Rimworlds is an open-ended, science fiction, play-by-mail (PBM) game.
History and development
Rimworlds was an open-endcomputer moderated, play-by-mail game with a space-based setting.[1]Rimworlds was published by Palace Simulations Inc.[2] Jon Ogden was the designer.[1] A reviewer in 1985 likened it to the game Beyond the Stellar Empire, combined with Universe II/III.[1] The game had a player limit and was "sold out" with a wait list as of April 1986.[3] Turns were run weekly.[3]
Gameplay
The purpose of the game was to develop a Rim Empire from a colony.[3]Rimworld's setting, or The Rim, comprised four clusters, each with 1,560 sectors.[2] Each of the game's six federations had a planet–a Ringworld–or a starbase.[2] Players could create spaceships, starbases, colonies, and Starteams—or colony variants.[2] In combat, ships had offensive tools such as phasers and single use photon torpedoes, as well as shields and other tools for defense.[4] The publisher stated that the game was:[3]
[A] simulation of the political, economic, and tactical ramifications of six space-faring civilizations that are being invaded by a seventh while dealing with organized crime, a militant religion, and a powerful labor union.
Reception
Rimworlds won Best New PBM Game of 1984 from the Play By Mail Association.[2] Terry Cale reviewed the game in a 1985 issue of Flagship, stating that it was "one heckuva game, a sure front-runner for best new PBM offering of 1985".[1] Tim Sullivan reviewed the game in a 1988 issue of The D2 Report, juxtaposing a "heavy burden of complex rules" and comprehensive background with reports from some players that Rimworlds "is so realistic and satisfying, it is the only game they need to play".[5]
