Power (game)

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.

History and development
Power was published by Entertainment Concepts Inc. (ECI). The medium complexity game was computer moderated and closed-ended. By late 1985, an updated version of the game, Power+, had replaced Power.

Gameplay
40 players per game vie for rulership of a space empire comprising 35 planets. 585 non-player forces (NPFs) were in play, ranging from military and government organizations to civilian groups and individuals of various types. Victory conditions varied by player. They generally required 16 turns controlling the throne and many NPFs, although eliminating all other players also worked. To be crowned ruler, players required "popularity, wealth, and Senate approval".

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.

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". 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".

Reception
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."