Elite: Dangerous Reviews
Elite: Dangerous is a fascinating exploration of space that will endlessly appeal to some players and thoroughly bore others.
The initial hours are a slog then, but for a game that requires months, maybe even years of play to get the most out of, that graft will be pretty small potatoes in the long run. Had Elite: Dangerous been published along traditional routes, such a steep learning curve would have probably been avoided by an industry that all-too-often likes to play things safe.
It sounds like I am harping on Elite: Dangerous, but it's a fantastic game and makes one wonder why space sims have been away for so long. For all of its polish in some areas, it has obviously unrefined aspects in others. For all the aspects that let you tell a story about the game, there's little to allow you to create in a story within it. During the first few weeks, the game will absolutely demand your free time, and you will gleefully engage. It just needs a lot more to sustain itself.
To summarize, Elite: Dangerous is awe-inspiringly beautiful, but a time sink of galactic proportions.
The faint of heart need not apply
One day Elite: Dangerous might be worth the price tag, but currently it is not.
I would recommend this game if you want a space experience that you can have by yourself, with friends or with people you meet along the way. While not as big or feature laden like EVE Online or the upcoming ambitious Star Citizen, Elite: Dangerous is a satisfying experience that fills the void of a space simulator game, yet has an easier to climb learning curve and requires less time investment (and is already released). The game is not for everyone though, especially those expected a space combat game or cannot stand grinding for money.
Elite: Dangerous is a phenomenal piece of simulation software, masquerading as a game. I felt like Mal Reynolds, Captain Picard and Luke Skywalker at various points, while at others I felt like a delivery man who was able to make a cup of tea whilst travelling to the next drop off. The emptiness of space can be overwhelming, and Elite: Dangerous revels in that a little too much, but for the brave, or foolhardy, it offers an experience that is unlike anything else on Xbox One.
One of the biggest games ever released, but not the most fun. Elite Dangerous may be too slow and even tedious for some players, but if you are into it's sci-fi simulation, this game is a blast.
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With a fantastic sense of scale, attention to detail, great combat, and an ambitious vision of a shared universe make Elite: Dangerous well worth checking out. But its let down by punishing opening hours and tedious pacing. If you can stomach these, you'll find an entire cosmos begging to be explored.
Massive, intimidating, and stunningly beautiful, Elite: Dangerous is one of the deepest, most rewarding open-world experiences you can have on Xbox One.
Frontier Developments has created an impossibly huge galaxy with almost limitless potential. Now they just need to fill it up with more interesting personalities and conflicts and reasons to explore. Once that happens, Elite: Dangerous could rocket up to must-play status.
An absolutely brilliant space sim that has no equal on the Xbox One. Despite the relative lack of "depth" and other small issues, Elite: Dangerous still manages to impress with a very dynamic, unique and incredible experience. For space sim fans, this will no doubt become a staple in this genre on console.
Elite: Dangerous is a well-made space sim with incredible scope and wondrous plans for the future, but it might put off some players with its complexity.
Frontier Developments have done a magnificent job of creating an affordable universe that is fun to play. With tons of game styles and the entirety of the Milky Way to explore, this one is truly for space sim buffs with one caveat – if you're feeling lost, we recommend you check out video tutorials online.
The content and gameplay of 'Elite' is much as it was during the Preview program, which is to say excellent. The technical issues are much improved, and the addition of CQC is a net positive. It can be a cold, uninviting experience for the new player, but it is a great spaceship game that should not be missed.
Although slow and complicated at times, Elite: Dangerous nevertheless provides a rewarding open-world experience on Xbox One.
Elite Dangerous is a very cool, atmospheric experience with an outstanding presentation. The flexible gameplay and progression loop are two great reasons to keep coming back for more if the game's mechanics click for you. However, it is easy to see why some people might be turned off by its aimlessness, and with the lacking narrative contextualising what you're doing, you might be left with the nihilistic question of why you're bothering doing anything at all.
There's a really special game inside Elite: Dangerous for those that are willing to put up with the steep learning curve. If you're not though, it's too confusing of an experience.
Elite Dangerous is a very compelling and adventurous game. It's a story you get to tell based on your decisions. This is more than just a game. It's an ever-changing experience you get to participate in. Elite Dangerous is not for the Casual Gamer, and it's certainly not for everyone. If you're thinking about buying this simply for the space combat portion, you may want to explore other options. It's much more complex than the typical shoot'em-up experience.