One of the things that I find different in Elite than the (limited and free) time I've spent with SC, and the cursory look at Starfield, is that Elite has an ambience that is unique amongst the three (and maybe NMS, too, but I don't know that very much one at all). I wanted to mention it because I don't want FDev to miss what I'm saying, or to change it inadvertently as they go, but actually I want them to...and I hope they will...add to it. So, here goes:
When I look at SC or SF or NMS, I don't get a sense of gravitas about their gameplay as much as I do with the events that occur within Elite. Elite has in it true high drama and power, (as well as scale and scope) and these are two of the strongest elements in Elite.
It seems to me that the events that occur in Elite have carried a hefty weight in-game, and there is power and drama portrayed that doesn't exist in these other games mentioned, and might not ever. Community goals are a case in point, but more so the Salvation story line and Thargoid threat, which will likely produce massive repercussions throughout the Bubble and into the wider galaxy. You feel it. It's powerful and dramatic. The thargoids can genuinely be scary on their own (and not like the aliens in the other franchises which are just there to mow down); the threat they pose to a player and all of humanity feels huge and important. In a way, I suppose I'm proposing to FDev that they maneuver Elite into a more Science Fiction/Horror/Suspense direction, adding Voice Acting and other bits of similar game production to enhance this level of immersion, and maybe including ground combat with the thargoids. Not just loads of gore (though that could be a valid part of it), but working into the game more of the suspense, the tension, the level of disquiet that just happens while you play in order to make your decisions always seem more important - that a player's life depends on what he or she does next.
Oh, and there's another thing these other games don't have, and that's the size of space. In Elite it's intimidating and awe-inspiring, and the player gets a sense of his or her insignificance not in SC (at least not yet at Elite's level). I don't think you'll find that aspect in Starfield, either.
I see Starfield doing a great many things that could go far beyond SC, and also ED, too, and I want to see this franchise continue to grow. So, since the base elements of far-reaching and dramatic events is already present in Elite, and the scope and scale are there as well, along with the community involvement, I believe these are three of the greatest assets that FDev should continue to develop. Through added gameplay, missions, and over-arching story lines, and, (to coin a phrase), atmosphere. Thanks for reading my wall of text.
When I look at SC or SF or NMS, I don't get a sense of gravitas about their gameplay as much as I do with the events that occur within Elite. Elite has in it true high drama and power, (as well as scale and scope) and these are two of the strongest elements in Elite.
It seems to me that the events that occur in Elite have carried a hefty weight in-game, and there is power and drama portrayed that doesn't exist in these other games mentioned, and might not ever. Community goals are a case in point, but more so the Salvation story line and Thargoid threat, which will likely produce massive repercussions throughout the Bubble and into the wider galaxy. You feel it. It's powerful and dramatic. The thargoids can genuinely be scary on their own (and not like the aliens in the other franchises which are just there to mow down); the threat they pose to a player and all of humanity feels huge and important. In a way, I suppose I'm proposing to FDev that they maneuver Elite into a more Science Fiction/Horror/Suspense direction, adding Voice Acting and other bits of similar game production to enhance this level of immersion, and maybe including ground combat with the thargoids. Not just loads of gore (though that could be a valid part of it), but working into the game more of the suspense, the tension, the level of disquiet that just happens while you play in order to make your decisions always seem more important - that a player's life depends on what he or she does next.
Oh, and there's another thing these other games don't have, and that's the size of space. In Elite it's intimidating and awe-inspiring, and the player gets a sense of his or her insignificance not in SC (at least not yet at Elite's level). I don't think you'll find that aspect in Starfield, either.
I see Starfield doing a great many things that could go far beyond SC, and also ED, too, and I want to see this franchise continue to grow. So, since the base elements of far-reaching and dramatic events is already present in Elite, and the scope and scale are there as well, along with the community involvement, I believe these are three of the greatest assets that FDev should continue to develop. Through added gameplay, missions, and over-arching story lines, and, (to coin a phrase), atmosphere. Thanks for reading my wall of text.