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Starweb is a closed-end, space-based, play-by-mail (PBM) game. First published by Flying Buffalo Inc. in 1975, it was the company's second PBM game after Nuclear Destruction, the game that started the PBM industry in 1970. Players today can choose a postal mail or email format. Fifteen players per game assume one of six available roles and explore and conquer planets within a universe comprising 225 worlds. The object of the game is to attain a predetermined number of points which are generated by various actions during gameplay. Multiple game variants are available. Starweb is still available for play as of 2021 through the company Rick Loomis PBM Games.
Alamaze is a computer-moderated, fantasy, turn-based game. It was published in 1986 by Pegasus Productions as a play-by-mail game. Reality Simulations later took over game moderation. The game itself has been played with multiple versions. The initial design, released in 1986, was replaced by the "Second Cycle" in 1991, offering changes to the kingdoms and game's history. The 3rd Cycle—"The Choosing"—emerged in 2015, doubling the available kingdoms while providing modifications to them. The publisher made additional changes to the player–game interface by 2017. In February 2019, Alamaze.co published the 4th Cycle, the world of Maelstrom, after two years of development. The game is currently run by Alamaze.co as a closed-end, play-by-email (PBEM) game in a turn-based format.
Heroic Fantasy is a computer-moderated, dungeon crawl play-by-mail game. It has been active since 1982 when it was published by Flying Buffalo. The initial edition involved nine dungeon levels. Flying Buffalo published subsequent editions due to challenging gameplay initially, eventually limiting the game to four dungeon levels with a fifth outdoors level where players can assemble an army and capture one or more castles. The game is open-ended; gameplay continues until players decide to stop.
Warp Force Empires is a play-by-mail game that was published by Emprise Game Systems. The game was previously called Warp Force One, but renamed in 1984 by its publisher.
Space Combat is a play-by-mail game that was published by Twin Engine Gaming. It was computer moderated.
Kings & Things was a computer moderated fantasy play-by-mail game published by Andon Games that was active in the 1980s and early 1990s. In the game, up to twenty players took the role of leader of a kingdom and recruited "things" or creatures to assist them in becoming the next emperor. Combat, diplomacy, and magic played significant roles in this fantasy role-playing game. Reception was generally positive, although there were comments about cumbersome turn results during the late 1980s. The game enjoyed peak reviews and ratings in the late 1980s and early 1990s, winning the Origins Award for best play-by-mail game in 1988.
It's a Crime is a play-by-mail (PBM) game initially published by Adventures By Mail in September 1985. On publication, it was an introductory PBM game that took place in New York City in the 1990s where players attempted to raise a gang leader to the position of Godfather. During its initial decade, gameplay was technically simple at the outset, but added additional possible turn orders if players progressed to higher levels such as "mob boss". The coordination and diplomacy among players added additional complexity to the game. The game won the Origins Award in 1986 for the Best New Play-By-Mail Game of 1986 and a second Origins Award for Best Play-by-Mail Game of 1989.
Conquest is a play-by-mail game that was published by Earnshaw Enterprises.
The Final Campaign is a play-by-mail space-based wargame that was published by Blue Panther Enterprises beginning in 1989.
Family Wars is a closed-end, play-by-mail (PBM) game. It was published by Andon Games.
The Next Empire is a closed-end, computer moderated, space-based play-by-mail (PBM) wargame.
Earthwood is a closed-ended, computer moderated, play-by-mail (PBM) fantasy wargame.
State of War is a closed-end, computer-moderated, play-by-mail (PBM) wargame. It was published by Game Systems, Inc.
Empires for Rent is a closed-end, play-by-mail strategic wargame based in space. It was published by Blue Panther Enterprises.
Belter is a closed-end, play-by-mail science fiction, space opera. 100 players led space corporations attempting to profit from minerals in the asteroid belt in 2050. Three players who achieved victory conditions won each game. The game received positive reviews in gaming magazines in the early 1990s.
Star Saga is a open-ended, mixed-moderated, science fiction, play-by-mail (PBM) game. Infinite Odysseys published the game beginning in 1987, further improving the game over the next year. Star Saga was influenced by Traveller and Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, and was comparable to Starmaster. Players custom designed a home world with alien race. Players then had significant latitude to explore, colonize, wage war, and role-play in various ways in the game's sizable 3-dimensional map. The game received generally positive reviews in various gamer magazines in the 1980s and 1990s.
Battle Cry is a closed-ended, hand moderated, play-by-mail (PBM) fantasy wargame. It was published by Post Age Games. Players vied for control of a fantasy kingdom with victory depending on controlling a sufficiently large area for two turns. The game received mixed reviews in various gaming magazines in the late 1980s and 1990s.
SABRE is a play-by-mail game published by PACE.
Scramble is a play-by-mail game published by Furypost Games.
References
- 1 2 Wieck, Stephan (1988). "The PBM Reviews". White Wolf Magazine . No. 10. p. 63, 65.
- ↑ "PBM Game Ratings: As of 1-13-90". Paper Mayhem . No. 41. March–April 1990. p. 26.