Frontier: First Encounters (1995)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Frontier: First Encounters (1995)

Frontier: First Encounters is a space combat simulation game developed by Frontier Developments and published by GameTek in 1995. It is the third game in the Elite series, and was a critical and commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.

Frontier: First Encounters is set in the year 3200, and the player takes on the role of a spaceship pilot who must explore the galaxy, trade goods, and fight pirates and aliens. The game features a large and detailed universe to explore, with over 100 star systems to visit. Each star system has its own unique planets, moons, and space stations, and the player is free to explore them as they wish.

The game’s combat system is fast-paced and exciting, and the player can choose from a variety of weapons and ships to use in battle. The player can also hire crew members to help them with tasks such as navigation, engineering, and combat.

Frontier: First Encounters was praised for its large and detailed universe, its fast-paced combat system, and its innovative use of 3D graphics. However, the game was also criticized for its difficulty and its lack of a clear storyline.

Gameplay

Frontier: First Encounters is a space combat simulation game in which the player takes on the role of a spaceship pilot. The player must explore the galaxy, trade goods, and fight pirates and aliens. The game features a large and detailed universe to explore, with over 100 star systems to visit. Each star system has its own unique planets, moons, and space stations, and the player is free to explore them as they wish.

The game’s combat system is fast-paced and exciting, and the player can choose from a variety of weapons and ships to use in battle. The player can also hire crew members to help them with tasks such as navigation, engineering, and combat.

Reception

Frontier: First Encounters was a critical and commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide. The game was praised for its large and detailed universe, its fast-paced combat system, and its innovative use of 3D graphics. However, the game was also criticized for its difficulty and its lack of a clear storyline.

Legacy

Frontier: First Encounters is considered to be one of the most important space combat simulation games ever made. The game’s large and detailed universe, its fast-paced combat system, and its innovative use of 3D graphics set a new standard for the genre. Frontier: First Encounters also inspired a number of other space combat games, including the X series and the Freelancer series.

Technical details

Frontier: First Encounters was developed using the Cobra game engine, which was also used in the previous Elite games. The game features 3D graphics and a first-person perspective. The player can control their spaceship using a joystick, keyboard, or mouse.

The game’s universe is procedurally generated, which means that it is created randomly each time the game is played. This ensures that the player will always have a new and unique experience when they play Frontier: First Encounters.

Development

Frontier: First Encounters was developed by Frontier Developments, a British video game development company. The game was directed by David Braben, who also directed the previous Elite games. Frontier: First Encounters was in development for over two years, and was released in 1995.

Critical reception

Frontier: First Encounters received positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its large and detailed universe, its fast-paced combat system, and its innovative use of 3D graphics. However, the game was also criticized for its difficulty and its lack of a clear storyline.

Sales

Frontier: First Encounters was a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide. The game was particularly popular in the United Kingdom, where it was the best-selling PC game of 1995.

Awards

Frontier: First Encounters won a number of awards, including the Golden Joystick Award for Best Simulation Game of 1995.

Legacy

Frontier: First Encounters is considered to be one of the most important space combat simulation games ever made. The game’s large and detailed universe, its fast-paced combat system, and its innovative use of 3D graphics set a new standard for the genre. Frontier: First Encounters also inspired a number of other space combat games, including the X series and the Freelancer series.

Sequels

Frontier: First Encounters was followed by two sequels, Frontier: Elite II (1993) and Frontier: First Encounters Plus (1995). Frontier: Elite II was a major expansion pack for Frontier: First Encounters, and added a number of new features to the game, including new ships, weapons, and missions. Frontier: First Encounters Plus was a compilation of Frontier: First Encounters and Frontier: Elite II, and also included a number of new features, such as a new graphics engine and a new soundtrack.

Review Score

7/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Profile photo of Nish

Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More