muir@cae780.csi.com (David Muir Sharnoff) (04/17/91)
Archive-name: games/empire/versions-of-empire/1991-04-15
Original-posting-by: muir@cae780.csi.com (David Muir Sharnoff)
Original-subject: versions of empire -- almost monthly posting
Reposted-by: emv@msen.com (Edward Vielmetti, MSEN)
v e r s i o n s o f e m p i r e
There are many games that go by the name of empire. Here are the
details on some of them... Also some other games that empire players
might be interested in.
name: BSD Empire
version: 1.1 patch5
how to get: ftp out of pub/games/empire/bsd on ucbvax.berkeley.edu
history: Starting with UCSD Empire 0.9.10, the source code was
cleaned up and reorganized by Dave Pare and the Experimental
Computing Facility (XCF) of U C Berkeley. Since then,
development has continued under the guidance of Dave Pare.
features: + multiplayer
+ fixed update times
+ internet server based
+ planes, nukes, satellites, ships, market, distribute
+ hexmap
+ actively supported
limits: 256 players, 1024x1024 world
cpu impact: very little per player
os required: BSD, SunOS [34].*, HP-UX, Domain 10.2, AIX 2.2.1, Ultrix, DYNIX
contact: Dave Pare <mr-frog@scam.berkeley.edu>
updated: 3-13-91
name: ve
what: curses empire data viewer.
aquire: from UCB Empire client distribution
name: XEMP release 3.0
what: X11R3-based client for BSD Empire 1.1pl5
who: Henk-Jan Visscher <hjvissc@cs.vu.nl> and MJ Huisjes
aquire: ftp out of pub/xemp on star.cs.vu.nl or ucbvax.berkeley.edu
name: empire.el release 2.d (GEET)
what: intelligent BSD Empire client under GNU Emacs
who: Lynn Slater <lrs@indetech.com>
aquire: from author, or ftp pub/GnuEmpTool.2.0d.tar.Z from bbn.com
notes: write to gnurus-info-request@indetech.com
name: EIF (Empire InterFace)
what: simple empire client with history and aliases
who: Doug Hay <dhay@swen2.waterloo.edu>
aquire: from author
name: BSD Empire -- KSU distribution
version: 1.02
how to get: ftp from hp5.mcs.kent.edu
history: the "Kent State" mods add features to BSD Empire 1.1 patch5.
features: + abms
+ conventional asats
+ many bugs fixed, some introduced
contact: Brian Odeen <odeen@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu>,
Jeff Bailey <bailey@hp5.mcs.kent.edu>
updated: 4-6-91
name: BSD Empire
version: 2.0
how to get: unknown, wait a few weeks
history: Starting with UCSD Empire 0.9.10, the source code was
cleaned up and reorganized by Dave Pare and the Experimental
Computing Facility (XCF) of U C Berkeley. Since then,
development has continued under the guidance of Dave Pare.
features: + multiplayer
+ screen-based standard client with TCL
+ fixed update times
+ internet server based
+ planes, nukes, satellites, ships, market, distribute
+ hexmap
+ micromanagement partially eliminated.
+ actively supported
limits: 256 players, 1024x1024 world
cpu impact: very little per player
os required: BSD, SunOS [34].*, HP-UX, Domain 10.2, AIX 2.2.1, Ultrix, DYNIX
contact: Dave Pare <mr-frog@scam.berkeley.edu>
updated: 4-5-91
name: UCSD Empire
version: 0.9.34
how to get: ftp out of pub/games/empire/ucsd on ucbvax.berkeley.edu
history: starting with PSL Empire 2/26/85, Dave Pare, Keith
Muller, and Jim Reuter decompiled PSL's object
files and redesigned the process model. Later, David
Muir Sharnoff coordinated work on the code by many people.
features: + multiplayer
+ fixed update times
+ internet server based
+ planes, nukes, ships, market, distribute
+ hexmap
limits: 32 players, 256x256 world
cpu impact: small
os required: BSD Unix, DYNIX, SunOS, BSD, HP-UX
contact: David Muir Sharnoff <muir@cogsci.berkeley.edu>
name: vx
what: screen-based empire client for UCSD Empire based on ve.
