State of War was a computer moderated PBM game published by Game Systems, Inc.[1] After three years of development, the game launched in January 1987.[2] In 1988, KJC Games launched the game in the United Kingdom with a limited run of 500 available positions.[3] The game was moderately complex.[4]
Gameplay
The game is closed-ended with players striving for the most victory points.[3] The setting is a futuristic North America.[2] Gameplay takes place in a crisis period after nuclear war in Europe.[5] Twenty players led states with gameplay occurring on a hex map.[6] Combat, diplomacy, and economics were elements of gameplay.[7] Victory points could be achieved through a variety of methods.[3] One player compared it to the game Earthwood.[2] Victory could come individually (the most victory points) or through an alliance by meeting multiple conditions.[4]
Reception
Stewart Wieck reviewed the game in a 1998 issue of White Wolf, stating that it was a, "good, solid, and well-programmed game," and "A good game on which to cut your PBM teeth."[7] He rated it a 7 of 10 for Materials and Game Moderation, an 8 for Diplomacy, and a 9 for Strategy. Overall he rated the game at 8 of 10 points.[7] Tim Sullivan reviewed the game in a 1988 issue of The D2 Report, calling it a "high-energy, modern day wargame".[8]
