Fantasy Gamer began in 1983, as a fantasy-themed counterpart to Space Gamer's sci-fi focus. Fantasy Gamer lasted for six bimonthly issues, from August/September 1983 to June/July 1984. Fantasy-related content folded back into Space Gamer after then. Fantasy Gamer covered all aspects of fantasy-themed hobby gaming: RPGs, wargames, card and strategy games, and more. It also featured industry news and reviews. Although Fantasy Gamer is still a great read in its own right, today it's also a fascinating look at an earlier era of hobby gaming.

Today's featured issue from the vault:

Fantasy Gamer #4

Fantasy Gamer #4 (February-March 1984)

No, your crystal ball isn't on the fritz; Fantasy Gamer #4 (cover date February-March 1984) really is as cool as you've foreseen!

In addition to the regular game reviews, news, and letters, this issue features "The Solimar Quest," a fantasy adventure where the high-powered heroes vie for godhood. This adventure provides guidelines for Advanced Dungeons & Dragons and The Fantasy Trip, but it's fiendish enough to convert to most other magical settings.

You also get a short story – "Vampire Trap" – written by noted sci-fi author Timothy Zahn, where a djinn sword and a vampire vie for superiority; TFT gaming notes for "Vampire Trap" by Steve Jackson; solo rules for Undead; designer notes for "The Thing in the Darkness" from Fantasy Gamer #3; and more.

Whether you're a fan of old-school gaming or a historian of our hobby, each issue of Fantasy Gamer is the perfect portal to the past!



The Vault

Fantasy Gamer #1 - #6
#1 - #6