"ELITE" - arcade version

[abaraba]

For the last 10 years or so I have this idea to remake classic 3-D space trading game "Elite" and combine it with "Zarch". I imagine it far more action oriented and streamlined, some mix between Star Wars Arcade, Star Fox, Shadow Squadron, Wing War... One thing is for certain though - flat shaded polygon graphics, I love that, together with all the other simplicity and minimalist approach of the first 3D polygon games. For example, look at the NES version of Elite that sorted out all the complex user interface and interaction with only two buttons, similarly how Virtua Fighter hold great complexity behind combination of simple input elements.




Anyway, at the time when I did not have any arcade cabinets nor was I thinking of building one I did actually have all the necessary code parts of the game in 'tech demo' format, however there was no response at all and it seemed it would be waste of time to finish the game if no one else would ever get to play it, so I lost interest.

DOWNLOAD:
http://---saint's note - please report this post to moderator, and do not reply--/2007/10/elite-remake.html


Several years later, present day... I have several arcade cabinets and some people who eventually stumbled on those demos emailed saying they like the idea, requesting sound updates and save options. But, the same idea now has a new meaning, and instead of to make the game only more action oriented I now plan to go all the way and make it "ARCADE", to actually be played with arcade controls on arcade cabinet, with Timers, Credits and Insert Coin thingy... kind of like Star Wars Arcade.


There are many new challenges and opportunities, decisions... the game at the end does not really need to play like any of those games, whatever turns out most fun, and I do think "Elite" type of action & controls have "arcade" potential, i.e. to be even more frantic shooter, if necessary. Although it can also go the other way, to be more "technical", requiring proper use of shields, radar, missiles, contra-measures, plus precise steering and speed control in order to outmaneuver enemy ships.



1.) Would anyone be interested to play, test, or help develop such game?

2.) If there is response to first one then we have a lot to talk about, any idea is good idea at this point, especially how to utilize arcade controls. How many buttons to use, whether digital or analog, maybe dual sticks. How much of trading and boring bits to throw out and how much of it can be converted into "arcade" version. Then testing, testing, testing...

[saint]

Excellent, I'm always happy to see someone developing a game with arcade cabinets in mind!

[abaraba]

Download page needs updating, working Zarch link:
(Windows): http://www.mediafire.com/?5ytmb8nrkf9


Elite (Windows): http://www.mediafire.com/?ddmmswi1ngw
Elite (Linux/Mobile): http://www.mediafire.com/?pmwxy1jvtnq
Elite (Qt-Mac/Lin/Win): http://www.mediafire.com/?33fmscyzwgh


Both games are much more finished then they appear to be at first sight, so they are actually quite playable on a computer. However, I did not get a chance to try them on arcade cabinet since mine do not run Windows or X11, but only DOS, and do not have trackball for Zarch can only be controlled with mouse. I'm porting it all to DOS now, and Zarch will need to get some keyboard substitution for mouse input, which might be a good thing, but more likely will completely ruin the original game-play, in which case controls would probably end up more like Star Fox, or whatever works the best. But until then, it would be great if people with Windows (trackball) in their cabinets could fire up these two demos, give it a go for 5 minutes or so and report back here the opinion whether they think that sort of game play could work with arcade controls, what would need to change, and would it be worth it, or perhaps it's all just plain boring. Thank you.