| Power | |
| Publisher: | Entertainment Concepts Inc. (ECI) |
| Years: | ~1990 to current |
| Genre: | Role-playing, science fiction |
| Language: | English |
| Players: | 40 |
| Playing Time: | Fixed |
| Materials: | Instructions, order sheets, turn results, paper, pencil |
| Media Type: | Play-by-mail or email |
Power (also Power+) is a closed-end, computer-moderated, play-by-mail space-based game of intrigue. It was published by Entertainment Concepts Inc. (ECI). By late 1985, an updated version of the game, Power+, had replaced Power. Gameplay involved 40 players vying for rulership of a space empire comprising 35 planets. Players could interact with hundreds of non-player forces including dozens of organization types and individuals. Each turn, players chose from a menu of available actions, many related to intrigue.
Power was published by Entertainment Concepts Inc. (ECI).[1] The medium complexity game was computer moderated and closed-ended.[1] By late 1985, an updated version of the game, Power+, had replaced Power.
40 players per game vie for rulership of a space empire comprising 35 planets.[2] 585 non-player forces (NPFs) were in play, ranging from military and government organizations to civilian groups and individuals of various types.[2] Victory conditions varied by player.[3] They generally required 16 turns controlling the throne and many NPFs, although eliminating all other players also worked.[4] To be crowned ruler, players required "popularity, wealth, and Senate approval".[2]
NPFs included anti-Government groups, militaries, spies and assassins, guards, churches, courtiers, diplomats, entertainers, mercenaries, reporters, executives, PR men, police, Royal guards and servants, saboteurs, the Secret Service, the Senate, terrorists, and unions.[5]
Players chose up to twenty actions per turn from a menu. These included "investigation, movement, investment, propaganda, hiring NPFs ... slander, theft, blackmail, bribe ... assassination, [and] military combat".[2] The game was in a separate category of games with Illuminati in that "almost everything happens through manipulation of third parties rather than direct physical involvement".[6]
Bob McLain reviewed the game in a 1984 issue of Gaming Universal, stating, "This is ECI's first attempt at a totally computer moderated game, but they seem to have done an excellent job."[1]