Epic (play-by-mail game)
Epic is a computer-moderated, fantasy play-by-mail (PBM) game.
| Other names | Epic: The King's Game |
|---|---|
| Designers | Jim Landes |
| Publishers | Midnight Games |
| Years active | 1985 to unknown |
| Genres | Role-playing, play-by-mail |
| Languages | English |
| Playing time | unlimited |
| Materials required | Instructions, order sheets, turn results, paper, pencil |
| Media type | Play-by-mail or email |
Publication history
Epic was a computer-moderated, fantasy PBM game.[1] Jim Landes designed the game and moderated it with his wife.[1] Their company was Midnight Games.[1] The game was published in 1985.[2] Flagship editors compared the game to Quest of the Great Jewels, Tribes of Crane, and Earthwood.[2] By 1988 the game was enjoying success in Australia, Great Britain, and the United States.[3] By 1992 a new edition was introduced—Epic: The King's Game.[4]
Gameplay
The Epic world comprised 22,000 provinces of varying types.[2] Players could choose six character types: Arch-Priest, Merchant, Necromancer, Nomad, Warlord, and Wizard.[2] Races were similar to those in Dungeons & Dragons, with additional races such as saurian, maratasen, and dak.[2] Combat, diplomacy, and intrigue were elements of gameplay.[2]
Reception
The editors of Flagship reviewed Epic in 1985, stating that it was "one of the year's more impressive new offerings, and worth a look if you fancy a fantasy wargame".[5] A reviewer in a 1987 issue of Paper Mayhem gave the game a mixed review, noting its quantitative nature and detailed rulebook as a drawback for a fantasy game.[6] John Woods reviewed Epic in a 1989 issue of The Games Machine, stating that it was "one of the best computer-moderated wargames on the market".[7]
In 1988, the game tied for 5th place in Paper Mayhem's Best PBM Game of 1988, along with Crack of Doom and Quest of the Great Jewels.[8][lower-alpha 1] In 1990, the game tied for 5th place again, with Supernova II, in Paper Mayhem's Best PBM Game of 1990.[9][lower-alpha 2] Robert J. Bunker reviewed Epic: The King's Game in 1992, stating it was "enjoyable, well thought-out and supported by one of the most reputable companies in PBM gaming".[4]
See also
Notes
- 1st place in 1988 went to Supernova II, 2nd place went to Hyborian War, and Duelmasters and Alamaze tied for 3rd place.
- 1st place in 1990 went to Legends, 2nd place to The Next Empire, 3rd to Alamaze, and 4th place to Monster Island.
References
- Townsend 1987. p. 27.
- Editors 1985. p. 39.
- Vale 1988. p. 5.
- Bunker 1992. p. 34.
- Editors 1985. p. 40.
- Townsend 1987. p. 30.
- Woods 1989. p. 63.
- Editors 1988. p. 2.
- Editors 1990. p. 2.
Bibliography
- Bunker, Robert J. (March–April 1992). "Epic: The King's Game Review". Paper Mayhem. No. 53. pp. 34−35.
- Editors (Autumn 1985). "The Spokesmen Speak: Epic". Flagship. No. 8 (U.S. ed.). pp. 39−40.
- Editors (November–December 1988). "Best PBM Game of 1988". Paper Mayhem. No. 33. p. 2.
- Editors (November–December 1990). "Best PBM Game of 1990". Paper Mayhem. No. 45. p. 2.
- Plunkett, Rex (August–September 1987). "Get Nasty In Epic". D2 Report: The Play-by-Mail Gamer's Reading Companion. No. 13. pp. 37–38.
- Sullivan, Tim (February–March 1988). "From the Helm". D2 Report: The Play-by-Mail Gamer's Reading Companion. No. 15. pp. 29–30.
- Townsend, Jim (July–August 1987). "The Epic Adventures of the Extortion Contortion". Paper Mayhem. No. 25. pp. 27–30.
- Woods, John (October 1989). "PBM Update: Epic Proportions". The Games Machine. No. 23. p. 63.
Further reading
- Thomas, Cameron (September–October 1990). "Starting with an Edge in Epic: The King's Game". Paper Mayhem. No. 44. p. 14.
- Vale, Paul (1988). "The Paths to Epic Success (Part 1)". Flagship. No. 19 (U.S. ed.). pp. 5−7.
- Vale, Paul (February 1989). "The Paths to Epic Success (Part 2)". Flagship. No. 20 (U.S. ed.). pp. 45−46.