Rated Game Proposal
 

Well, Geo can do it, so why can't I http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif ?

I was thinking about the popularity of the Draft Football league played in bars and thought up a similar idea:

Game: Team
Players: 4 x 4 (or 5 x 5 if enough interest)
Turn Times: 48 hours till turn 15 (then 72 hours)
Map: Large (to be set up fairly by an approved non-player dividing teams across the map)
Type: To be decided
Racial restrictions: 2,000 points; 1 good starting planet; Low tech cost; No trait will be lowered to show "non-existant"; No Religious
Game restrictions: No mines; No intel; All players on a team must take the same colony type but a DIFFERENT atmosphere; surrender/gifts/trades/(etc.) allowed

NOW, here is the "kicker":

There are 2 admirals at the beginning for each team (that are the highest rated players). Proposed at this writing: Primitive and Asmala (everyone knows my rating is a bit inflated http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif ). Each admiral "drafts" his choice of players to fill out "his" team. First draft goes to the lowest rated player (and after that, team total).

So, a running total is kept of the team total and until a team total is higher than that of the opposing team, he continues to keep choosing. Example:

Asmala chooses first. He chooses a player with 500 points (I know...not a wise choice). Now, that team has (roughly) 1600 points. Now, Primitive is the lowest team total. He chooses next and chooses a player with 1000 points. Now, his team has (roughly) 2100 points. Asmala's team is lowest again and he chooses a player with 400 points (gee, has anyone talked to him about his choices?!). Now, Asmala's team has (roughly) 2000 points. So he gets to choose again.

Of course, that is a wild example to make the point.

So, when we get two agreeable admirals, the "drafting" begins. It must be posted here in this thread and should look like this (kind of):

Primitive humbly (as if http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif ) requests the fleets of (fill in the blank) to join him in galactic slaughter. The requested person can decline (based on schedule or anything else...after all, he might not want to play a game of this type) or accept. If he declines, he is removed from the draft list. If accepts, team points are totaled and the lowest team total gets the next choice.

This game, just so you know, will result in a large amount of points gained and lost. Remember, it is also "Last man standing" so you will either have to fight it out with your teammates or come to an agreement on who was most instrumental in getting the victory for the team and assign winning positions that way.

Finally, if there are any dropouts (for good reasons), a substitute player may be assigned as a fill-in with the following conditions: He must be rated lower than the person he is replacing and the position will not be rated for either the replaced player or the replacement player (in other words, he is joining to play to the best of his ability and help out a team who had a player drop for good reasons).

Suggestions? Comments? Interest?

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

Interest, Yes! I would not like the Last Man Standing threat to break up the teams, but could accept it.

suggest - View Allied scores.

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

Great Idea Slynky, but Primitive must humbly request to be left out of this http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

RL is is closing in from all sides and I can't commit to any new games (except from KOTH of course) for the next few months.

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

Sounds like a fine idea! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

I am interested. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

I would be interested, if you do not mind rather long delays for the turns once we get in the core of the game. Slynky will be able to vouch for my carefulness when these main battles occur, or when you do need to set up a strategic battle plan. (Electrum and Parabolize will unfortunately be able to confirm this as well)

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">I know it would be an important game with (time permitting) a participation of a lot of the top-rated players so I fully intended people to treat this game as a game to be played carefully and make full use of the turnaround time.

So far, we have no admirals stepping forward (Asmala is on Easter vacation till Tuesday and Primitive has declined). I would step in myself and stand as an admiral but as I started this idea, it feels a bit weird to do so (and those who have played with me know my ability as reflected in points is a bit inflated) and BBegemott has been quite silent of late...therefore, I call upon RexTorres to act as an admiral.

Update (proposal) to game settings:

Game restrictions: No mines; No intel; All players on a team must take the same colony type but a DIFFERENT atmosphere; No openers or closers; Surrender/gifts/trades/(etc.) allowed

Removed from draft consideration: Primitive

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

Great idea Slynky. To get all top rated players in one cage. And see who survives.

