Frontier : Elite II

                 Reviewed by Julian Gregory

Many years ago, well in the 1980s at least, a game was launched
which was to change the face of computing. That game was Elite.
Rumour had it that many BBC computers were bought just to be able
to play the game. Several years later, after many false hopes, the
follow up was launched.

The game is so vast that it is difficult to know where to begin to
describe its features. With the more advanced graphic capabilities
available since the Elite was first produced the quality of the
game is now much better.

Frontier carries on from where the original game left off. You
could still be a trader if you wanted to, but there are now new
opportunities available from ferrying people or objects to where
they wanted to go to becoming a mercenary for either the Federa-
tion or the Imperial Navy. Having two opposing empires is also a
new feature and offers the ability of working for either side. I
would recommend only accepting missions from one side. If you
don't it will have severe consequences for your ability to rise
through the ranks.

Once you have decided which side you want to work for, you can
then work near the border between them. This gives a greater scope
for obtaining the necessary missions. The jobs on offer will
depend on your rank and Elite rating.

In the beginning you are offered the choice of 3 starting
locations, with a different ship at your disposal. The recommended
start is at Ross 154. You should be able to travel fairly widely
without needing to fight, thereby building up your credits so that
you can afford a better ship and weaponry.

Once you have become familiar with the game you will need to
decide on the type of career; trader, miner, taxi driver, asteroid
miner, assassin or military.

Flying your ship is very easy. Unlike the original game this game
was designed to be used with the mouse. Docking is not as diffi-
cult as before. You are given an automatic docking computer from
the start. In the first Elite you had to earn sufficient credits
to be able to buy a docking computer, The ironic thing was that
when you could afford to buy one you had acquired enough expertise
not to require one!

Another new way of obtaining money is that when you dock at a new
space station you may be asked about somebody. You may have
picked them up, or heard about them on your travels. People are
willing to pay good money for this information. But don't lie as
this will affect your reputation. This is a critical factor in the
game, but which is always hidden from and you will not know how
you are progressing. The only pointer I found is that, when your
reputation is sufficiently high you can get an additional 10% for
ferrying people or objects about. This does not apply to military
missions which only offer a set price.


As I said before this game is vast and if you want to become Elite
be prepared for a LONG game. To my mind the game is just too long
and waiting to be promoted from Duke to Prince in the Imperial
ranks can become extremely boring.

Otherwise this is a very well produced game, but I guess some of
the graphics may seem rather old-fashioned. But don't forget the
game did come out in 1993. I can recommend Frontier but you will
need plenty of patience.










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