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Elite: Dangerous

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Elite: Dangerous
Item: Elite: Dangerous
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2014

GenresVirtual Reality, Adventure, Indie, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Shooter, Open World, Simulation, RPG, Strategy, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableDec 16, 2014

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

DeveloperFrontier Developments

Overview

The next game in the Elite series - an amazing space epic with stunning visuals, incredible gameplay, breath-taking scope and fully multiplayer. Carve your own path through the richest, largest gaming sandbox ever created, set against a backdrop of raw anarchy, galactic powerplays and intrigue.

Elsewhere

8.3

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

23%

Mixed (50-79)

69%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Elite: Dangerous are varied, but there are some common themes that emerge from their reviews. Critics like PlayStation Universe and GameFront highlight the player-driven narrative aspect of the game, where players can create their own stories through their actions in the vast galaxy. This emphasis on player agency and the freedom to shape their own destiny is seen as a positive aspect by many reviewers, including Destructoid and GameOver.gr. The ability to choose different paths such as trading, exploration, combat, and piracy is praised for offering players a wide range of experiences within the game world. On the negative side, several critics, such as Digitally Downloaded and Eurogamer Italy, point out the lack of a detailed or compelling overarching narrative in Elite: Dangerous. The absence of a traditional storyline or structured narrative is seen as a downside by reviewers like GameSpot and Eurogamer Poland, who feel that this leads to a sense of emptiness and a lack of consequence for players' actions. The generic nature of missions and the limited impact they have on the game world, as mentioned by DarkStation and GameFront, also contribute to the perceived lack of depth in the storytelling aspect of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Elite: Dangerous offers a unique player-driven experience where the focus is on creating one's own stories rather than following a predefined narrative. Critics like Guardian and games(TM) appreciate the freedom and agency given to players to carve out their own paths in the galaxy. However, the lack of a strong, overarching storyline and the limited impact of player actions on the game world are seen as drawbacks by some reviewers. Despite these criticisms, the game is praised for its vast universe, immersive gameplay loops, and the sense of exploration and discovery it offers to players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics praise Elite: Dangerous for its player-driven narrative and freedom to shape destinies through various paths like trading and combat. However, some reviewers criticize the lack of a compelling overarching storyline and limited impact of player actions on the game world. Overall, the game is applauded for its unique player experience and vast universe, despite storytelling drawbacks noted by some critics.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

82%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Elite: Dangerous for its depth, complexity, and immersive experience. Critics like Everyeye.it appreciated the various activities available, such as piracy, bounty hunting, and exploration, each with specific skills and equipment requirements, adding layers of challenges and complexities to the gameplay. Cubed3 highlighted the deep and immersive experience where players can explore, stake their claim in the universe, and engage in activities like cargo runs, bounties, and mining, providing tools for survival and thriving in the vast sandbox. Digital Chumps commended the challenging and immersive space flight simulator experience, requiring players to master docking, flying, and navigating between stars, with various missions, factions, and opportunities for ship upgrades. However, some critics pointed out drawbacks in the gameplay of Elite: Dangerous. Slant Magazine mentioned that the gameplay can be unfriendly for beginners, frustrating in combat, and limited in terms of activities, which may deter new players. GamePro Germany and IGN Italia noted that the missions in the game are not very diverse and can become repetitive over time, potentially leading to a sense of monotony for players. Metro GameCentral on PC highlighted balancing issues and limited mission design as areas that could be improved to enhance the overall gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Elite: Dangerous. The game is lauded for its open-ended nature, offering players the freedom to pursue various paths like bounty hunting, piracy, trading, or exploration, as noted by MMORPG.com and 3DJuegos. Critics like GameSpot and PlayStation LifeStyle appreciated the strategic decision-making and skillful piloting required in the simulation-focused gameplay, while GameOver.gr and Ragequit.gr praised the strategic depth and challenging elements present in the game. Despite some minor criticisms regarding learning curves, repetitiveness, and balancing issues, the overall sentiment is that Elite: Dangerous provides a rich and engaging space exploration experience that captivates players with its vast universe and diverse gameplay options.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics rave about Elite: Dangerous' deep and immersive gameplay, praising its complexity, challenging space flight simulations, and diverse activities like piracy and exploration. While some critics point out issues like a steep learning curve and repetitive missions, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the game offering a captivating and rich space exploration experience with strategic depth and freedom for players to thrive in a vast universe.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics were highly impressed with the graphics and visual design of Elite: Dangerous, praising its stunning visuals, attention to detail, and immersive atmosphere. Critics like IGN highlighted the superb graphics and sound design, immersing players in the role of a pilot in space, capturing the stunning scenery of space better than any other game they've seen. DarkStation commended the game for its visually appealing texture work on ship models and stations, while COGconnected noted the impressive graphics and minimal HUD, enhancing the overall visual experience. The game was lauded for its detailed spaceship cabins, realistic space environments, and visually appealing stars by 3DJuegos, further emphasizing the positive reception towards the game's graphics. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the graphics and visual design of Elite: Dangerous. DarkStation mentioned noticeable screen tearing and framerate dips in crowded areas, especially on planets, which could detract from the overall visual experience. Metro GameCentral highlighted the lack of variety in space stations and occasional emptiness in space, which may disappoint some players looking for more diversity in the visuals. Eurogamer Poland also noted the repetitive nature of space stations and limited interactions, becoming apparent after exploring numerous systems, suggesting a need for more variety in the game's visual elements. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the graphics and visual design of Elite: Dangerous. The game was praised for its immaculately designed ship cockpits, stunning ship models, detailed environments, and captivating nebula visuals, creating a visually striking experience that enhances the space exploration theme. Despite some minor issues like occasional frame rate drops and lack of variety in certain visual aspects, the majority of critics found the graphics to be exceptional, with many highlighting the game as one of the best-looking space simulations available. Elite: Dangerous successfully immerses players in a vast and dynamic universe, with its visually diverse galaxy and attention to detail earning widespread acclaim from critics across different platforms.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Elite: Dangerous' stunning graphics and immersive visuals, praising its attention to detail and captivating atmosphere. While some noted minor issues like screen tearing and lack of visual variety, the majority agree that the game's exceptional graphics make it one of the best-looking space simulations out there. Overall, Elite: Dangerous excels in creating a visually striking experience that immerses players in a vast and dynamic universe.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

