Gameplan (game)
| Designers | Peter Calcraft |
|---|---|
| Publishers | Clemens & Associates, Andon Games |
| Years active | ~1989 to unknown |
| Genres | sports |
| Languages | English |
| Playing time | Fixed |
| Materials required | Instructions, order sheets, turn results, paper, pencil |
| Media type | Play-by-mail or email |
Gameplan is a closed-end, computer-moderated, play-by-mail game.
History and development
[edit]Gameplan was designed by Peter Calcraft who published the game in the United Kingdom.[1] By 1989, Clemens & Associates was running the game in the United States.[1] Gameplay differed between the UK and US versions.[2] By 1991 Andon Games was running the game.[3]
Gameplay
[edit]Gameplan is a PBM American football sports game.[1] The goal of the game was to win the Paper Super Bowl similar to an NFL football season.[4] Players establish team rosters and train teams before the season. According to reviewer Tim Sullivan, the game "provides a realistic play-by-play account for each match, describing the relative success or failure for every play during a game".[1] Success is based both on player development and good game-calling.[1] Besides multiple defensive options, players have seven available run plays and nine pass plays for offense.[1] According to Sullivan, "Diplomacy isn't required, though it is encouraged."[4]
Reception
[edit]Alan Heise reviewed the game in the May–June 1993 issue of Paper Mayhem, noting its multiple facets and stating, "That is what intrigues me about gameplan, especially the advanced leagues."[5] Tim Sullivan said in Flagship that, "If you are a football fan who always wanted to coach your own team, Gameplan comes closest to the 'real thing' than any other simulation today."[4] Gary Vandegrift reviewed the game in a 1991 issue of Paper Mayhem, rating it a 9.5 out of 10 points."[6] He gave it maximum marks for "Game design, moderation, rules, [and] depth" while reducing the overall rating due to the relative low level of required diplomacy.[6]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f Sullivan 1989. p. 12.
- ^ Havenhand 1989. p. 51.
- ^ Mowka 1991. p. 23.
- ^ a b c Sullivan 1989. p. 13.
- ^ Heise 1993. p. 32.
- ^ a b Vandegrift 1991. p. 25.
Bibliography
[edit]- Havenhand, Glenn (1989). "Winning Gameplan". PBM Scroll. No. 12. pp. 51–51.
- Heise, Alan (May–June 1993). "Gameplan: Draft Day & Post Season Play". Paper Mayhem. No. 60. pp. 30, 32.
- Mowka, Stephen R. (March–April 1991). "Gameplan, PBM American Football at Its Best". Paper Mayhem. No. 47. pp. 23–25.
- Sullivan, Tim (February 1989). "Gameplan: Not Just Another Die Roller". Flagship. No. 20 (US ed.). pp. 12–13.
- Vandegrift, Gary (March–April 1991). "The Big Game". Paper Mayhem. No. 47. p. 25.