| Publishers | Schubel & Son |
|---|---|
| Years active | 1980s to unknown |
| Genres | Play-by-mail, gladiatorial combat |
| Languages | English |
| Playing time | fixed |
| Materials required | Instructions, order sheets, turn results, paper, pencil |
Arena Combat is a closed-end, computer-moderated play-by-mail (PBM) gladiatorial combat game.
Arena Combat was a closed-end, computer-moderated PBM game of gladiatorial combat run by Schubel & Son of San Jose, California. [1]
According to the publisher, Arena Combat was set in the world of The Tribes of Crane . [2] Combat was in a "Roman-style" gladiatorial arena. Players customized fighters for personal combat by allocating limited points to character attributes such as strength, and precision. [1] [a] Players could also select weapons and equipment. [1] Four helmets, nine armors and 23 different weapons were available. [3]
Combat took place over five rounds. Players recorded tactics choices on a computerized orders sheet. [1]
W.G. Armintrout reviewed Arena Combat for Fantasy Gamer magazine and stated that "Arena Combat makes a great little beer-and-pretzels game. Try it — I think you'll be surprised by how much fun it is." [4]
Bob McLain reviewed the game in the November–December 1983 issue of Paper Mayhem . He stated that, given its focus, it would be "good for combat buffs, but probably won't hold anyone's attention for long". [5] Richard Derham provided a review in the Summer–Fall 1984 issue of Gaming Universal . He thought it had potential but needed various revisions to reach full potential. [1]