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From: ccrrick@deneb.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.games.board
Subject: Re: Game Recommendations Sought
Message-ID: <206@ucdavis.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 28-Feb-86 20:41:07 EST
Article-I.D.: ucdavis.206
Posted: Fri Feb 28 20:41:07 1986
Date-Received: Sun, 2-Mar-86 07:42:18 EST
References: <185@altos86.UUCP>
Distribution: net.games.board
Organization: University of California, Davis
Lines: 56

> We have a very steady group of about 6 people, but games for any
> number from 2 to 8 would be interesting.
> 
> We have played:
> 	Axies and Allies	(Allies always win)
> 	Conquest of the Empire	(Catapults are everything)
> 	AD&D			(Dungeon Masters are running out of ideas)
> 	Talisman		(Has become stale)
> 	Illuminati (w/expansion) (So so)
> 	Civilization		(Still good, but takes so long)
> 	Diplomacy		(Ditto)
> 	Junta			(We're not revolutionary enough, Pres. wins)
> 	Risk			(So much luck)
> 
> I would especially like to here about:
> 	Supremacy ($39.95 is it worth it)
> 	Dune

This group does not have heavy posting and other people might also
be interested.  Dune is a wonderful game and very much in line with
the game list you gave (see above).  You play one of 6 characters:
Emperor, Harkonnen, Atreides, Fremen, Guild or Bene Gesserit (I have
designed a variant which adds 2 more players that I could send you
if you're interested).

The game is, of course, based on the Frank Herbert novel.  Herbert
didn't like the game because it is based on the novel so loosely, but
as a GAME, it is VERY good.  (Books should be read, games should be
played.)  The idea is to take control of the planet Dune.  Each player
has unique powers a la Illuminati (or Cosmic Encounter (another
wonderful game if you have the money)) and 5 leaders who depict
characters in the book.  The game includes 2 combat wheels, a deck
for spice blows and a deck for treachery cards.  There are rules for
traitors and alliances.  This is a game that tends to reward good
planning, but the surprise element crops up frequently enough to
keep it interesting.  Also, there are no dice.

Another good thing is that when you get bored after 18 months or so,
you can go out and get the Spice Harvest Expansion Set and it becomes
almost a new game.

I can expound further if you wish...

Other games you might like:

Decline & Fall of the Roman Empire (just what it says for 4 players)*
Nuclear War/Escalation             (don't be turned off by the title; for 2-6)
Crusades			   (the 1st & 3rd Crusades; for 2 or 4-8)*
Empires of the Middle Ages         (Medieval Europe 2-6 (3 very good))*
Spies                              (pre-WW II spies in Europe)
Sword and the Stars                (same as EMA above except in outer space)*
Elric                              (from books of Moorcock - for 1-4)

There may some difficulty (those marked with asterisks) in finding
some of these because either the game is only published in England
or the company which published it is defunct.