[1] An entry from The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction stated that the game was considered innovative upon its release, and criticized the rules as "somewhat arbitrary" and "densely written", but praised the game's significance that "lies in its historical importance to the development of sf Wargames," which included Triplanetary.
[2] Rusch commented that "Although some of the rules are a little vague, the game plays well, if a bit slow, and it exploits the novels well enough to give you that 'you are there' feeling.
"[2] Marc W. Miller comments: "Lensman remained true to its inspiration, detailing interstellar battleships like the dreadnaught and the mauler, and showing us a space map with familiar star names strewn about.
But on a deeper level, Phil Pritchard offered up an exhaustive treatment of the strategic economic wargame that had dominated the form for the 20 years prior to its publication.
"[3] It was the first science fiction wargame to be available commercially, and is considered an important influence for future games from that genre.