Steve Jackson Games published six issues of Fantasy Gamer. Those back issues (listed below) are available in PDF format on e23.
Fantasy Gamer #1 (August-September 1983)
Is it a fantasy, or is it reality? The answer is "yes," with Fantasy Gamer #1 (cover date August-September 1983)! This premiere issue starts the title on the right foot (or centaur hoof, or werewolf claw, or . . .)
In addition to the regular game reviews, news, and letters, this issue features a complete game: "Slasher Flick," by Donald Saxman (designer of Superhero: 2044)! This meaty two-player game pits victims against the Bogeyman in a fight to the death! It's all good tongue-in-cheek fun, but you still might want to play with the lights on.
This issue also includes alternate uses for experience points in Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (permitting new abilities for willing heroes); an overview of Origins '83, held in Detroit; a collection of "useless" tables; 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!
Fantasy Gamer #2 (October-November 1983)
You meet an old man in a bar. He leans over conspiratorially and hands you Fantasy Gamer #2 (cover date October-November 1983). To what extent do you hide your delight at this unexpected treasure?
In addition to the regular game reviews, news, and letters, this issue features a 16-page gamer's guide to Victorian London. This generic supplement includes information on history, fashions, prices, the law, noteworthy personalities, and more. Be sure to take the included two-page map so you don't get lost!
This issue also includes a look at what to do with high-powered heroes, variant damage spells for DragonQuest, 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!
Fantasy Gamer #3 (December 1983-January 1984)
Are you terrified by Fantasy Gamer #3 (cover date December 1983-January 1984)? You should be; it's scary how fun this issue is!
In addition to the regular game reviews, news, and letters, this issue features "The Thing in the Darkness," a 19-page solo adventure designed for Call of Cthulhu (with guidelines for converting to other games). Can you solve the mystery of the missing girl – with your body and soul intact?
This issue also includes a meaty short story – "Mirrors of the Soul" – about a private eye facing the forces of darkness; guidelines on how to turn two-player games into solo experiences; the strangler class for Dungeons & Dragons; an in-depth review by Steve Jackson of the Lost Worlds one-on-one fighting books; 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!
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!
Fantasy Gamer #5 (April-May 1984)
Quit dragon your heels; there's a great issue of Fantasy Gamer #5 (cover date April-May 1984) now available in the wings!
In addition to the regular game reviews, news, and letters, this issue features Steve Jackson's "Demonwand," a boardgame for two to four players. It's war between wizards on an ever-changing magical landscape! This issue also includes fantasy-gaming rules for the Windigo (including stats for Advanced Dungeons & Dragons); insight into parent/child gaming; 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!
Fantasy Gamer #6 (June-July 1984)
Despite being beloved by all in the land, Fantasy Gamer #6 (cover date June-July 1984) reveals the mighty magazine facing one foe it cannot thwart: cancellation! However, its departure is your gain, as the final installment goes out with a bang!
In addition to the regular game reviews, news, and letters, this issue features "Lost Inheritance," an adventure for four to six RuneQuest characters. Can the heroes escape from the bizarre alien realm in which they find themselves trapped?
This issue also includes in-depth features on three RPGs from Avalon Hill – Powers & Perils, RuneQuest 3, and Lords of Creation; comparison reviews of Chivalry & Sorcery and Bushido; 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!
