of the Year". The US competition winner would be flown to London to try for the Elite World Championship. The advertisement gives Firebird's address in Ramsey, New Jersey. elite-history/us-c64-ad
p. 15 (image 17), Firebird advertisement2 MILLION AMERICANS ARE ABOUT TO BECOME ‘DANGEROUS’Compute!'s Gazette, issue 35 (May 1986) · p. 15 (image 17), Firebird advertisementElite is Britain's 1985 Adventure Game ofthe YearCompute!'s Gazette, issue 35 (May 1986) · p. 15 (image 17), Firebird advertisementit's here now for the Commodore 64™ and 128Compute!'s Gazette, issue 35 (May 1986) · p. 15 (image 17), Firebird advertisementcomplete with Manual, Novel, Control Guide, Ship Identification Chart, Keyboard Overlay and the opportunity as the US competition winner to get flown to London, England to try for the Elite World ChampionshipCompute!'s Gazette, issue 35 (May 1986) · p. 15 (image 17), Firebird advertisementP.O. BOX 49, RAMSEY NEW JERSEY 07446 USARevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: quote extended to the package contents and the US competition winner; statement lists all five items.Firebird's own advertisement, held at T1 because the lint counts a magazine-kind source as secondary. Read in the OCR text; the page image hasn't been checked; the folio is from images 16 and 18 (pp. 14 and 16). The award it cites isn't named further.
Cited by: Elite
The One reviewed the Atari ST version in November 1988, at £24.95 and out then, four years after the BBC Micro original. Gary Whitta wrote that the original had been squeezed into 32K, that the conversion from vector to filled 3D graphics was handled well, and that the ST version was "a competent implementation of a timeless concept", though Gremlin's FOFT narrowly had the edge. It scored 86%. elite-history/st-review
p. 65 (image 65), standfirstFour years after its release on the BBC Micro, David Braben and Ian Bell’s timeless space epic can now at last be experienced by ST and Amiga owners. Gary Whitta boards his Cobra Mk IIIThe One, issue 2 (November 1988) · p. 65 (image 65)More impressive is the fact that it was squeezed into a miniscule 32K!The One, issue 2 (November 1988) · pp. 67-68 (images 67-68) — the sentence goes on "phics has been handled very well" on the next imageThe conversion from vector to filled 3D graThe One, issue 2 (November 1988) · pp. 67-68 (images 67-68)Elite on the ST represents a competent im¬ plementation of a timeless concept.The One, issue 2 (November 1988) · pp. 67-68 (images 67-68)But it’s FOFT that narrowly has the edge on its classic counterpart.The One, issue 2 (November 1988) · pp. 67-68 (images 67-68), score box£24.95 Out NowThe One, issue 2 (November 1988) · pp. 67-68 (images 67-68), score boxOVERALL 86%Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text; the page images haven't been checked. The score box's OCR also reads Graphics 80%, Sound 51%, Playability 88% and Value 84%. The contents page lists the review at p. 65. The publisher is Firebird, per the contents page and The One 4.
Cited by: Elite
The One's review says the ST version keeps Strauss's Blue Danube for the automatic docking and the title screen, and has at least one ship that isn't in the 8-bit versions, the Wolf Mk II. elite-history/st-changes
pp. 67-68 (images 67-68) — the OCR's "Strauss*" for "Strauss'"A rendition of Strauss* Blue Danube still accompanies the automatic docking, as well as making an appearance on the title screen.The One, issue 2 (November 1988) · pp. 67-68 (images 67-68), captionWolf Mk II. Just one of the many ships you encounter in Elite. A deadly craft is this one (and one that doesn’t appear in the 8-bit versionsRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: quotes added for the title screen and the Wolf Mk II caption; "ships" made singular.Read in the OCR text; the page images haven't been checked.
Cited by: Elite
The One's update for the Amiga version, in January 1989, found it hard to tell from the ST version but with better sound, including the Blue Danube playable during the game, and slightly faster. At £24.95 and out then, it scored 85%. elite-history/amiga-review
p. 22 (image 22), Update — the OCR has stray characters ("V ^ V") inside the hyphenated wordElite isn't immediately disting- uishable from the ST versionThe One for 16-bit Games, issue 4 (January 1989) · p. 22 (image 22), Updatethe sound is enhancedThe One for 16-bit Games, issue 4 (January 1989) · p. 22 (image 22), Updatethat can now be played during the game as well as on the title screen.The One for 16-bit Games, issue 4 (January 1989) · p. 22 (image 22), UpdateIt is slightly faster but not considerably so.The One for 16-bit Games, issue 4 (January 1989) · p. 22 (image 22), Update, score box£24.95 RELEASE DATE Out Now GRAPHICS 80% SOUND 53% PLAYABILITY 84% VALUE 88% OVERALL 85%Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: quote added for "isn't immediately distinguishable from the ST version".Read in the OCR text; data/contents/the-one-004-1989-01.yaml records the score box as read from the page image. The One 2 (p. 67) had given the Amiga version's due date as November 1988.