However I am trying to cut down my number of games. Even dropped out of KOTH. It's a pity, but i am going to omit this one.

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">I thought I remembered you saying you needed a rest after your "killer" KOTH run http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif . It's also one of the reasons I skipped you on the list and went straight to Rex. No hard feelings I hope http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif .

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

I would be willing to give it a go, so count me in.

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Great to hear, Gandalph!

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">The game proposal can be modified if enough players indicated a wish for a particular change. I added the modification to prohibit openers and closers because I thought there might be a good chance tech would be in good progress. I also made tech cost cheap for 2 other reasons: (1) I think people get tired of always having to labor through the same techs and never getting to the rarely-used expensive ones, and (2) No mines.

The way I see the map being layed out...the enemy should be met around turn 20 (or so).

But, as I said, we can change this if the final teams suggest it. An alternative would be starting with medium tech (which gives PDs and a few other things, I think) and then medium or high tech cost. One thing I didn't take into consideration is that there will be a lot of pop-swapping...and THAT should increase the research centers, too.

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

Draft update:

Removed from draft consideration:

Primitive
BBegemott

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

The Partnership income will also play a part (why did I forget this point?). Assuming there are four players in a team, who have roughly the same income, each player would actually have 40% of the income of the entire team. (If Trade Savvy is left on average)

A Partnership at 20% with a teammate bringing in 25% of the income of the team means +5% more of this income for you. With three partners, it means +15%, and +20% with four partners, thus doubling your income. So once the game reaches turn 20 and beyond (depending on when you can sign the treaties), your income will be much higher. (How much higher depends on the income of your allies)

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

Also a good point (depending on the trade level people would settle for). But remember, I also wanted to give a chance for people to take other special racial traits...and that takes extra research, too.

We can let others comment. Perhaps better to change it to medium cost. Just a thought.

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

I forgot this query in my Last post: why would this game be "Low tech cost"? Or is it intended that this game should virtually be a Full Tech game once the teams met? (Obviously, not all techs would be researched, but only the fundamentals. I don't quite believe that anybody will bother with Tachyon Sensors)

Four players would be able to research a *lot* with this cheap technology cost. For example, APB XII costs a mere 440,000 points, Physics I included. In fact, you would be limited by the "one level in a given technology per turn" rule rather than by your income in research points here. (Technology came very quickly in the Pairs game, where it was only two players and a medium tech cost.)

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

I would be interested in this...

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

I've been quite busy lately so I found this thread only now. I've intented to cut down my games but this sounds so interesting that I'm in. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">I knew you (and some others) were busy and that is why I stated up front that I fully expect the game to take 72 hours between turns when we get into the game good. Thanks for throwing in http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon6.gif .

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

You have my sympathy Asmala, for I made the same tough decision of cranking down my number of games. The results were quite impressive, since I joined (or will join) three more games. *Grumbles*

As for this tech cost Slynky, I would indeed be more in favour of a Medium tech cost. It keeps a non-linear progression (unlike low tech cost), while still being very cheap. (Granted, my single mindedness on research makes all but a few techs very cheap) With such a game, a team might even research a technology such as Radioactives Extraction all the way to level IX! (Nay, that does still seem very unlikely)

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

I'd also like more medium or even high tech cost.

Have you considered the amount of micromanagement due to different atmospheres? It's quite a lot of work to transfer people about.

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

Sounds cool - I'll play.

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

Well, it looks like we are on our way...we have two admirals who have answered the call http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon6.gif .

Now, each admiral will begin drafting (in turn) their allies to join in the war. First choice goes to the lower ranking admiral, RexTorres.

Remember those who have been removed from consideration are not available. Also, for those awaiting a "tap on the shoulder" from Admiral RexTorres or Admiral Asmala, cast aside all your self evaluations of how good you are as I suspect each admiral will make his choices based on the Rating and what he knows (or has heard) about you.

