| The Next Empire | |
| Publisher: | Cyborg Games, Reality Simulations, Inc. |
| Years: | 1988–unknown |
| Genre: | wargame, science fiction, play-by-mail |
| Language: | English |
| Playing Time: | Fixed |
| Materials: | Instructions, order sheets, turn results, paper, pencil |
| Media Type: | Play-by-mail or email |
The Next Empire (or TNE) is a closed-end, computer moderated, space-based play-by-mail (PBM) wargame.
The Next Empire, or TNE, was a closed-ended, computer-moderated, space-based play-by-mail wargame published by Cyborg Games.[1] It was introduced at the 1988 Origins Awards.[1] By 1998, the publisher had changed to Reality Simulations, Inc., which was using the original ruleset but planning a revision. Turn costs were relatively high at $11.75.[2]
The game's purpose is to control all starbases.[1] Each game comprised 21 players.[3] Gameplay occurs on a 40 × 33 hex map, with each hex comprising multiple parsecs—a total of 25,080.[3]
Beginning with a single starbase, players chose from 21 available races and created fleets of custom-made or captured ships.[1] Games lasted about a year.[1] Ships were customizable in size and equipped systems with sizes from 8 to 24 and 20 available lethal and non-lethal systems.[3]
Darren Anderson reviewed the game in a 1989 issue of Paper Mayhem, praising its value for money and saying, "I highly recommend TNE for both novice and veteran garners alike".[4] Also in 1989, Stewart Wieck reviewed The Next Empire in White Wolf. He rated the game 3 points out of 5 for Diplomacy, a 4 for Moderation and Strategy, and a 5 in Materials. Overall, he rated it 4 out of 5 points.[5]
Stephen B. Marte reviewed the game in a 1990 issue of American Gamer. He stated that it was a "fun, quick paced, well thought out tactical simulation".[6] The Next Empire took 2nd place in Paper Mayhem's Best PBM Game of 1990 list behind Legends in 1st place.[7] Stacey Maust reviewed the game in 1998, rating it a 3 out of 5 for the company (RSI) and Value, a 3.5 for Politics, a 4 for Playability, a 4/5 for Frustration/Excitement, and a 5 for the Map.[8]