Eclipse (play-by-mail game)

This article is about the play-by-mail game. For other uses, see Eclipse (disambiguation).

Eclipse is a computer moderated, space-based play-by-mail (PBM) game. It was published by Midnight Games. 12–20 players per game vied for domination of a galaxy on a game map comprising 180–220 star systems.

Eclipse

Publishers	Midnight Games
Years active	~1987 to unknown
Languages	English
Players	12–20
Playing time	Fixed
Materials required	Instructions, order sheets, turn results, paper, pencil
Media type	Play-by-mail

History and development

Eclipse was a computer-moderated science fiction PBM game.^[1] It was published by Midnight Games of Medford, Oregon, run by Jim and Lynee Landes.^[2] Eclipse was an introductory PBM game.^[2]

Gameplay

Each game had 12–20 players.^[1] Players won by "conquering half the galaxy plus one world".^[3] Gameplay occurred within a two-dimensional 30×60 grid map that held the 180–220 star systems.^[2]

Reception

Mike Hall reviewed the game in a November–December 1988 issue of Paper Mayhem. He praised the gamemasters and publisher's player support during issues during his gameplay but did not recommend the game for novices. He stated, "A player with moderate experience, entering the game on a caveat emptor basis, playing for its innovative features and willing to accept the games shortcomings, might find it an interesting experience."^[4]

See also

• List of play-by-mail games