When we have filled the two teams, we will finalize the game setup...who better to decide than those in the game http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif .

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

I'm not looking for another game, but if selected I shall play, if victorious I shall gloat http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

I would prefer medium or even high tech cost too.

I assume the stellar manip. branch will be researchable, just the opener and closer are verboten?

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

BUMP

(trying to get Asmala and Rex to give a read http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif )

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Correct. Create storms, planets, planet/star destroyers but no "hole" work... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif .

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

(nudge)

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

For my first pick - and this probably is not a surprise:

Slynky.

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Well, it surprises me a bit http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/blush.gif , but I gladly accept. (gulp! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif ... been a while since I fought against Asmala).

Admiral Asmala...your choice, Sir?

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

My first choice is: Spoon

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

Ahhhh, ssssneaky one, that Asmala isss. Chooses Ssspoon who has no Ratings, he does http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif .

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

Heh, that could be a problem, couldn't it? Do starting players start with a rating (1000?). If not, maybe just assign me whatever the group average is.
Then let Admiral Sneak-mala decide if he still wants me on his team...

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">I think he wants you for (expected) ability...not your rating. Your rating is 1,000 (unless your King game finishes very soon). But, we shall see his answer.

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

Spoon, as Slynky guessed I picked you for your skills (mind you, I'm currently playing against you http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif ) and of course I still want you to my team.

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

I gather it is your turn once again to pick another player Asmala? (Slynky is ranked higher than you, and Rex is above Spoon, so your team has a lower rating than theirs) Unless I didn't quite understand the process, which is more than likely.

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Yes, Admiral RexTorres' team has a total of 2154 points while Admiral Asmala's team has a total of 2103. Next choice belongs to Admiral Asmala.

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

(nudging to the top)

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

Oh, it's my turn again. I choose Rollo, though I'm not sure if he has time to play.

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

Nice choice but Rollo (1) has indicated he has no desire for SE4 anymore (something about a vacation of 3 weeks and not missing SE4 at all) and (2) isn't a member of the Ratings system.

So, it's back to the drawing board, I must say http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif .

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

Ah, ok. Then I'd pick Pablo but he's neither a member of Ratings system. So, I'll choose Electrum.

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">I'll be there!

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">I'll be there! </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Welcome aboard, Electrum! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon6.gif

Looks like we're back to Admiral RexTorres.

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

We'll pick Alneyan next.

[ April 18, 2004, 06:20: Message edited by: rextorres ]

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

And I was just going to take Alneyan... Anyway, I'll choose Baron Grazic then.

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

Do you truly need my poor assistance Asmala? I do only hope that my performance will be much better this time than in my Last games. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Actually, Asmala, I think you have found out my secret...the main reason I like having Alneyan on my team is his non-stop writing/imagination. Of course, if he'd spend a bit more time on his turns and less at novels, he might actually become good at this game. I think, in the games he won, he broke down the enemy with an un-ending volley of words http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif .

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

So far, it looks like this:

Asmala, Spoon, Electrum, and Baron Grazic (awaiting response)

RexTorres, Slynky, and Alneyan.

[edit] - It looks like we will be waiting till the 21st (or so) for an answer as the Baron posted a note about a 2-week vacation on the 6th/7th. He may have his laptop with him and could respond earlier...but just in case, we can settle back for a few days.

[ April 18, 2004, 13:54: Message edited by: Slynky ]

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

Actually I've never played with or against you, but your rating isn't bad and I've read your nice game reports http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif .

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

(tickle)

Re: Rated Game Proposal
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">After the first battle results in the Pairs game, I'm surprised Asmala even considered me, unless he can see the trap that I have laid down for him. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

I can't refuse this honor - Thanks Asmala. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[ April 26, 2004, 06:07: Message edited by: Baron Grazic ]