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Commodore 64/128 Elite Information |
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Elite was released for the Commodore 64 by Firebird in 1985. This version sported a large number of on-screen colours, as well as some missions within the game. Due to the greater amount of available memory compared to the BBC computer, there was a full complement of ships to encounter, even in the tape version. However, as the C64's CPU ran at half the speed of the BBC's processor, it was not quite as smooth and responsive. |
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Click on the image to the right to view the complete Commodore 64 Elite package. It consisted of the Space Traders Flight Training Manual, the Quick Key Control Guide and a copy of the Dark Wheel novella by Rob Holdstock. There was also a ship identification chart and an application form to join the Order Of Elite. Finally, there was a function key legend, to assist with key identification on the computer, and a form to send to Firebird to upgrade to the disc version of the game. |
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  In the UK, unlike the US, most owners did not possess a disc drive for their Commodore 64, so the uptake of this offer was probably relatively small. However, for those who did take advantage of the upgrade, the obvious benefit would have been vastly reduced loading times for the game, although there does not appear to be any kind of changes to the program itself. |
 Those Commanders who had reached the combat rank of Competent (or above) could apply to Firebird for an Elite poster and 'Order Of Elite' insignia by completing and returning the questionnaire card included within the game pack. The top three Commanders each month would also be awarded further prizes and given the chance to enter a competition to win a holiday in the USA. |
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Click on the image to the left to view the complete Commodore 64 Elite disc package. As described above, the disc version was obtained on application to Firebird Software, using the upgrade card within the basic package. Therefore the remaining contents of the box were unchanged, the major benefit being the much faster loading times afforded by the 5¼" floppy disc. |
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In early 1985, the Commodore 128 computer became available in the US, and was intended to use floppy discs for its media. When Firebird released Elite for the Commodore 64 in that country, they marketed it as being for both the 64 and 128 machines, as the 128 was largely compatible with the earlier machine. Given around 97% of C64 users in the US possessed the disc drive, it was unsurprising that this version retailed as disc only. |
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Click on the image to the left to view the complete Commodore 64/128 Elite package. The contents are broadly the same as the UK release, the differences being the Order Of Elite entry form being tailored for US players, and the change of colour scheme on the front of the Space Traders Flight Training Manual and Quick Key Control Guide. |
This is the Ship Identification Chart which was included with all the Firebird versions of Elite. It identifies 16 different types of ship, plus 6 other items which appear in the game, such as space stations and asteroids. The Commodore 64 game features all 16 ships, plus two further ones which are missing from the chart, namely the Cobra Mk 1 and the Worm. |
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The Order Of Elite form for the US market differed from the UK version in that only Commanders who had reached Elite combat status were permitted to enter. Prizes were just awarded to the three pilots who were deemed to be the best of each month's applicants, although the items given were quite generous. Finally, the best pilot of all would win a trip to the UK to particiapte in the Elite World Championship, with flights and accommodation included. |
Playing C64/C128 Elite on your PC1. Download a Commodore 64 Emulator |
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