Phoenix Playtest

From: den@netcom.com (Gamer's Den)

Date: Mon, 18 Apr 1994 19:44:27 +0000

>  >  >  PHOENIX PLAYTEST  <  <  <

Gamer's Den plans to start the playtest for Phoenix this week, and we
are looking for eager players to help us out.  We will host 3 playtest
games, each containing between 16 and 20 players.  Two of the games will
process 3 times a week while one will process once a week.  If you are
interested, please drop us a line at support@den.com (Internet) or 73613,3472
(CompuServe) and tell us which turn frequencies you are willing to play.
You can found out more about Gamer's Den from readmes by emailing
info@den.com on the Internet or downloading the file INFO.DEN in library 15
of the PBMGAMES forum on CompuServe.

PLAYTEST OVERVIEW

The playtest covers testing our automated signup, processing, and
billing system as well as checking out the game itself.  Your feedback
will help us smooth out any wrinkles.  As a playtester, we will ask
you to play in one of the three games throughout the test period.
We will run these games to their logical conclusion even if they
extend beyond the playtest period.  In addition, we will occasionally
ask you to perform a project that tests a portion of our system, both
mechanically and from a potential customer standpoint.  These projects
should never take more than half an hour of your time.  Games average
30 turns in length.

All playtesters will receive a free draft copy of the printed rules
(150+ pages).  In addition, we will distribute a player interface
program for PC's (MSDOS) for your evaluation sometime after the playtest
begins.

Some of the games may include experienced Phoenix players, maybe even
a designer or two.  Beware <g>!!

ABOUT THE GAME

Phoenix is an elegant, engaging and well-balanced PBEM space game of
diplomacy, exploration, economic expansion, and military conquest for
novice and expert players alike. Phoenix is the six-year-old brainchild
of veteran game designers Garrett, Goodman, and Woods.

You control a space empire composed of one of seven different racial
types expanding from a single homeworld. Your goal is to control over
half the galaxy, either singly or jointly with up to a quarter of the
players in the game. Pump R&D points into your combat, sensor, jump
drive, and science technologies. Balance your military and economic
growth as you explore the galaxy and search for your neighbors. Drop
off command centers on secure planets to monitor and direct your expansion.
Centralize your production on a few planets or distribute your efforts.
Most important, negotiate with other players while paying close attention
to the planet tally to ensure you are one of the winners.

HIGHLIGHTS

- A constant pool of new games to join.
        - Compete against real human opponents.
        - Public games open to all Gamer's Den members.
        - Special private games for you and your friends.
        - Game sizes ranging from 2 to 20 players.
        - Turn based gaming with 1 or 3 turns per week.
        - Submit your turns and receive results using Internet email or
          CompuServe's PBMGAMES forum.
        - Up to 200 orders per turn submission.
        - Game mechanics and order format that are easy to understand.
        - Captivating game play.
        - Prechecking for all turn submissions to help spot order
          errors before a turn runs.
        - Forecasting ability uncovers grave tactical errors before
          they 'happen' to you.
        - MSDOS turn viewer/generator coming Fall '94.

The size of the galaxy scales with the number of players, and a new
balanced map is generated for each game. Beginners are encouraged to
start in smaller games to become accustomed to the system, and then
move to larger games to delve into Machiavellian diplomacy at its
finest.

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We hope to hear from you!!!

Gamer's Den

ps  BTW, Phoenix is an excellent game.