From: "Paul O'Connor" Subject: Lensman --- Forwarded mail from sfconsim-l@usra.edu From: "Todd A. Zircher" On consim-l I saw this being offered... >12 LENSMAN (Philip N. Pritchard) > 1969. Uncut, unmounted counters and in Mint condition. Envelope. Does anyone know what this is? -- TAZ --- End of forwarded mail from sfconsim-l@usra.edu I had a copy a bazillion years ago, so the details are hazy. Nowadays we'd probably call it a "destop published game." It was a strategic level empires in conflict game with a significant tactical/battleboard aspect ... it was based on Doc Smith's Lensman series, so the (inertialess) movement rules were kind of wonky, as I remember them. I remember the map was kind of garish, and the counters were unmounted. Rules were mimeographed or something like that. I think there were some good ideas in the game, and I'd love to see it again (especially now that I have a better appreciation for the Lensman books, and what the author was trying to do). I doubt it would rate as more than a curiosity against today's games. -- Paul O'Connor paul@oddworld.com From: Allan Rothberg Subject: Re: First SF Games Todd (et al), Paul O'C's description is fairly accurate. The game is most definitely third world in terms of graphics and physical systems. The closest analogy to the game I can suggest is Starforce Alpha Centauri. Each ship is rated for power, max offensive capability and max defensive capability (they are called beams and screens or something similiarly appropriate). Each round of combat you allocate each ship's power to beams and screens (secretly) and blaze away. The game is presented in several layers and the intro game is fairly simple. Being well versed in the Lensman series would certainly make the more advanced rules a bit more understandable. They are not mechanically difficult, but make more sense with the proper background. The game includes economics and other such goodies and they were the most complex section of the game. Mind you, this is from recollections 20+ years ago so please be generous in your attacks on my description. I mounted the map of my copy on oaktag and likewise the counters to cardboard. The rules are tattered and torn and all in all the game looks pretty ragged. If Danny's price stays below a zillion or so dollars AND you are very interested in a sort of neat collector's item this one may be worth picking up. Allan Todd A. Zircher wrote: > > On consim-l I saw this being offered... > > >12 LENSMAN (Philip N. Pritchard) > > 1969. Uncut, unmounted counters and in Mint condition. Envelope. > > Does anyone know what this is? > > -- > TAZ