New Order (game)

New Order
PublishersC2 Simulations, Jade Games
Years active1987 to unknown
GenresRole-playing, science fiction
LanguagesEnglish
Systemscomputer-moderated
Players30
Playing timeFixed
Materials requiredInstructions, order sheets, turn results, paper, pencil
Media typePlay-by-mail or email

New Order is a space-based, science fiction play-by-mail (PBM) game run by C2 Simulations. The game was closed-end and computer-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

This space-based science fiction game was designed and published by Carl Carpenter from C2 Simulations of Huntington Beach, California.[1][2] Playtesting began in March 1987.[1] It was a closed-ended, computer-moderated PBM game.[3]

Gameplay

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

Tim Sullivan reviewed the game in the Winter 1987 issue of Flagship.[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 reviewed New Order in the May 1990 issue of Flagship. 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 reviewed New Order in White 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

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Sullivan 1987 p. 9.
  2. ^ a b c d Plourde 1987 p. 19.
  3. ^ Sullivan 1987 pp. 9–10.
  4. ^ Helley 1989 p. 13.
  5. ^ a b Sullivan 1987 p. 10.
  6. ^ Arnold 1990 p. 10.
  7. ^ Helley, Hank (June–July 1989). "PBM Game Reviews: New Order". White Wolf. No. 16. p. 13.

Bibliography

  • 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

  • Plourde, Galen R. (March–April 1988). "A Second Look at New Order". Paper Mayhem. No. 26. pp. 13–14.