aquire: from UCSD Empire distribution
note: not very robust
name: vfix
what: screen-based empire diety database manipulation tool
who: Nick Lai
aquire: from UCSD Empire distribution
note: no documentation
name: Buck Empire
version: Export Empire - Version of August 9, 1988
how to get: send email to John Buck
history: John Buck enhanced and debugged PSL Empire starting
from version 3/29/86.
features: + multiplayer
+ individual updates
+ ships, nukes, market
+ hexmap
+ nominal sector locking
+ supported
restriction: requires unix source license due to C-library routines that
have been modified, but are included
cpu impact: minimal, depends on number of players
limits: 32 players, only 128x128 worlds
os required: Unix (BSD or USG), no sockets needed
hardware: even runs on AT&T 3B series machines
there WERE "unsigned char" problems
contact: John Buck <john@polyof.poly.edu>
name: PSL Empire
version: 3/29/86
how to get: ftp out of pub/games/empire/psl on ucbvax.berkeley.edu
history: written by Peter Langston long ago. This is the version of
empire that started it all. It was distributed in binary
form for many years.
features: + multiplayer
+ individual updates
+ ships
+ hexmap
limits: 32 players, 128x128 world
cpu impact: large
os required: Unix
contact: David Muir Sharnoff <muir@cogsci.berkeley.edu>
name: Old Empire
version: 1.3 (January 1991)
how to get: unknown, talk to Tom Fisher
history: Is based on Tom Fisher's decompilation, porting, and
extensive bug fixing of an OLD (1978) 11/70 PSL Empire.
Still played actively by those preferring simpler game.
features: + multiplayer
+ individual updates
+ plane (one type) & ships
+ square map
+ simple (no oil, food, morale, nukes, light/heavy industry)
cpu impact: small
os required: Unix
limits: 32 countries, 128x128, 32767 ships
contact: Tom Fisher <tsf@druhi.att.com>
updated: 1-25-91
name: eupd, ehelp, ecre
vers: 1.2
what: Old Empire playing aids
+ eupd - gathers intelligence from empire output.
+ ehelp - termcap screen oriented data viewer and
script generator.
+ ecre - creates parallel sect and ship files to hold
intelligence gathered by eupd.
aquire: unknown, talk to Tom Fisher
who: Tom Fisher <tsf@druhi.att.com>
name: xconq
version: 5.4
how to get: comp.sources.games (v5).
history: Written by Stan Shebs
features: + multiplayer with simultaneous play
+ short games
+ X-based user interface (X10, X11 & curses)
+ multiple scenarios / extensible
+ hexmap
+ robot players
+ unsupported (volunteer requested)
limits: 7 players, 31 unit types, 15 terrian types, 32767 units
cpu impact: small
os required: Unix
contact: Stan Shebs <shebs@apple.com>
name: Galactic Bloodshed
version: 4.0
decription: A multiplayer game of galactic conquest. Kind of a cross
between Star Trek, Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica.
how to get: ftp Feb 11 versions of GB_server.shar and GB_docs.shar
out of src/games/gb on scam.berkeley.edu.
history: A multiplayer galactic conquest game. It evolved from Robert
Chansky's version .975 originally posted on comp.sources.games
in April 1989. Currently discussed in alt.games.gb.
features: + multiplayer, internet-server based.
+ player alliance blocks
+ many star systems with unique planetary geologies
+ customized ship design
+ under development (but well-established)
+ exploration, terraforming, communication, co-existence,
+ land/space combat, treaties, tactical & strategic operations
limits: 31 players (soon to be 63)
cpu impact: very small
os required: 4.3 BSD Unix, also works on SunOS.
contact: Garrett van Cleef <vancleef@ohstpy.mps.ohio-state.edu>
updated: 2-14-91
name: GB_client
what: Alternate client
who: Robert Chansky <robertc@sco.COM>
aquire: ftp out of {GB,tmp}/GB_client.shar on acf8.nyu.edu
name: conquer
version: 4, patchlevel 10
how to get: comp.sources.games or ftp out of conquer/ on bu-cs.bu.edu
history: A multiplayer fantasy wargame written from scratch by Ed
Barlow and released to comp.sources.games. Not really empire,
but close enough to be easily understood by those used to
empire. Currently supported by co-author Adam Bryant who
has been working with conquer for well over two years.