Cited by: Elite
The One reported in November 1988 that the Amiga version was nearly finished and due that November. elite-history/amiga-due
pp. 67-68 (images 67-68), boxAmiga owners will be glad to hear that Elite is very nearly finished and is due for release some¬ time in November.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text; the page image hasn't been checked.
Cited by: Elite
Beau Jolly's compilation Supreme Challenge, advertised in October 1988 for the ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC and Commodore 64 at £12.95 on cassette and £16.95 on disc, put Elite with The Sentinel, Tetris, Ace 2 and Starglider. Crash's review of compilations in January 1989 called Elite, Starglider and The Sentinel its "three true mega games", and its table recalled Crash's 92% for Elite from issue 22. elite-history/compilation
p. 24 (image 24), Beau Jolly advertisementBEAU-JOLLYYour Sinclair, issue 34 (October 1988) · p. 24 (image 24), Beau Jolly advertisement"The game of a lifetime" (Zzap 64)Your Sinclair, issue 34 (October 1988) · p. 24 (image 24), Beau Jolly advertisementSPECTRUM 48K/128 • SPECTRUM PLUS 3 AMSTRAD 464/6128 • AMSTRAD DISC COMMODORE 64/128 • COMMODORE DISCYour Sinclair, issue 34 (October 1988) · p. 24 (image 24), Beau Jolly advertisement — read on the page image; the OCR reads "£ 12 - 95 C4SS / £ 16-95"£12.95 CASS. / £16.95 DISCYour Sinclair, issue 34 (October 1988) · p. 24 (image 24), Beau Jolly advertisement — read on the page image by the scout; the OCR doesn't carry the nameSUPREME CHALLENGEYour Sinclair, issue 34 (October 1988) · p. 24 (image 24), Beau Jolly advertisementTetris will have you hooked from the moment you pick up your joystick" (Your Sinclair)Your Sinclair, issue 34 (October 1988) · p. 24 (image 24), Beau Jolly advertisementAce ii "This is the perfect flight simulation" (Crash)Your Sinclair, issue 34 (October 1988) · p. 24 (image 24), Beau Jolly advertisementSTARGLIDERCrash, issue 60 (January 1989) · p. 93 (image 94), Collectable Consumables — read on the page image by the scoutBut Beau Jolly's pride and joy must be Supreme Challenge, a superb collection of three true mega games (Starglider, Elite and The Sentinel) plus one puzzling (Tetris) and, of course, the obligatory flight sim (Ace 2).Crash, issue 60 (January 1989) · pp. 92-93 (images 93-94), table of CRASH issue and review percentage — read on the page image; the row is headed "SUPREME CHALLENGE £12.95c, £16.95d Beau Jolly"Elite 22/92%Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: quotes added for the Supreme Challenge name, Tetris and Ace 2; ACE II spelled as printed.Beau Jolly's own advertisement is held at T1 because the lint counts a magazine-kind source as secondary. The advertisement's name, prices and badge and Crash 60's text and table were read on the page images; Crash 60's OCR is too garbled to match. In the advertisement Elite's box art carries the Firebird logo and a Your Sinclair Megagame badge. The advertisement prints the flight simulator as "Ace ii" and Crash as "Ace 2".
Cited by: Elite
The One reported in January 1991 that an enhanced PC version had just come out and that a version for the NES was in production. Braben said the NES version had been finished for some time, but that people were telling him it wasn't a Nintendo game, since Nintendo players wanted simple games. elite-history/pc-and-nes-1991
p. 112 (image 128), introduction — the OCR goes on "MicroPro®", for MicroProseAn enhanced PC version has just been released byThe One, issue 28 (January 1991) · p. 112 (image 128), introductiona version for the Nintendo Entertainment System is currently in production.The One, issue 28 (January 1991) · p. 112 (image 128)for the last six months or so we’ve been trying to get Elite onto the Nintendo console - that version has been finished for a while nowThe One, issue 28 (January 1991) · p. 112 (image 128)people are saying that it’s not a Nintendo game and that Nintendo players want simple games.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text; the scout confirmed the Nintendo quote on the page image (image 128). The PC version's title (Elite Plus, per the lead) and its publisher's name aren't confirmed from a page image here.
Cited by: Elite
Imagineer published the NES version in Britain in late 1992. Nintendo Magazine System's October 1992 review gives £39.95 and a November release; Total!'s review in November gives £40 and "out now". Nintendo Magazine System called it the only console version of Elite so far. elite-history/nes-release
p. 56 (image 56), review boxPRICE:£39.95 BY:IMAGINEERNintendo Magazine System, issue 1 (October 1992) · p. 56 (image 56), review boxRELEASE NOVNintendo Magazine System, issue 1 (October 1992) · p. 56 (image 56), OriginThis is the only console version of Elite to appear... yet!Total!, issue 11 (November 1992) · p. 72 (image 72)From imagineerTotal!, issue 11 (November 1992) · p. 72 (image 72)Price £40Total!, issue 11 (November 1992) · p. 73 (image 73), Tek-SpexOut nowChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The scout confirmed the price, publisher and release lines on the page images (NMS image 56, Total! images 72 and 73). Britain only: no source read here covers another country. The year is the issues'.
