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 |
Epic is a computer-moderated, fantasy play-by-mail (PBM) game.
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]
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]
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] [a] In 1990, the game tied for 5th place again, with Supernova II, in Paper Mayhem's Best PBM Game of 1990. [9] [b] 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]