77%

Mixed (50-79)

23%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Elite: Dangerous have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the critics. Many reviewers praised the immersive and realistic sound effects that enhance the overall gameplay experience. Critics like PlayStation LifeStyle and GameSpot highlighted the attention to detail in sound design, with effects like blaster fire, engine boosts, and ship movements adding depth to the game's atmosphere. The soundtrack was also widely appreciated, with Digitally Downloaded comparing it to Mass Effect and GameOver.gr mentioning beautiful music that complements the gameplay. The soundscapes created in the game, as noted by TheSixthAxis and XboxAddict, draw parallels to iconic sci-fi franchises like Star Trek and Mass Effect, further immersing players in the vastness of space. On the downside, some critics pointed out minor issues with the sound design and music of Elite: Dangerous. GamingTrend on Xbox One noted that while the sound effects and soundtrack were impressive, the music could become repetitive over time. Metro GameCentral on PC criticized the lack of character and humor in the sound design, which detracted from the overall experience for some players. Additionally, GameOver.gr mentioned occasional server disconnects affecting the sound design, highlighting a technical issue that impacted the game's audiovisual experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the sound design and music of Elite: Dangerous. The majority of reviewers appreciated the immersive sound effects, detailed soundscapes, and fitting soundtrack that complemented the gameplay and visuals. PCGamesN even went as far as to praise the sound design as setting an industry standard. While there were some minor criticisms regarding repetitive music and lack of character in the sound design, the general sentiment is that the audio elements of the game greatly contribute to the immersive experience of space exploration. Elite: Dangerous successfully captures the essence of piloting a spaceship through its sound design, creating a rich and engaging auditory experience for players.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics love Elite: Dangerous' sound design and music, praising immersive effects and realistic soundscapes that enhance gameplay. Some minor issues noted, like repetitive music and lack of character in sound design, but overall, the audio elements set an industry standard and contribute to a rich space exploration experience.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

20%

Mixed (50-79)

80%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the PS4 platform, several critics highlighted both positive and negative aspects. PlayStation LifeStyle praised the game for running solidly on the PS4 Pro, ensuring a smooth experience for players. Metro GameCentral also commended the impressive port with early problems already patched out. However, PlaySense and IGN Italia noted occasional issues such as screen-tearing, frame rate problems, and occasional slowdowns on the PS4, impacting the overall experience for players. Moving on to the Xbox One platform, critics provided a mixed review of the technical performance of Elite: Dangerous. While GameOver.gr and Impulsegamer mentioned occasional frame rate drops and slowdowns affecting stability, DarkStation and God is a Geek praised the polish and stability of the game despite some technical limitations. Critic GamingTrend acknowledged occasional frame drops and choppiness but mentioned that they did not significantly interrupt gameplay. However, Slant Magazine briefly mentioned bugs and the always-online requirement as potential downsides. Across all gaming platforms, there seems to be a consensus among critics that Elite: Dangerous offers a mixed technical performance. While some critics like GamesRadar++ on Xbox One and Impulsegamer on PC reported smooth gameplay experiences, others such as GameSpot on PC and GameOver.gr on Xbox One highlighted issues like frame rate drops, glitches, and connectivity problems. The ongoing updates and patches from the developers were recognized positively by critics like PlayStation Universe on PS4 and God is a Geek on Xbox One, indicating a commitment to improving the game's technical aspects. Overall, the technical performance of Elite: Dangerous appears to vary depending on the platform, with some experiencing more stability and polish than others, ultimately shaping the players' overall gaming experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics had mixed opinions on the technical performance of Elite: Dangerous across different platforms. While some praised smooth gameplay and stability, others pointed out issues like frame rate drops and connectivity problems. Ongoing updates from developers aim to improve the game's performance, but players may encounter varying levels of polish depending on the platform they use.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

