With the release of Elite: Dangerous nearing, the original 1984 version of Elite can be grabbed for free from the Elite: Dangerous Store (thanks Ant via a post to our forums by DangerDog), allowing the chance to see what the fuss is all about, or at least what it was all about back in a simpler, bygone time. Here's the description accompanying the 30 year-old space combat game:

Experience the classic space trading game, Elite, as released on the BBC Model B in 1984, by Ian Bell and David Braben.

From the original box description:

"Command your Cobra space ship in a fantastic voyage of discovery and adventure, a supreme test of your combat, navigational and entrepreneurial skills.
Trade between countless planets, using the proceeds to equip your ship with heat-seeking missiles, beam lasers and other weapons - corporate states can be approached without risk, but unruly anarchies may be swarming with space pirates.
Black market trading can be lucrative but could result in skirmishes with local police and a price on your head!
However you make your money, by fair means or foul, you must blast onwards through space annihilating pirate ships and hostile aliens as you strive to earn your reputation as one of the Elite!"

“The game of a lifetime” Zzap! 64. May 1985.