| Epic | |
| Other Names: | Epic: The King's Game |
| Designer: | Jim Landes |
| Publisher: | Midnight Games |
| Years: | 1985 to unknown |
| Genre: | Role-playing, play-by-mail |
| Language: | English |
| Playing Time: | unlimited |
| Materials: | Instructions, order sheets, turn results, paper, pencil |
| Media Type: | Play-by-mail or email |
Epic is a computer-moderated, fantasy play-by-mail (PBM) game.
Epic was a computer-moderated, fantasy PBM game. Jim Landes designed the game and moderated it with his wife. Their company was Midnight Games.[1] The game was published in 1985.[2] Flagship editors compared the game to Quest of the Great Jewels, Tribes of Crane, and Earthwood.[2] By 1988 the game was enjoying success in Australia, Great Britain, and the United States.[3] By 1992 a new edition was introduced—Epic: The King's Game.[4]
The Epic world comprised 22,000 provinces of varying types.[2] Players could choose six character types: Arch-Priest, Merchant, Necromancer, Nomad, Warlord, and Wizard.[2] Races were similar to those in Dungeons & Dragons, with additional races such as saurian, maratasen, and dak.[2] Combat, diplomacy, and intrigue were elements of gameplay.[2]
The editors of Flagship reviewed Epic in 1985, stating that it was "one of the year's more impressive new offerings, and worth a look if you fancy a fantasy wargame".[5] A reviewer in a 1987 issue of Paper Mayhem gave the game a mixed review, noting its quantitative nature and detailed rulebook as a drawback for a fantasy game.[6] John Woods reviewed Epic in a 1989 issue of The Games Machine, stating that it was "one of the best computer-moderated wargames on the market".[7]
In 1988, the game tied for 5th place in Paper Mayhems Best PBM Game of 1988, along with Crack of Doom and Quest of the Great Jewels.[8] In 1990, the game tied for 5th place again, with Supernova II, in Paper Mayhem's Best PBM Game of 1990.[9] Robert J. Bunker reviewed Epic: The King's Game in 1992, stating it was "enjoyable, well thought-out and supported by one of the most reputable companies in PBM gaming".[4]