''Lensman'' is a
wargame
A wargame is a strategy game in which two or more players command opposing armed forces in a realistic simulation of an armed conflict. Wargaming may be played for recreation, to train military officers in the art of strategic thinking, or to s ...
first published in 1969. In ''Lensman'', which was designed by
Philip N. Pritchard, players explore, develop and engage in combat in a space setting based on the
Lensman series. Upon its release, it was the first science fiction wargame to be available commercially.
''Lensman'' was generally praised for its gameplay, but criticized for its complex rules.''
''
Background
''Lensman'' is based on the
Lensman series of novels by
E. E. Smith
Edward Elmer Smith (May 2, 1890 – August 31, 1965), publishing as E. E. Smith, Ph.D. and later as E. E. "Doc" Smith, was an American food engineer (specializing in doughnut and pastry mixes) and science-fiction author, best known for the '' ...
.
Publication history
''Lensman'' was first published in 1969 and was designed by
Philip N. Pritchard.
The second edition was released later that year by
Spartan International. A third edition was released in 2010 as ''Phil Pritchard's Lensman.
''
Gameplay
The game depicts a battle between Arisians and Eddorians on a two-dimensional space map. Players can explore the area, develop worlds, and fight. Combat can occur on strategic and tactical levels, the latter using rules developed from the ''
Jutland
Jutland ( da, Jylland ; german: Jütland ; ang, Ēota land ), known anciently as the Cimbric or Cimbrian Peninsula ( la, Cimbricus Chersonesus; da, den Kimbriske Halvø, links=no or ; german: Kimbrische Halbinsel, links=no), is a peninsula of ...
'' (1967).''
''
Reception
An entry from ''
The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction
''The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction'' (SFE) is an English language reference work on science fiction
Science fiction (sometimes shortened to Sci-Fi or SF) is a genre of speculative fiction which typically deals with imaginative and f ...
'' stated that the game was considered innovative upon its release, and criticized the rules as "somewhat arbitrary" and "densely written", but praised the game's significance that "lies in its historical importance to the development of sf Wargames," which included
Triplanetary
''Triplanetary'' is a science fiction board wargame originally published by Game Designers' Workshop in 1973. The game is a simulation of space ship travel and combat within the Solar System in the early 21st Century.
History First edition
'' ...
.''
''
Scott Rusch reviewed ''Lensman'' in ''
The Space Gamer'' No. 4.
Rusch commented that "Although some of the rules are a little vague, the game plays well, if a bit slow, and it exploits the novels well enough to give you that 'you are there' feeling."
Marc W. Miller
Marc William Miller is a wargame and role-playing game designer and author.
Early career
After serving in the U.S. Army, Miller continued his studies at Illinois State University in 1972 under the G.I. Bill. There he joined the ISU Game Club, ...
comments: "''Lensman'' remained true to its inspiration, detailing interstellar battleships like the dreadnaught and the mauler, and showing us a space map with familiar star names strewn about. But on a deeper level, Phil Pritchard offered up an exhaustive treatment of the strategic economic wargame that had dominated the form for the 20 years prior to its publication. His was not only the first of the science-fiction wargames, it also laid the foundation for several distinct evolutionary lines of wargame design."
Significance
It was the first science fiction wargame to be available commercially, and is considered an important influence for future games from that genre.
References
{{reflist
External links
Home page
Games based on novels
Wargames