Re: Introduce yourself!! :-)
 

It is a lot like that. But, it took me a long while to get into MP games, and it makes a huge difference over SP games in fun.

Re: Introduce yourself!! :-)
 

As most people will attest, they had a lot of fun with the game for a long time.
And then got into MP and had more fun for a longer time. :)

To avoid the "kick in the stomach repeatedly" syndrome you might watch the MP forum for chances to substitute. Particularly to sub for angry players dropping out. The other players will welcome you. You dont have to do good. And you will get a chance to see how more experienced players do things.

Of course you will probably see them as you are getting your asskicked. But there is no pressure. You have the excuse that you took over a losing position. And you arent playing a nation you chose nor with a pretender-god that you built. The only hope anyone has for you is that you will be slightly more fun than turning it over to AI play. You get to go down swinging in grand and glorious epic battles with no regrets.

And remember to view the battles carefully, and ask questions. :D

Re: Introduce yourself!! :-)
 

I can absolutely imagine that. And human intelligence is exactly what I'm missing from the SP games :) I had a strange experience recently in a game where, even though I could tell I wasn't playing very well, I could see the AI play so much worse. Was actually the motivation for me to join up here :)

Good idea, Gandalf :) That seems like a good way to get a taste of MP.

Re: Introduce yourself!! :-)
 

Hi all,

Finally took the plunge on Dominions 3 after weighing it up for ... ooh, about 5 years.

Taking my first faltering steps in SP with EA T'ien Chi right now but what's a good way to 'learn' to the point that I can play MP? I've heard a lot of varying comments - play MA Man and use general strategies, pick one nation and play specific strategies, play the AI, don't play the AI as it builds bad habits etc.? Presuming SP is useful, should I wait until I can beat the AI, beat several AIs, beat AI consistently etc.? How long is the normal incubation period? I enjoyed the tutorial but got a lot from reading a few something awful LPs.

I like the idea of 'subbing in' as an intro down the line a bit but I'm scared the sheer number of decisions would be a little overwhelming!

Excited to be here!

Re: Introduce yourself!! :-)
 

Yeah, subbing in isn't my favourite. To much at once.

You could try one of the newbie games at dom3mods. http://z7.invisionfree.com/Dom3mods/index.php?act=idx or participate in a blitz on irc and get slaughtered. :D (blitzes are game that are played very quickly. With everybody on the same chat channel usually).

Re: Introduce yourself!! :-)
 

IMO, if you're playing to be able to play multiplayer, what you need to do isn't really to learn how to beat the AI. You need to learn how to expand, and you need to learn basic scripting, site searching, and maybe figure out a few good early game go to spells. Then you should be fine for noob games and can start learning more in depth.

Re: Introduce yourself!! :-)
 

Cheers guys. Both sound bits of advice. The early game especially I think it's worth me practising as my expansion gets gummed up, my spell choices go wrong - already seeing the mistakes. After a bit, when I'm comfortable there, I'll batter into a MP noob game and lose horrifically a few times.

Re: Introduce yourself!! :-)
 

Hello Dominions Community! (wave)
Cunknown brought me back to Dom3 after about 5 years away. Dominions rocks!!!! It's even better then it used to be!

@Datom: We're playing Waarrrggg game together. Your expansion is Unmatched! Next you need to work on Diplomacy. Graphs are on, so everyone see's you are kicking butt! Don't start more then one war at a time! Good Luck!

Re: Introduce yourself!! :-)
 

Hello everyone. I'm new to Dom3, have been playing AI for about a month and am just getting into my first MP games now.

I'm an old dude (45) and a long time strategy game fan, with my favorite offline games including Star Fleet Battles and Mechwarrior (20 years ago) and Small World more recently and my favorite computer games including Civ 4/5 and EUIII.

Worked for years in the computer game industry as a Designer / Producer for Microprose back when it was one of the top companies in the industry. Worked on the original X-Com, Civ1 Windows, MOO, MOM & Magic the Gathering.

Nowadays have my own Tech Startup in the mobile space which is doing really well.

Been looking for a deep online strategy game experience for years and been dissatisfied with everything prior to coming across Dom3. Looking forward to getting to know you all and becoming and active member of the Dom3 community.

Also, I'm up for Blitz games on the weekend, so look me up if you are forming a game and need players.

Re: Introduce yourself!! :-)
 

starcryst: Wow, you worked on a lot of cool things!!