Earthwood (game)

Did You Know?

• Earthwood was introduced on April 1, 1981.
• The game proved popular in the U.K. and the U.S., but received a lukewarm reception when introduced to Australia in 1986.
• By 1988, Game Systems Inc. created a new version called Earthwood-Sea Kings due to the game's popularity.

Reception

David Ladyman, writing in Fantasy Gamer, recommended Earthwood with reservations, noting that players get substantial decision-making and interaction for the cost, especially if they engage in early messaging. He found negotiation more profitable than confrontation, though deciding when a neighbor becomes a liability was difficult. He mentioned frustrating rule restrictions and suggested that those insisting on strict logic might avoid the game. At $3 per turn, he considered it engrossing entertainment. Nicky Palmer, in Flagship, recommended the game for its diplomatic aspects. Kevin Flynn, in Breakout!, stated that cities are key, producing food, armor, and gold, and are hard to take once developed. He concluded that a winning player must manage logistics, glean information from moves, and be a diplomat. Stewart Wieck, in White Wolf, called it a very enjoyable game, rating it 5 for Strategy, 7 for Materials and Diplomacy, 8 for Moderation, and 7 overall.