The source for the games is still missing which is frustrating, but I did find the source for all the experiments.

I also have fond memories of Chucky Egg and of course Elite. Mode 2 graphics *sigh*. I can even remember the first program I ever wrote:

10 VDU 23,0,10;0;0;0;
20 MODE 2
30 GCOL 0, RND(128)
40 MOVE RND(640), RND(512)
50 PLOT 85, RND(640), RND(512)
60 GOTO 30

This used to draw random coloured triangles on the screen. I think the VDU 23 bit used to make the cursor disappear, and meant that you had to press break to stop the program. Oh and this was written from memory .. 25 odd years ago of memory too. Can anyone clarify this actually does anything?

[UPDATE] Just checked it in Electrem and it bloody works!

Here’s a direct link to the LEGO movie.

Elite was the first computer game I think I was seriously hooked on. And I mean hooked. I used to come home from school and spend all my allotted computer time playing this thing. I probably only managed to get back and forth to a few planets in a session but that didn’t stop me. Although I don’t think I ever managed Elite status, I know I travelled to some for flung places. I do wish my long term memory was better.

Anyway, there is now a ported version of Elite named Oolite for PC, Mac and Linux. It’s still as addictive as it was back then and I’ve been playing it to death. Mr Patterson is far more eloquent then I and has a great write up and how Oolite has brought back some of the magic from that time. If you have never seen it before, I advise you to download and play. You’ll get to see how a game without high end graphics, surround sound and trigger twitch play can still keep you coming back for more.