New Order(game)
| Publishers | C2 Simulations, Jade Games |
|---|---|
| Years active | 1987 to unknown |
| Genres | Role-playing,science fiction |
| Languages | English |
| Systems | computer-moderated |
| Players | 30 |
| Playing time | Fixed |
| Materials required | Instructions, order sheets, turn results,paper,pencil |
| Media type | Play-by-mailor email |
New Orderis a space-based,science fictionplay-by-mail(PBM) game run by C2 Simulations. The game wasclosed-endandcomputer-moderated.Playtest began in 1987. 30 players vied for control of a galaxy comprising 210 star systems in a game of space exploration centering on colonies. Games lasted about 35 turns, ending when a player achieved about 2,000 victory points. The game received generally positive reviews in gamer magazines in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
History and development
[edit]This space-based science fiction game was designed and published by Carl Carpenter from C2 Simulations ofHuntington Beach, California.[1][2]Playtesting began in March 1987.[1]It was a closed-ended, computer-moderated PBM game.[3]
Gameplay
[edit]30 players per game vied for control of a galaxy comprising 210 systems and 800 planets.[1]Reviewer Hank Helley stated that the game was about "space exploration, development and conquest".[4]Colonies were central to gameplay.[2]Players options for victory points related to colonies were "establishing, controlling, claiming and destroying".[2]Points scored for these actions depended on the society type a player chose: Crusaders, Imperialist, Pioneers, and Xenophobes.[2]
The game's purpose was to achieve about 2,000 victory points.[1]Games lasted about 35 turns.[1]
Reception
[edit]Tim Sullivan reviewed the game in the Winter 1987 issue ofFlagship.[5]He stated, "If you're searching for a computer moderated victory-potential space game with a high degree of realism and detail, but which does not require a fanatical devotion of time or effort to play, then New Order is tailor-made for you. Be forewarned, however, that this game requires a commitment of a year or two to see it through to its conclusion."[5]Chris Arnold reviewedNew Orderin the May 1990 issue ofFlagship.He stated, "If you're looking for shoot-'em-up space opera, or lucky rolls of the dice, you won't find them here... but if you're looking to test your skills at planning and expanding a viable galactic empire, try New Order."[6]
Hank Helley reviewedNew OrderinWhite Wolf#16 (June/July, 1989) and stated that "Complex? Yes. Worthwhile? All I can say is that this game showed this old war gamer the joys of PBM. I have been hooked ever since."[7]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^abcdeSullivan 1987p. 9.
- ^abcdPlourde 1987p. 19.
- ^Sullivan 1987pp. 9–10.
- ^Helley 1989p. 13.
- ^abSullivan 1987p. 10.
- ^Arnold 1990p. 10.
- ^Helley, Hank (June–July 1989)."PBM Game Reviews: New Order".White Wolf.No. 16. p. 13.
Bibliography
[edit]- Arnold, Chris (May 1990). "New Order: Decisions, Decisions!".Flagship.No. 26. pp. 9–10.
- Plourde, Galen R. (September–October 1987). "New Order".Paper Mayhem.No. 26. p. 19.
- Sullivan, Tim (Winter 1987). "New Order: Depth, Comforts, Limits".Flagship.No. 17. pp. 9–10.
Further reading
[edit]- Plourde, Galen R. (March–April 1988). "A Second Look at New Order".Paper Mayhem.No. 26. pp. 13–14.