53%

Mixed (50-79)

47%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Elite: Dangerous are varied, with several positive aspects highlighted. Critics such as XboxAddict and Impulsegamer praise the game for offering seemingly unlimited gameplay possibilities and a vast game environment with continuous updates adding new content and features. The game's flexibility in gameplay styles, diverse paths, and activities, as mentioned by IGN and games(TM), contribute to its high replayability. The ability to shape destinies, engage in various activities, and experience unique gameplay opportunities in a vast gaming universe, as noted by Impulsegamer and Digital Spy, also adds to the game's replay value. The game's freedom of action, multiplayer capabilities, and the potential for development, as highlighted by Eurogamer Italy and GRYOnline.pl, make it a highly recommended title with various roles to take on, providing long-term entertainment for committed players. On the other hand, critics have pointed out some negatives regarding the replay value of Elite: Dangerous. Game Informer and Eurogamer Poland mention that the game can become repetitive quickly, with solo play getting stale and repetitive gameplay loops impacting the overall experience. PC Gamer criticizes the game for struggling to provide players with a sense of real ownership and impact within its online universe, limiting player agency and the ability to effect meaningful change. Gamer.nl notes that the multiplayer aspect falls short in depth compared to full MMO experiences, with limited interactions due to a maximum of 32 players per instance and a lack of a guild system, which may hinder long-term engagement for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Elite: Dangerous offers a rich and immersive space exploration experience with significant replay value for players who enjoy the niche space sim genre and are willing to invest time and effort into mastering the game. While the game may have some shortcomings such as repetitive gameplay loops and limited multiplayer interactions, the continuous updates, diverse gameplay possibilities, and the vast universe to explore contribute to its lasting appeal and addictive nature, as highlighted by USgamer. Players who appreciate freedom of action, engaging activities, and the potential for future growth and developments, as noted by Eurogamer Germany and Games.cz, are likely to find Elite: Dangerous a compelling and highly replayable experience. Ultimately, the game's mix of positives and negatives results in a title that offers a unique and engaging space exploration experience with varying levels of replay value depending on individual player preferences and playstyles.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Elite: Dangerous for its vast universe, limitless gameplay options, and continuous updates, making it highly replayable. However, some criticize its repetitive gameplay and limited multiplayer depth. Overall, the game appeals to niche space sim fans who enjoy exploration and player agency, despite its flaws.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

72%

Mixed (50-79)

28%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The opinions of the critics regarding Elite: Dangerous are varied, showcasing both positive and negative aspects of the game. Critics such as GamesRadar++ and Eurogamer Italy praise the game for its vast and immersive galaxy, engaging gameplay, impressive graphics, and potential for future updates. They highlight the game's modern take on the classic space sim genre, offering a rewarding experience for space exploration enthusiasts. Additionally, GameOver.gr and PlayStation LifeStyle commend the game for its immersive elements, solid performance, and living game world, making it a must-play for sci-fi fans. On the other hand, critics like GameStar and PCGamesN point out the game's shortcomings, mentioning issues such as a lack of direction, repetitive gameplay loops, and occasional boredom. They highlight the game's unfinished feel, steep learning curve, and lonely gameplay experience, which may deter some players from fully enjoying the game. Furthermore, Digital Spy and Eurogamer Poland criticize the game for its accessibility issues, repetitive missions, and lack of depth in character interactions, impacting the overall experience for players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Elite: Dangerous offers a unique and engaging space simulation experience with immense potential for improvement. While some critics appreciate the game's depth, scale, and evolving universe, others caution about its complexity, lack of direction, and repetitive gameplay. The game is praised for its immersive elements, impressive visuals, and dedication to updates, making it a compelling choice for fans of the space sim genre. However, the mixed opinions suggest that Elite: Dangerous may not be enjoyable for everyone, requiring patience, dedication, and a willingness to invest time to fully appreciate its vast universe and gameplay intricacies.

TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on Elite: Dangerous. Some praise its vast galaxy, engaging gameplay, and immersive elements, making it a must-play for sci-fi fans. Others criticize its lack of direction, repetitive loops, and accessibility issues, cautioning about its complexity. Overall, the game offers a unique space sim experience with potential for improvement, appealing to fans willing to invest time in exploring its intricacies.

MONSTER

Reviews

126 reviews found

PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 4

Jul 4, 2017