From: Chris.Brannon@bbs.oit.unc.edu (Chris Brannon)
Subject: Star Sgaaga!
Organization: Extended Bulletin Board Service
Distribution: usa
Date: Tue, 1 Sep 1992 23:13:58 GMT

:> To: Chris.Brannon@lambada.oit.unc.edu
:> Subject: Re: Star Saga
:> Organization: University of Nevada, Reno  Department of 
Computer Science
:> Cc:
:> 
:>         I'm afraid I'm not involved, but I'm curious ... Is 
this game
:> at all related to Star Saga the Computer game... either way if 
you
:> have the time to input a description I'd be much obliged.
:> :)
:> Steve
 
 
I'm not familiar with the computer game, but I know they are not 
related.  Star Saga is a long running, open-ended PBM that started 
about 8 years ago.  The game is radically different than it was 
way back them, though (:-))
 
The Alpha Galaxy is still very active, and does get enough new 
players that things are relatively balanced.  Last January 
Infinite Odysseys (which runs the game) opened up a completely 
separate Beta Galaxy, with all new players, starting from scratch.  
Everyone runs a world, with very different lifeforms.  Basically, 
you have a certain number of "design points" which allow you to 
start with different abilities.  Some of these points go to 
Technology (11 categories, ranging from Weaponry to Colonization), 
others to your world size (the larger the world, the higher the 
production amount, but the harder it is to raise your technology), 
and you can also customize your lifeform.  Everything you do to 
your lifeform affects its ability to fight, its adaptability to 
new environments (important for colonization), and its ability to 
research.  There are a variety of mental abilities to choose from, 
such as telepathy and even teleportation.  These abilities can be 
increased in range and effect, but have to be researched just like 
regular Technology is.
 
There are numerous ship types, such as Heavy Fighters, Carriers, 
Frigates, Drydocks, and Cargo Ships (probably 20 of these sorts of 
vessels).  Which ships you can build depends upon your Production 
Technology Level.  In addition, there are the warships.  As you 
get higher technology, you can build bigger warships, with bigger 
guns.  They start out at 15,000 tons, and eight years later, I am 
at 32 million tons...  That is a BIG ship!
 
The object is to explore and expand!
 
There are thousands of star systems, each with planets (1-10).  
You can explore the planets and find techno goodies, such as 
devices to increase your population growth rate and technology, 
weapons, city and planet shields, etc.
 
Your home coordinate is 0, 0, 0, and the galaxy (the new one) is 
100x80x9 sectors (max one system per sector).
 
You do not know where another player is until you find them, and 
you have no clue as to where you are located in the galaxy, so if 
you join with a friend, expect to do some extensive mapping before 
locating him!
 
Battle in this game will consist of tens of thousands of vessels 
between developed empires.  You can take over other's worlds, and 
add them to your own production capabilities.  In order to 
subjugate a world, you must defeat the space fleet, any orbiting 
defenses, then the ground based defenses, and then your Land Units 
must engage the defending Land Units (Regulars, Special Forces, 
and Heavy Weapons) who have the advantage of Strongholds and 
various Mass Destruction Bombs (governed, of course, by your MDB 
Technology).
 
This is one hell of a game!  One of its best features is the 
Special Order, through which you can genetically alter your 
lifeform (if you have the money), design new ships and defensive 
units, etc.
 
The only down side to this game is that the turn around time is 
very erratic.  My last turn returned to me w/i 6 days, but four 
turns ago, I waited 4 weeks.  This is due to the Moderators 
passion for improving the game, updated rules, adding new options 
and abilities, etc.  He also has a real job  ;-) !!!!
 
For what it is worth, I have run 23 turns since late January in 
the new (Beta) galaxy.
 
It is mostly computer run (IBM'ers can send their turns in via 
disk, but not through e-mail, yet), but there is great 
flexibility.  I have played a lot of games, and I have never found 
a game with this many options.  Turns are $5, with the option to 
spend a couple of more bucks for more fleet movements (with so 
many ships, it takes a long time to enter them!) or more Special 
Orders.
 
I have explored a little over 300 planets so far, and haven't 
quite explored every system within 3 sectors of my homeworld.
 
If you want to take a look at the rules, write:
 
Infinite Odysseys
POB 1024
La Porte, TX  77572-1024
 
Rules and two free turns is $12.75.  You can buy the rules for $5, 
which can later be applied towards the $12.75 set up fee.
 
I cannot emphasis enough how enjoyable this game is!
 
Chris Brannon
 
ChrisBrannon@Delphi.Com
Chris.Brannon@bbs.oit.unc.edu
Chris.Brannon@lambada.oit.unc.edu
 

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