State of War (play-by-mail game)

State of War is a closed-end, computer-moderated, play-by-mail (PBM) wargame. It was published by Game Systems, Inc.

History and development
State of War was a computer moderated PBM game published by Game Systems, Inc. After three years of development, the game launched in January 1987. In 1988, KJC Games launched the game in the United Kingdom with a limited run of 500 available positions. The game was moderately complex.

Gameplay
The game is closed-ended with players striving for the most victory points. The setting is a futuristic North America. Gameplay takes place in a crisis period after nuclear war in Europe. Twenty players led states with gameplay occurring on a hex map. Combat, diplomacy, and economics were elements of gameplay. Victory points could be achieved through a variety of methods. One player compared it to the game Earthwood. Victory could come individually (the most victory points) or through an alliance by meeting multiple conditions.

Reception
Stewart Wieck reviewed the game in a 1998 issue of White Wolf, stating that it was a, "good, solid, and well-programmed game," and "A good game on which to cut your PBM teeth." He rated it a 7 of 10 for Materials and Game Moderation, an 8 for Diplomacy, and a 9 for Strategy. Overall he rated the game at 8 of 10 points. Tim Sullivan reviewed the game in a 1988 issue of The D2 Report, calling it a "high-energy, modern day wargame".