Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

Just curious what the majority of you play. Do you mainly Pbem or play most of your time against the AI or split time between the 2?

These days I rarely play Pbem due to time constraints. I mainly play vs the AI due to playtesting different campaigns I have in design progress.

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

Recently started playing a lot more vs AI as seem to have found reasonable settings.
A point on scenerios applies to some only.
Some form of briefing / intel would be nice such as on a raid there is a barracks 15 miles North of your location & units may be on maneuvers in the area.
I would take this as attack likely from the North but have a bit of time. Something could possibly appear sooner from any direction.
Or a simple the mainthrust is expected from.

Only give if intel is likely but some some give no real idea of position you have been placed in.

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

100% Ai.

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

I play 100 % against the AI.
But I would really like to play Pbem, but my work in the Norwegian Armed Forces, with all its responsibilities can do that there sometimes will be weeks before I can play my round and return it.

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

I would suggest try joining a club & state that when you post for a game do the same here. I am sure there are other people with the same problem.
I prefer a quick return but dont have a problem if know. what is annoying is if some ones pattern changes & they don't say somethings come up.

If you want PM me with a couple of games you would like to do. I play standard settings all features on 100% Happy WW2 MBT any time side of your choosing

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

About 90% PBEM, DD.

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

Overall, I suspect most people spend time playing against the AI because the turnaround is quicker. I've got both PBEM and AI games going. With PBEM games, I might average a turn per day where with the AI, I can complete a whole battle in one day. Some people may complete PBEM games faster, but I suspect those would be more the exceptions than the rule.

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

Imp
Great, I do that when i see a window in time.
Right now and probably until our Nato exercise is over there going to be insane at work.

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

Playing the AI is too easy so for me mostly PBEM.

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

AI. Just like snow, you never know how much you're going to get or how long it's going to last...

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

100% AI, but intend to try PBEM in the future.

Regards, Warwick

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

I like both for different reasons.

PBEM because the Commander is human and as such even if they have a doctrine or two there will be surprises, plus it is easier to come up with different reason d' guerre to play under.

AI games because I can play more turns and battles especially when I have some spare time. Plus I can trial all sorts of ideas and what ifs.!!!

Heck it's all simply grand.:D

BTW m113apc, if you want to PBEM and you can't keep a schedule so to speak, as long as I know that going in it is not a problem.

I have 3 PBEM Campaigns, one PBEM Battle and a AI Campaign of some sort or other going at any given time so one more irregular PBEM will not hurt.:cool:

Bob out:D

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

Hey Bob

I will like that Bob.
But I have a two week Nato maneuver coming up, and a lot of other stuff before that, so just so you know, that it can be and on and off thing, but my whole schedule isn’t ready yet for the next month or so.

IL page you.

Can you or anyone lay out some ground rules for this kind of gaming?
How is the nationality chosen between players, map, visibility, type of game (meeting, delay etc), and points to buy stuff and what to buy?

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

I am sure Bob will hold your hand through the process hes a top guy but generaly ask first time you play some one new & discuss, worth talking to him before you are ready to start so game is ready to go.

Most people use these
Standard settings so 100% training breakdown C&C etc on.
For meetings arty 10% rule > you can spend up to 10% of your points on arty, ask some people include air most don't

Other common rules
Sensible forces
Not 30 ATGMs & 50 snipers, yes people waste your time so mention this
Some people like to keep fairly realistic with simple rules
Max allocation
Sniper 1 per inf comp
MMG, RPG teams, scouts etc 1 per inf platoon.
If the company comes with these you can't buy extra but if not can.
No ammo resupply
Arty rules to govern gun size. My view makes for a better game as many people just buy big stuff.
Something like 1 bat of 155s for every 2 smaller depends on time frame.

People come up with others & you can create specific house rules to recreate a situation

Choosing the game
Most people go for meetings certainly first time against a new opponent
Size map & sides is specific to what you fancy suggest what you would like to play & work out. Its easy enough can suggest a battle & let other player choose sides if like.
Same with vision if you fancy a low vis battle see if he does.
Some people think playing on a pre genmap is cheating as you might know it. Big deal you would have to play that map a lot (boring) for it to be a cheat & that would probably be the least of your problems with that guy.
If you have just played that map say

Time wasters
Unfortunatly you will come across this breed of people, I doubt anyone plays them more than once but the guys that put out totaly stupid forces & or try to cheat.
I would suggest you play on full security as if the guy has an unerving skill at knowing where you are you can press the 1key numeric & it will list loads saves & fails. The odd fail is fine funny things happen but if hes had 7 by go 4 he has probably played every turn several times. The fails are whats important but as I said just look at if think hes superhuman then say goodbye.
If use full security always zip/rar your files or you will get a corruption at some point & always play on the same computer.
Basic security zipping still makes sense but you can play on any computer which might help you & would be fine against Bob.
You will also probably come up against the odd guy that moans all the time blaming his equipment the game "why don't my tanks shoot back" etc. Just remind them its the same for both of you & you play for fun not to be moaned at, if that fails quit.

