Re: PBW, First Impressions.. (Multiplayer discussion)
 

David, I don't diasgree there is room for improvment. However I sumbit the only reason you feel that the PBW mechanics got in the way of the game is that you have never tried to participate in a PBEM game of Se4 without it. You will find it's much superior to the alternative.

Also, if you try the RTC program I think you will find it eliminates a lot things you still take issue with. You can use it for your exsisting game that is still going on. It doesn't have a chat feature, but it totally automates the file handling and launches the executable.

Geoschmo

Re: PBW, First Impressions.. (Multiplayer discussion)
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">True, I did jump into the 'deep-end' by joining the PBW-Athon for my first venture into SE:Multiplayer. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

I totally understand the idea and funcionality of PBEM. It's a more leisurely pace where speed has little or no value. I'm not saying anything bad about PBEM. I'm just saying that personally I think there is much potential in having a faster paced game option available. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the TPC/IP option is more or less for 'networks' and not so much across the internet.

I'm having trouble putting my finger on what exactly is missing to have that kind of option. (faster gameplay in multiplayer) But after yesterday's game, I can tell you there is definately interest and potential if that kind of gameplay was added to SE:4/5.

I think this a worthy and worthwhile topic to discuss. (not how I feel about the PBW experience) But discuss the highs and lows of multiplayer and what can be done to enhance and improve that experience.

...follow the bouncing ball,.. Cheers! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Re: PBW, First Impressions.. (Multiplayer discussion)
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Or save that trouble and use the Mod Launcher...

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Ok, you are wrong. It is there for both options. It is not very well implemented, but is fine designed for internet play as well as network play.

[ January 18, 2004, 19:04: Message edited by: Imperator Fyron ]

Re: PBW, First Impressions.. (Multiplayer discussion)
 

Fyron, I was/am using the ModLauncher. It doesn't prevent the game from closing at the end of every turn.

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Re: PBW, First Impressions.. (Multiplayer discussion)
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">So make a BAT file like DavidG did, or send an e-mail to aaron.

Re: PBW, First Impressions.. (Multiplayer discussion)
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Use Trillian.

Or Wait till SE5 comes out.

Re: PBW, First Impressions.. (Multiplayer discussion)
 

I have only participated in three or four of these multiplayer turn events, and from what I have seen, if well organized and well attended, they run realatively smoothly.

TCI/IP play has some areas for improvement, I sent Aaron an email on that a week or so ago.

PBEM I have done as well, very very slow.

PBW is by far the fastest method of game play for larger Groups of people. PBW processes the turn automatically, and gives everyone a rallying point to get their turns from.

The only limit to PBW are us who are on dial up.

In the first 50 turns of AUK, we averaged about 12 turns an hour once the game got going. The game Last night was a lot of fun and we processed 24 turn in little over 4 hours. That was better than I expected.

The next game will be started much earlier, medium tech start, STANDARD medium midlife map, no thrills and whistles. (To keep the size of the game file down.)

Re: PBW, First Impressions.. (Multiplayer discussion)
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">That was in response to DavidG, not to you...

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">So make a BAT file like DavidG did, or send an e-mail to aaron. </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">That doesn't keep the game from closing after ending your turn. Mod Launcher is still the way to go, as no need to make batch files or anything silly like that. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[ January 18, 2004, 19:58: Message edited by: Imperator Fyron ]

Re: PBW, First Impressions.. (Multiplayer discussion)
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Or save that trouble and use the Mod Launcher...
</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Bah I got better things to do than waste time with the 2 extra mouse clicks this requires.

Re: PBW, First Impressions.. (Multiplayer discussion)
 

Double click batch file, spend one second moving the mouse cursor between the 2 clicks of selecting the game and hitting Load Saved Game... ok...