Web Fed Award-winning Planets

Reviewed on December 2, 2001

Jumping into orbit around Estate, I found yet another breathtaking view of a lovely planet, lush vegetation and beautiful coastlines beckoning me to land and explore. I stifled yet another breathtaking yawn and guided my ship towards the landing pad, already dreading a walk-through of what might well be just another basic planet design. Someday Slarti’s should incorporate these models as one of their stock issue planets: the post-mini standard planet owner’s idea of what needs to be included in every design.

And sure enough, it was all there. The great Lord’s mansion with bedrooms, dining halls, library, sauna and/or hot tub, and memorial portraits. The tavern off the landing pad, hospital with required nurses, and nice garden to sit in and watch the grass grow. Comm shop. Weapons shop. Cathedral and dirt path leading to woods/forest/mountain/ocean. A few natives here and there along with pesky little uprisings and discontents.

Get the picture? This was looking like another stock mudball with the usual enhancements dressing it up. I’ve walked through so many planets with the same accoutrements I could probably do it in my sleep.

Estate does have a few things here and there you don’t find on most planets, though. For one, it has a Walrus of Merit tucked away in the corner of the orbit now. (Ha! I didn’t wait until the last sentence to say that!) Though the elements of the design are much the same as you’d find on a number of planets in Fed, the execution is remarkable. Jazir provides the explorer with a rich history and well-written locations that make you anxious to see what’s around the next bend in the path. There’s plenty of humor and dry wit written in (check out the portrait of Danmathman!) and aesthetic beauty that’s not overdone.

There was one part of Estate that I didn’t like too much. The planet has a puzzle. No, wait – I liked the puzzle, I just didn’t like having to get shot in the shoulder to find out about it. That really hurt! The puzzle is well designed and clues are carefully planted about the entire system. Be prepared for a challenge if you take this one on, and make sure your insurance premiums are up to date! It’s well worth it the trouble.

Estate is a system no one should miss exploring, and Jazir has created a planet that showcases what should and can be done with a design. Congratulations on a job extremely well done!