Cited by: Elite
The two British reviews print different player counts for the NES version. Nintendo Magazine System marks it "2 PLAYER" and describes a two-player mode, in which player one fires and works the icon system and player two navigates. Total! lists it as "1 player", in its review and again in its December directory. Nintendo Magazine System also notes that the Blue Danube plays during automatic docking, with an option to turn it off. elite-history/nes-players
p. 56 (image 56), side badge — read on the page image, with badges "4 MEG" and "SIM GAME"2 PLAYERNintendo Magazine System, issue 1 (October 1992) · p. 56 (image 56), box headed "One/two-player game"In the two-player mode, player one controls the fir- ing and has access to the icon system, making him responsible for every sys- tem bar the navigation. This part of the game is left to player two.Total!, issue 11 (November 1992) · p. 72 (image 72)For NES (1 player)Total!, issue 12 (December 1992) · p. 132 (image 132), Total! Recall directoryELITE Imagineer 1 player £40Nintendo Magazine System, issue 1 (October 1992) · p. 56 (image 56)rendition of the Blue Danube plays while your docking computers are activated.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Each magazine's count is as printed, read on the page images (NMS image 56, Total! images 72 and 132); neither the game nor its manual has been checked to settle which is right.
Cited by: Elite
Nintendo Magazine System gave the NES version 91 overall (presentation 98, graphics 83, sound 78, lastability 93, playability 90). Rich, who had reached Elite on the Spectrum, Commodore 64 and Amiga, found everything from the original there, down to the geography of all eight galaxies, but the game hard to get into and the docking sequence over-long. Jaz called it "absolutely brilliant". elite-history/nes-nms-review
p. 58 (image 58), ratings — read on the page image, with Presentation 98, Graphics 83, Sound 78, Lastability 93 and Playability 90, printed without % signsOVERALL 91Nintendo Magazine System, issue 1 (October 1992) · p. 58 (image 58), verdict — the OCR runs "A classic" togetherAclassic computer game makes the transition to the NES perfect- ly!Nintendo Magazine System, issue 1 (October 1992) · p. 57 (image 57), comment signed RichI'm an old Elite veteran, having got to Elite on the Spectrum, C64 and Amiga versions.Nintendo Magazine System, issue 1 (October 1992) · p. 57 (image 57), comment signed Richeven the geography of all eight galaxies is exactly the same!Nintendo Magazine System, issue 1 (October 1992) · p. 57 (image 57), comment signed RichFirstly, the game is quite difficult to get into.Nintendo Magazine System, issue 1 (October 1992) · p. 57 (image 57), comment signed Richthe over-long docking sequence for instance.Nintendo Magazine System, issue 1 (October 1992) · p. 58 (image 58), comment signed JazI thought it was impossi- ble, but Elite has arrived on Nintendo and it’s absolutely brilliant.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The marks and the signatures RICH and JAZ were read on the page images (images 57 and 58); the quotes are in the OCR text too.
Cited by: Elite
Total!'s reviewer, Chris, gave the NES version a final rating of 96%, with 8, 7, 9 and 9 out of 10 for looks, sounds, gameplay and life span. He called it "one of the best games around on any system" and couldn't recommend it strongly enough; the verdict calls it "One of the best NES games ever!". The review's specs give eight levels, hard difficulty and a battery back-up. elite-history/nes-total-review
p. 73 (image 73)Elite is one of the best games around on any system, and the NES version is very impressive.Total!, issue 11 (November 1992) · p. 73 (image 73), comment signed Chriscan’t recommend Elite strongly enough.Total!, issue 11 (November 1992) · p. 73 (image 73), verdictOne of the best NES games ever!Total!, issue 11 (November 1992) · p. 73 (image 73), score box — read on the page image, with Looks 8, Sounds 7, Gameplay 9 and Life span 9 of 10 squaresFinal rating 96 PercentTotal!, issue 11 (November 1992) · p. 73 (image 73), Tek-Spex — read on the page imageLevels 8 Difficulty Hard Continues Battery back-upChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The score box, the Tek-Spex and the byline CHRIS were read on the page image (image 73); the quotes from the text are in the OCR too.
Cited by: Elite
Total!'s directory of NES games in December 1992 repeats its issue 11 mark for Elite, 96%, and calls the game "probably the best space flight sim ever". elite-history/nes-total-score
p. 132 (image 132), Total! Recall directoryELITE Imagineer 1 player £40Total!, issue 12 (December 1992) · p. 132 (image 132), Total! Recall directoryHuge, absorbing and tough, this is probably the best space flight sim ever!Total!, issue 12 (December 1992) · p. 132 (image 132), Total! Recall directory — read on the page image; the OCR breaks off after "Issue"96% (Issue 11)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The mark and issue number were read on the page image (image 132); the rest in the OCR text too.
Cited by: Elite