Hope this helped & any questions on feel free to PM me happy to help broaden your gaming experience.
Suggest if you want to talk about more on the board set up a new topic
John

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

Good day, m113apc

Imp covered things quite well. Additionally there is a difference between one off PBEM games, and Campaign PBEM. IMHO (In My Humble Opinion) it boils down to realism. One off games you can commit yourself down to the scout if you want, but in the Campaign PBEM as it is against the AI, conservation of forces is very important, which to me is important, this is not say being wiped out it not possible. Ask Imp he blew me away our last Campaign.

Another point about PBEM that blindsided me when I got back into it, is be very aware the other Commander is human not the AI. Things that work against AI don't against human Commanders. Not that this bothered me as I play to have fun, win or lose.

Rules and pre-game set up are something between the players; these even change over time as you play. Reasons usually with the people I play are an effort to increase the realism. We have even stopped and restarted campaigns just to get things right.

On cheaters, I've never understood the need, but they were the reason I quit PBEM a few years back!

So far though this forum all my "enemies" are Honourable. AND even better yet a joy to do combat with. I always look forward to the next E-mail with the "file".

Another good idea that I do for PBEM is have a copy of the Game loaded just for PBEM, that makes it easier once things are set up and if you are playing with other setting against the AI then the two don't get confused.

Lastly as a personal note, I'm not sure if you have the CD if not I DO play one off games I just prefer Campaigns. You may find if you don't have the CD you may want it play Campaigns PBEM ;) it was a huge selling point for me and I bought MBT as well.

Any other questions feel to ask. BTW have a good EX and do spend time out in the field pondering, " well if I had my Nashorn sited on this rise how many T34's would die before the enemy shells me!!" LOL or maybe you are doing that for real anyway.:up:

Bob out:D

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

Bob,

We've never played - fancy another PBEM Campaign?

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

M113,

Do you have the CD version?

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

Tough luck Bob & you are right, the strange thing is I can't understand how cheating is actualy fun. Playing the same turn 3 times must be very exiting. Not to mention sitting there watching 100 3% shots at hordes of helos snipers.
Winning is nice but for me its when you pull off a bold move or that oh C%#3 moment happens that make the game. If you cheat your never going to get that yes feeling when you pull something off or chastise your troops for missing all 3 shots at 90%.

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

Amen to that Imp!

Bob out!:D

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

Good day, John

What do you have in mind?

Bob out:D

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

Good evening

Yepp, I have WW2 and MBT on cd, of course :D

Well, I didn’t even know that you could cheat in this game, since you use a personal password when it’s your turn.

But I’m not amazed.
I played a lot of online games before, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow 6 up to Raven Shield, and some Battlefield.

There were enough cheaters there to, and something we called TK (team killers), some of you have maybe experienced these themselves, some puke that wasted you from behind or something similar, that was supposed to be on your team.

Anyway, I look forward to a game.

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

m113apc,

Just get a hold of me, here or at home.

Bob out:D

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

OK then, M113 - if you fancy trying a PBEM we can use one of the high numbered Slots - then, if you have to disappear for a few weeks it won't be a problem.

PM me if you want a game some time.

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

I only play against the Al too. I just am not sure when I might be called away from my computer for any length of time.

PBEM sounds great but, it is a way's on down the road.:)

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

I'm surprised anyone would be concerned about PBEM cheaters. I've been playing for years and have never come across a cheat, as far as I know.

These are the ways I can think of to cheat:

1. Replay a turn.

This would have to be really frustrating and boring. Turns can take 45 minutes or more. Replaying turns several times until you get a better result can't be much fun. Anyway, the 'Loads, Quits, Fail' results should expose this.

2. Get a look at your opponents forces.

I guess you'd have to crack your opponents password to manage this. I'm sure it's possible, but not knowing where the enemy is, is one of the best aspects of this game, setting it apart from table-top gaming. Why ruin the fun?

3. Choose 'unfair' forces (sniper armies etc.)

This is easily avoided with a brief pre-game agreement.


In my experience this game doesn't attract the sort of people who are all about winning. It's not like this is a 'first person shooter'.

If anyone is concerned about cheats, I recommend joining one of the PBEM wargame clubs, that track game results. You're even less likely to run into a problem there:

Here are two clubs but I believe there are others:

http://www.theblitz.org/message_boar...ut=9999&page=1

http://worldatwar.eu/index.php?&lang...des&boardid=11

cheers,
Cross

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

I agree. For the most part I Pbem with people I have established an online sorta friendship with. As you interact and Pbem with people you should get a feel for who is on the up and up. There are players on this forum, and others, that repeatedly thrash me in Pbems but nothing in the games and communications give me cause for concern about their level of integrity. I think its mainly a matter of establishing rapport and going from there.