Version 5.0 is in beta and can be ftp'ed from cs.bu.edu.
features: + multiplayer
+ multiple scenarios (with multiple administrators)
+ screen based user interface
+ rectangular map
+ magical powers, spells
+ large variety of unit types
limits: 256x256 world
cpu impact: medium to large
os required: Almost any Unix (SunOS, SysV, Xenix, Mach, HP-UX, etc...)
contact: Adam Bryant <adb@bu-cs.bu.edu>
updated: 2-15-91
name: Dominion
version: 1.02beta
how to get: ftp pub/sbw/dominion-1.02beta.tar.Z from
max.physics.sunysb.edu, or wait for comp.sources.games posting.
history: Dominion, formerly Stony Brook World, has features from
role-playing games, educational games, and war games.
Dominion was developed at SUNY at Stony Brook by
a group of physics, computer science and other students during
spring/summer 1990. Dominion was inspired by conquer.
features: + multiplayer
+ infrequent updates (no real-time play)
+ character development
+ economic simulation
+ military magic and technology
+ actively supported
+ text-based world, types and parameter specification
limits: (?) >=40 players
os required: Unix (V.2, V.3), SunOS 4.0; version 1.0 was ported to the Amiga
contact: Mark Galassi <rosalia@max.physics.sunysb.edu>
updated: 2-27-91
name: The Broken Throne
version: 1.2
how to get: ftp from bt on belch.berkeley.edu; or from comp.sources.games.
history: Written by Tom Boutell, started as a BBS game in interpreted
BASIC, then as a pilot PBM project; Unix C version begun 11/90.
features: + multiplayer, intenet server based
+ fast paced, short (5-60min), brutal games.
+ curses interface
+ 7 terrain types, can convert towns to cities ...
+ simple
+ optional robot player
+ activly supported, author-coordinated games & upgrades
limits: 6 players, 16x16 map.
cpu impact: Minimal for both client and server. Static in size.
os required: Unix with Internet sockets.
contact: Tom Boutell <boutell@freezer.it.udel.edu>.
updated: 4-4-91
name: Amiga Empire
version: 2.2w
how-to-get: from any Comp.binaries.amiga archive.
history: It started with Chris Gray playing PSL Empire many years ago.
He Decided to re-implement it for the Amiga, based on the docs.
This is the promised new version, updated by Dave Wright.
features: + multiplayer
+ individual update times
+ planes, ships, news, etc.
+ PD "helper" programs becoming available
+ actively supported
+ compatible with Amiga multi-user BBS systems
limits: 45 players, 256 x 256 world, square power-of-two world
Simultaneous players limited only by the number of ports.
cpu impact: light for dial-in players, light to heavy for host machine
os required: AmigaDos, 1.1 or higher. 512K RAM needed, more is better
contact: Chris Gray <...!alberta!ami-cg!cg>
CompuServe: 74007,1165 (checked every couple weeks only)
Also: David Wright <davewt@NCoast.ORG>
updated: 2-7-91
name: Cosmic Conquet
version: 1.35
how to get: Fishdisks or any major amiga PD software ftp site
history: Invented in the late 80's by Carl Edman. Inspired by an
earlier version of the game called "Conquest," author unknown.
features: + multiplayer (mix of human and various robotic)
+ planets, stars
+ around 30 ship types
+ economy
+ colonization
+ multi-colored mainly point-and-click user interface
limits: 4 players, 20x20 world, 20 stars (up to 10 planets)
cpu impact: small, disscouting robotic players
os required: Amiga
contact: Carl Edman <cedman@golem.ps.uci.edu>
updated: 2-6-91
name: PC Empire
version: 1.47
how to get: contact author by US Mail: PO Box 18213 /
San Jose, CA 95158; by phone: 408/264-6105 (6-9pm or
weekends, ask for Gordon); or by email.
