Elite is what started it all... the lancer series... the X series... the I war series, hell any space game with combat and trade and a freeform play style had it's roots start from elite.
At the time truly the best game ever made, even at that lvl of technology.. I can still see myself enjoying playing that game today :)
But if you don't want the trouble of trying to find a copy of elite that will work on windows (let alone XP), there is a game that came out about 5 or 6 years ago... called HardWar... it is probably the best remake of elite without changing too much.. only problem is... it's not really in space all the time.. it's only one star system BUT you can fly in space and around planets too (in the atmosphere, so really you did get alot of areas to fly around). If you want more info just google Elite or HardWar.
Ohh and also I'm surpised by the lack of knowlage of the I war series of games on this server :PPP
I'd like that fixed plz so all google "I war 2 Edge of Chaos" too.
There is gona be pop quiz at the end of the week lol hehe j/k