LISTEN VERY CAREFULLY
Jade Games are spreading themselves across the whole
hobby at the moment, snapping up the rights to games both old and new. Now they
have added the weight of their name to a PBM hotline. The line provides a 24
hour service, giving up-to-date information on all that’s happening in
the Play By Mail world. The aim is to give more cohesion to the very fragmented
world of PBM. In the past, information has taken a long time to reach players,
the classic example being the shutdown of Mitre Games (magazine
deadlines don’t help much!). Jade are processing the information sent in
to go on the line, so if you’ve got some news, either ring Tony or write
to Jade Games.
BE A GM
Flopping onto my mat the other day was ‘a new
concept’ in PBM. What is this new and enlightening format to rock the
foundations of PBM? Well the idea is to sell a game system to people (in the
same way PBM companies sell start-ups) and then to let them get on and run it
themselves. The game is called Overlord and is produced by Exodus
Incorporated. It is a pretty normal semi-fantasy wargame, not brilliantly
presented and rather overpriced. However, the game is quite fun to play, and if
you have small peers group within PBM it would be fun to all try your hand at
GMing. Of course, I don’t recommend you drop out of all your PBM games on
the pretension that this is the way forward. There isn’t the same depth
as a full time PBM, and I reckon GMing would take more time than the average
gamer could handle. Still, if you like the idea, £6 will buy you the basic
package (extra sets for each player can be obtained from Exodus for an extra
charge).
BRIGHT FUTURE?
Future Games have hit the PBM scene with
Centaurea, a science fiction game of group role playing. The scenario
has your group as a band of wandering adventurers on the post-apocalyptic
planet of the title. There are three types of characters, any combination of
which is acceptable in your group: Humans (slightly stronger than their
terrestrial counterparts), Mutants (radiation-affected humans) and Metalons
(War robots). This lot left earth just before it hit the self-destruct button,
and ended up on Centaurea. After a couple of thousand years, Centaurea
suffered a similar fate to Earth when a world war broke out. Now the radiation
clouds are lifting and you are among the first to venture out of your
underground homes. Searching the old cities for treasure, killing other people
and generally having a good time seem to be the main objectives.
£4 buys you a start-up package, comprising a well-written rule book
(with an awful cover), 4 character sheets (2 to return), a newsletter, some hex
paper to map on and example turnsheets. Each turn you can write a number of
group actions, individual actions and combat strategies. Turns cost £2
for a lengthy word-processed reply and a localised map, while combat results
come at no extra cost. Get in touch with Future Games.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
For those who would rather read about PBM than play, there is
PBM Scroll, Issue 8. It’s not particularly well written or
presented but still proves interesting. One brass beer token (that’s
£1 to the more cultured) will secure you a copy, and £3.50 will get
you a year’s supply. John Woods (cheques to) is the
perpetrator.
THE 1989 PBM CONVENTION
Contrary to widespread rumours reported in last month’s
CRASH the British PBM Association’s fourth annual convention has
not been cancelled. After some initial problems finding a venue, the
BPBMA has now announced its most impressive venue yet; The University of
London’s Jeffrey Hall in Bedford Way, London WC1. The event will take
place on Saturday June 3rd and tickets will cost £3 on the day, or £2
in advance. For more information write to the BPMA.
As you’d expect all the major PBM companies will be attending, many
launching new games and offering discounts on old ones. Events planned include
GM and star player panels, The Great PBM Quiz, computer game competitions, live
role-playing demonstrations and, at the end of the day, the presentation of all
the PBM awards. Sounds great doesn’t it? And with it being within walking
distance of Euston, Kings Cross and St Pancras mainline railway stations
should be very heavily attended.