This week the Elite franchise celebrates an amazing 40 years of bringing you the freedom to explore the Milky Way in your own unique way!
Elite (1984)
"Elite" was written by David Braben and Ian Bell starting in 1982 while the authors were still at Cambridge University. It was first published by Acornsoft on the BBC Micro in September 1984 to huge critical acclaim. The rights to other computer platforms were then auctioned by Jacqui Lyons of Marjacq, and British Telecom then went on to publish on many other platforms under the name of Firebird.
"Elite" set many firsts, and was the first genuine 3D game on home computers. Even many years after its release it is fondly remembered. For example "Probably the best computer game ever" (The Times, December 1988). It went on to sell around 1,000,000 units, and is popular still, having appeared on most popular formats.
Indulge your nostalgia and experience the first incarnation with the original Elite, available FREE in the Frontier Store!
Frontier Elite II (1993)
Written in five and a half years by David Braben, with Konami Inc of Japan as publisher, the game was released in October 1993 and was in the top few slots in the UK Gallup chart for the best part of the following year. It was the best selling game in Europe 1993 according to Gallup.
"Frontier" also set a number of firsts. It was the first game to have real-sized planets, where cities could be viewed from orbit, it was the first to use curved surfaces (Bezier), the only game to do a palette-fit every frame to get best use of colours!
Frontier First Encounters (1995)
Released in Easter 1995, "First Encounters" also had a number of firsts to its name. The game was renowned for its detailed modelling of the geography of planets, despite the relative lack of power of the target PCs at the time. It was the first game to use procedural texturing to generate the vegetation, snow and more on the planet surfaces. Mountain ranges, cliffs and wonderful alien landscapes and atmospheric effects all contributed to the atmosphere of the game, and the coloured lighting from the redder stars gave some planets an eerie look.
Elite Dangerous (2014)
Released in December 2014, the BAFTA-nominated Elite Dangerous is the definitive, massively multiplayer space epic. 10 years later and Elite Dangerous has seen two expansions, an ongoing narrative filled with political intrigue, corporate espionage, a galaxy wide war against the extraterrestrial threat of the Thargoids and astounding community led initiatives and activities!
Free Ruby Anniversary Gift
To celebrate 40 years of Elite we're giving every Elite Dangerous Live player an exclusive Ruby anniversary decal completely free! Simply head to the Elite Dangerous Gamestore to claim it for the amazing price of 0 ARX! The decal comes in a range of colour, allowing you to choose the best match for your ship!
Ruby Anniversary Cosmetics
Want to celebrate the Ruby Anniversary of Elite in style? Check out the Ruby Anniversary cosmetics available in the Elite Dangerous gamestore now!
Give your favourite ship or SRV a new look with the Ruby Anniversary paintjob, available on vehicles in the game!
Or, throwback to the past with the Dodec station bobblehead!
The Ruby Anniversary cosmetics, decal and bobblehead will be available until 21st October. Grab yours today!
Have a fond memory from 40 years of playing Elite games? Share them on social channels with #EliteRuby!
With such a historic legacy we can't wait to explore the future with you!
