Elite: Dangerous is a space simulation game that has captivated players with its vast open-world galaxy and intricate space combat. Developed by Frontier Developments, the game offers players the chance to explore a 1:1 scale Milky Way galaxy, engage in trade, combat, exploration, and much more. However, despite its impressive scope and mechanics, Elite: Dangerous has often been criticized for its slow pacing and lack of meaningful narrative content. This review will break down the pros and cons of Elite: Dangerous to help you decide if it’s worth your time.

Elite: Dangerous Worth

The Thrill of Space Exploration

What really makes Elite: Dangerous so unique, however, is the realism within the game and how expansive its universe reaches. With over 400 billion star systems that could be explored, it’s honestly pretty easy for players to get lost in space. The graphics, the sound design-exploring each of these journeys is nothing short of stunning and truly well-performed.

Be a trader, bounty hunter, pirate, or explorer- your way. Being able to play many different roles in the galaxy is one of the major selling points of this game. It’s so satisfying flying from star system to star system to see whatever turns up-whether it be finding a very uncommon planet or getting into some intense combat scenario.

The Beauty and Boredom of Travel

While Elite: Dangerous is fantastic for offering a beautiful, vast universe, it is equally infamous for long periods of dead time. Traveling through space can be very slow and laborious, especially on missions where one has to fly several thousand light seconds to reach that outpost tucked deep in a star system. Players may find themselves just flying for an extended amount of time with little or no interaction or action, something that should inherently be exciting, such as a space adventure, boiled down to a routine.

Combat and Trade: A Mixed Bag

One of the high spots of Elite: Dangerous is space combat. There’s a variety of ships to fly in, each with unique characteristics and loadout customization. Each ship can be equipped with a preferred choice of weapon loadout, shields, or thrusters, catering to particular gamer preferences for any given ship-to-ship combat situation that arises. When it does happen, the combat is thrilling and intense and requires a sense of power distribution between shields, weapons, and engines, along with some fancy footwork to avoid and dodge enemy fire.

Not all the gameplay systems are that interesting to play, however. For example, trading is lucrative but can be quite monotonous. Often, players will find themselves doing very long trade runs between stations, buying goods at one location to sell at another for an outrageous profit. The monotony of trading missions detracts somewhat from the overall excitement, particularly for players attuned toward enjoyment with a bit more action.

The Economy and Trading System

For players who enjoy resource management and economic strategy, the trading system in Elite: Dangerous can be rewarding. Finding a good trade route and making a fortune by transporting valuable commodities is satisfying, especially when avoiding space pirates along the way. However, the economy can sometimes feel static, with prices remaining consistent in certain areas, reducing the challenge and thrill of trading over time.

Lack of Narrative Depth

One of the major criticisms of Elite: Dangerous is its lack of narrative depth. While the game provides an expansive galaxy to explore, it often feels devoid of character and story. Missions typically lack meaningful context, and there are few significant storylines for players to follow. Many missions consist of simple fetch or delivery tasks with little narrative consequence, making the universe feel somewhat empty.

criticisms of Elite: Dangerous

The lack of personal or character-driven missions can be disappointing for players who enjoy games with a rich narrative. While there are factions to ally with and influence, the impact of your actions on the universe feels minimal. For a game with 400 billion star systems, it’s surprising how small and lifeless the world can sometimes feel.

Conclusion

Elite: Dangerous offers a unique and immersive space simulation experience that can be incredibly rewarding for the right type of player. Its vast universe, stunning visuals, and complex space combat make it a standout in the space sim genre. However, the game’s slow pacing, lack of meaningful narrative, and repetitive gameplay elements can make it a tough sell for players looking for constant action or a story-driven experience.

For those who enjoy space exploration, resource management, and the occasional intense dogfight, Elite: Dangerous is definitely worth playing. However, if you prefer fast-paced gameplay or rich storytelling, you may find the long stretches of travel and mission monotony to be frustrating. Ultimately, whether Elite: Dangerous is worth your time depends on what you’re looking for in a space simulation game.