Belter (play-by-mail game)
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.
 Publisher Title | |
| Publishers | Classified Information |
|---|---|
| Years active | ~1990 to unknown |
| Genres | science fiction, space opera, Role-playing |
| Languages | English |
| Players | 100 |
| Playing time | fixed |
| Materials required | Instructions, order sheets, turn results, paper, pencil |
| Media type | Play-by-mail or email |
History and development
Belter was a closed-ended space-based PBM game of corporate warfare.[1] It was published by Classified Information.[1] Reviewer Stewart Wieck compared it favorably to It's a Crime.[2]
Gameplay
The game was set in outer space in the year 2050.[2] 100 players per game vied for domination with three winners who achieve victory conditions.[1] Each player led a corporation attempting to profit from minerals in the asteroid belt.[2] Corporations employed Scientists, Soldiers, and Workers.[1] Game lasted 25–35 turns.[1]
Reception
Bob Bost reviewed the game in the April issue of Flagship. He stated, "My final judgment is favorable. This is a low-medium complexity game that is great for a filler if you have some very complex games: it will not take much time but will provide a lot of enjoyment."[3] Stewart Wieck reviewed the game in the June–July 1991 issue of White Wolf, stating, "Overall, Belter is a top-notch PBM game. It's good for beginners and the challenge of watching so many different factors will keep even veterans enthralled for a while."[2] He rated it 3 of 5 points for Diplomacy and Materials, a 4 for Strategy, 5 for Moderation, and an overall rating of 4.[4]
See also
References
- Bost 1991. p. 8.
- Wieck 1991. p. 48.
- Bost 1991. p. 9.
- Wieck 1991. pp. 48–49.
Bibliography
- Bost, Bob (April 1991). "Corporate War in the Belt". Flagship. No. 31 (U.S. ed.). pp. 8–9.
- Wieck, Stewart (June–July 1991). "PBM Corner: Belter". White Wolf. No. 27. pp. 48–49.
Further reading
- Macagnone, Marc (March–April 1991). "Belter: A Review". Paper Mayhem. No. 47 (U.S. ed.). pp. 18–20.
- Phillips, Charles (March–April 1992). "A Technical Discussion on Belter". Paper Mayhem. No. 53 (U.S. ed.). pp. 16–18.