Realms of Fantasy (game)

Realms of Fantasy is a closed-ended, play-by-mail (PBM) fantasy wargame. Designed in 1987 by Computer Campaigns of New Zealand, it was eventually published by Australian Wizard, Graaf Simulations in the United States, and Pagoda Games in the United Kingdom. 10 to 50 players per game roleplayed wizards vying for supremacy on a hex map that varied in size depending on the number of players. The game featured magic and combat, with diplomacy not a major factor. It received generally positive reviews in various gaming magazines in the early 1990s with reviewers highlighting its value and simplicity.

History and development
Realms of Fantasy was a fantasy PBM wargame. It was designed in 1987 by Computer Campaigns in New Zealand. By 1991 it was published by Australian Wizard. By 1997 it was published in the United Kingdom by Pagoda Games. It was published in the United States by Graaf Simulations.

Gameplay
10 to 50 players per game roleplay wizards vying for supremacy. Players started with a wizard, a province, and a small force. The game was played on a hex map of varying size depending on the number of players. Magic and combat were key elements of gameplay, with diplomacy playing a small part.

Reception
Bob Bost reviewed the game in a 1991 issue of Flagship. He stated that "Overall, I enjoy playing Realms of Fantasy, and so will you if you don't expect too much in the way of detailed 'fantasy realism'. It is easy to understand, and provides good entertainment for the cost; like Andon's Kings & Things* and GSI's Earthwood, it offers pleasant fantasy wargaming without frills. People looking for complex economics, grand strategic planning and the like, however, should look elsewhere." Mark Macagnone reviewed the game in the November–December 1992 issue of Paper Mayhem. Out of 5 points, he rated it a 3.5 for the Rule Book and "Fun Index vs. Cost", 3.8 for Game Materials, 4 stars for Player Interaction, Turn Results, and Turn Sheets, 5 stars for Gamemaster Response, and 3.8 stars overall. Mo Holkar reviewed the game in the May–June 1997 issue of Flagship, stating "Provided you're not too bothered about diplomacy, if you like low-cost fantasy wargaming, you should like Realms of Fantasy."