history: Based on his experience with PSL-derrived unix empires,
Gordon Storga wrote a PC version of empire. It is now
available as shareware ($20). A network (LAN) version
is planned. as shareware in the near future.
features: + multiplayer (though not simultaneous)
+ various units & sector types
+ commodities market
+ screen based
limits: 7 players, 96x96 world
os required: MS DOS on PC, XT, 286, 386, clones...
contact: Gordon Storga <gordons@ashtate.uucp>
updated: 2-14-91
name: C Empire
version: (?)
how to get: ftp games/empire[1-6].ar.Z from uunet.uu.net
history: based on the VMS Empire, Chuck Simmons recoded in C.
features: + single player
+ rectangular map
cpu impact: large
os required: Unix
contact: Chuck Simmons / 1250 E. Arques Ave MS 269 / Box 3470
Sunnyvale, CA 94088-3470
name: VMS Empire
how to get: you can get a binary from from DECUS or ftp newempire.exe
from tranya.cpac.washington.edu; or source from Donald Harper
until Walter Bright hears about it!
history: Written by Walter Bright (bright@dataio.data-io.com)
features: + single player
+ screen based interface
+ written in fortran
os required: VMS
cpu impact: large
contact: Donald M. Harper <acsiv@jetson.uh.edu>
name: Strategic Conquest
version: 2.0
how to get: Buy it from your neighborhood Machintosh store.
history: (?)
features: + 1-2 players using 1-2 macs
+ sound effects
+ stacking
+ strategic bomber (?)
limits: 2 players, small map, fixed types of pieces
os required: Macintosh
contact: (temporary) Christian Wiedmann <wiedmann@auk.fx.com>
name: Empire 'Wargame of the Century'
version: (?)
how to get: buy it in a computer store.
history: A commercial game based on Walter Bright's work. Improved
by Mark Baldwin. Very similar to VMS Empire. Published by
Interstel; distributed by Electronic Arts.
features: + multi-player (not simultaneous)
+ square map
+ very simple (6 ships, 1 land unit, 1 plane, no economy)
+ decent computer players
limits: 1 or 2 human players and 1 or 2 computer players
os required: MS DOS, Atari ST, Amiga.
contact: Interstel
name: Xerox Development Environment (XDE) Empire
version: 1.0
how to get: have to have access to the Xerox network:
[Maya1:Henr801C:Xerox]Heiny/Public/Empire/Empire.bcd
[Eagle:ES Public:Xerox]LBennett/Empire/Empire.man
[Eagle:ES Public:Xerox]LBennett/Empire/Host.bcd
history: Leif Bennett took a Unix version on ported it to XDE.
features: + multiplayer
+ fixed update times
+ internet server based
+ planes, ships, market, distribute
+ sqaure map
+ actively supported
+ a complete window environment
+ all commands are available by clicking with mouse
limits: 128 players, 256x256 world
cpu impact: mild
os required: currently only runs on Xerox workstations
name: HP Empire
version: 1.9 or 2.0
how to get: There is a version on the user group distribution tape for HP.
or contact randy@atc.boeing.com
history: A derivative of the grandaddy of all empires - Civilization -
which was written at Evergreen State College by PSL, Ben Norton,
'Moo' and several others around 1972-3. This version runs on
HP MPE machines and is written in HP PASCAL.
features: + multiplayer
+ fixed update times
+ no market, no gold
+ coordinates are strict x,y up to 999x999
limits: 999x999 world, 999 players
cpu impact: heavy
os required: HP MPE
----
Please send corrections and additions to muir@csi.com
Thanks,
-Dave
--
David Muir Sharnoff. "RISC is about one year ahead"
muir@csi.com (415) 358-3664 (415) 644-0441
Comdisco Systems Inc. 919 East Hillsdale Blvd, Foster City, CA 94404