Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Elite Plus stays remarkably true to the core mechanics that made the original Elite a landmark in space trading simulations. You assume the role of an aspiring space pilot, earning credits through trading commodities, bounty hunting, and completing mission-based assignments. The open-ended sandbox design encourages experimentation and careful resource management, making each decision—from outfitting your ship to selecting trade routes—carry real weight.

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The ship-to-ship combat, while rooted in vintage design, still delivers tense dogfights with a satisfying risk-reward balance. Enemies range from small bandit skiffs to heavily armed pirate corvettes, each demanding different tactics. Shields, energy management, and missile tracking systems all play a part, giving seasoned players depth and new pilots a clear learning curve.

Beyond trading and combat, Elite Plus incorporates diplomatic encounters and interstellar police patrols that can either assist or hinder your progress. These interactive elements keep the universe feeling alive, as opportunistic traders might turn into unexpected allies or foes based on your actions. Whether you’re sneaking contraband past customs or engaging in large-scale trading runs, the variety of gameplay loops ensures hours of replayability.

One subtle but important addition in Elite Plus is the refined user interface, which streamlines navigation of your star chart and commodity markets. Navigation screens are now more intuitive, reducing the time spent clicking through menus and allowing you to focus on piloting your craft. This small enhancement proves invaluable during long trading expeditions and intricate mission planning.

Graphics

Elite Plus boasts a full VGA graphical overhaul that injects fresh life into the classic space vistas. Ships, stations, and planetary backgrounds are rendered with vibrant colors and sharper detail compared to the original wireframe and rudimentary bitmap sprites. This enhanced visual fidelity helps modern players appreciate the diverse alien landscapes and starports they visit.

In-flight views of your ship’s cockpit have also been reimagined, with more informative HUD elements and clearer instrumentation. The transparent overlays for shield strength, weapon status, and hyperspace coordinates are neatly integrated, reducing clutter without sacrificing vital information. The overall aesthetic balances nostalgia with a concession to late ’90s graphical expectations.

Space stations now feature more intricate docking bay animations, and planetary horizons display richer texturing, from desert oases to ice-covered worlds. These visual upgrades, while subtle, create a more immersive environment that draws you into the vastness of the galaxy. The consistent frame rate during high-action scenarios further cements the interface improvements as more than just window dressing.

The color palette choices lend a sense of depth and scale to star systems that once felt sparse. Transitions between in-system travel and hyperspace jumps are smoother, complete with vivid warp lines that accentuate speed and motion. All told, the graphical enhancements in Elite Plus make revisiting this universe a genuinely fresh experience.

Story

Elite Plus introduces players to its universe not only through gameplay but also via the novella “Imprint” by Andy Redman. This new narrative element replaces the original Robert Holdstock tale, offering a unique glimpse into the darker fringes of galactic society. The novella provides essential backstory that deepens your understanding of the political factions, notorious pirate kings, and interstellar conflicts you’ll encounter.

“Imprint” unfolds as a companion piece to your in-game missions, meaning you’ll often find yourself referencing it for context on your next assignment. The prose is brisk and atmospheric, weaving accounts of covert operations, betrayals, and hard decisions that mirror the choices you make as a pilot. Its inclusion elevates the manual from mere documentation to a storytelling device in its own right.

Characters introduced in the novella often cross paths with mission briefings, creating a cohesive narrative thread throughout your playthrough. This synergy between text and gameplay adds gravitas to routine trades or combat patrols, reminding you that there’s always a larger story playing out among the stars. The emotional stakes—whether moral ambiguity or allegiance shifts—feel surprisingly potent for a simulator.

While purists may miss the original “Dark Wheel” novella, “Imprint” stands on its own as a compelling tale that enriches the Elite canon. It complements the sandbox feel without dictating your path, ensuring the game remains as open-ended as ever. For lore enthusiasts, the novella alone is a worthy selling point that deepens immersion and replay value.

Overall Experience

Elite Plus masterfully balances nostalgia and modernization, delivering an experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly updated. Longtime fans will appreciate the faithfulness to the original design, while newcomers benefit from graphical and interface enhancements that ease them into the complex trading and combat systems. It’s a delicate blend that few remakes manage so effectively.

The inclusion of “Imprint” as an in-game narrative companion sets Elite Plus apart from mere graphical upgrades. It underlines the developers’ commitment to enriching the universe rather than relying solely on technical improvements. This narrative investment shows through in the pacing of your adventures and the depth of side characters you meet along the way.

On the musical front, the updated soundtrack and sound effects breathe new life into every hyperspace jump and cannon volley. The orchestral cues heighten the drama of skirmishes, and ambient station noises reinforce the feeling of a living, breathing galaxy. These auditory enhancements, paired with the VGA visuals, immerse you in a way that the original hardware simply couldn’t achieve.

In conclusion, Elite Plus offers a robust, immersive space trading adventure that stands the test of time. Its careful balance of updated aesthetics, enriched narrative, and classic sandbox gameplay makes it an excellent choice for both veteran pilots and those making their first jump into the Elite universe. If you’re seeking a deep, open-ended cosmic journey with modern polish, Elite Plus is a top contender.

Retro Replay Score

7.7/10