Elite (Amiga)

Elite
Developer: Mr. Micro Publisher: Firebird Software Platform: Amiga Released in EU: 1988 This game has a hidden developer message. This game has unused items. This game has debugging material.

The best 80s wireframe, procedural content generated space trading and combat simulator on the Amiga.

Hidden Developer Message

Hex address 7330 on the first disk contains a warning to those who attempt to crack the game.

NOVELLA PROTECTION VIOLATION The SLEEPER has been installed! When it wakes, 
expect major damage to CMOS circuitry. Development of good software takes 
time and costs money. Stealing software can only damage the future availability 
of first class products and artificially increases the cost to genuine purchasers. 
To discourage theft we have installed 'The SLEEPER'. Expect CMOS failure at 
sometime in the future if 'cracked copies' are used. You have been warned!

(Source: CodyJarrett)

Debug mode

In the manual check, type SARA as the first answer, then answer the question correctly. This allows access to the debug menu. From here, you can manipulate up to 255 bytes of game state.

Some cracks of the game (e.g. ACU) skip the screen for entering a word from the manual. In those versions, the debug menu is inaccessible.

Unused items

Two equipment items can be installed on the Cobra MkIII, but can't be acquired.

• ECM Jammer. Can only be received by setting 3D in the debug menu. Pressing L toggles the equipment. When active, it drains your ship's energy but prevents normal ships from negating inbound missiles.
• Cloaking Device. Can only be received by setting 3F in the debug menu, although enemy ships can have this equipment. Pressing Y toggles cloaking. This device is present during a mission on an enemy ship.

With both items, pressing the associated key without the equipment simply causes a beep (and unlike other equipment, doesn't give a message saying the equipment isn't installed). Also, there's a periodic message saying that the item is active to explain the energy drain.