If you get a bad vibe, you just don't play them anymore.

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

I play AI now, but finding that less of challenge latley,but still fun.
I would like to play PBEM but don't you need the CD to do so?
It would be well worth it if thats the case.

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

No, Gila - the ordinary downloaded version supports PBEM. But you'll need to buy the CD when all your Slots get filled......

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

You can Pbem without the CD version, IIRC you are just mainly limited to 4 Pbem slots.

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

I first got SP2 on a demo CD back in 1998 and there a couple of scenarios on there that I played to death. One day my dad came in asked me what I was playing and asked if he could have a go and we had a head to head game of SP2, which was a Vietnam scenario forget what its called but I think a version of it is still in the game. From then on I was hooked to playing against humans in SP. I bought SP3 because I couldn't find SP2 anywhere and that's where this whole saga began :) I enjoyed SP3 and for a while I thought that SP could not get any better until I played the original DOS version of SPWW2 in 2003, logged my first PBEM game of that in 2005 and have not looked back since. For a long time I was convinced that MBT was the superior game but in the last year the games I have had have shown me that SPWW2 is probably the best turn based multiplayer game out there.

PBEM is such a cool game experience and I have found that the only time I have been disappointed was when myself and my opponent did not set up the ground rules first. That is the most important PBEM rule talk before you play it can be difficult sometimes especially with some language barriers but it is worth it. I think my most disappointing PBEM game was when my opponent bought vast amounts of helicopters which I can handle in MBT but not in WW2!

Just going OT here but the most frustrating multi player I have done was Civ 3 in 2003. I was at my final year of uni playing 3 other people including a couple (this woman ended up dominating a whole continent and this caused a major row between her and her boyfriend which lead to war and a shouting match). At first it was fun but the game speed slowed to a crawl... Ah memories.

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

Brummbar,

With me it's not a problem as long a I know and roughly how long. But I would certainly like to get you into combat.:tough::fire:

Bob out:skull:

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

I'm with you, FloodNZ. My dad and I use to play SP1. In fact I found out about Shrapnel when he managed to load the old SP1 for DOS onto his VISTA machine. After trying to put it on my XP and calling for help he told me about the Camo Workshop.

I'm very greatful for that day. I'm saving up my pennies (not to mention my explinations to my wife as to why I'm buying a game that I've been playing for free for months) for the CD version. I've been playing AI simply because I always wary of playing across an internet connection. That, and I'm very intimidated with all of the AARs, DARs and tatics discussed here. I get the feeling that most of you would hand me my butt on a plate:hurt:. Not that you wouldn't do it very nicely (or in some cases with much laughter and glee:haha:), but I don't feel ready for that yet.

The first human player I want to try my hand against is my father, but for some reason, he says that he hasn't had much time to download the game, much less give it a try. I've always enjoyed hotseat games and it would give us another excuse to hang out.:D Secretly though, I figure he afraid of me.

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

Well I would not be afraid of the people that play PBEM, they are a very friendly lot because they also want people to play against. As for first time playing of at the Blitz they have a newbies section and there are always people willing to give someone a helping hand. I like the SP multi player community its nowhere near as toxic as say Counter Strike or World of Warcraft or the other multi player games I've played. That's the main reason I like to play. As for buying the CD you don't need the CD to play the game PBEM, it just puts a few restrictions on you. I've only bought the game at Christmas time after playing it since 2003, thats what being a poor post grad student will get you though....

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

On the above couple of comments
I have to say that on the whole the people that play this game are a freindly lot & they often turn into long term relationships as end up chating about allsorts.
Have been invited to Australia buy a guy I play & going to Germany to go round the tank museum with another person I play this summer. Hes even sorted a mate of his who knows a lot about the German war machine in WW2 to tag along.
It might take a little while to find someone who is at your level but once you do tend to stick with them & grow together while finding more.
I think its just the best damn game ever made.

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

Thank you for your conforting words and advice. I understand that the poeple who play online are all basicly good and friendly. I've come to know some of you by reading AARs, posts and the like here.

In regards to the benefits of online play, I don't think I have to play in order to enjoy all of them. I get excited when I think of what we have in SPWW2. A community of scholars, tacticsions and wargamers covering the world and sharing victories and defeats of all kinds. I am amazed at the level of research that has gone into a game that I picked up as a kid of tweleve (I was even worse then) and the level of devotion and passion that people have for it. I am trilled to be involved, even if just as a reader and small time participant, in such an undertaking.

The study of war is not the morbid passtime that many may think it is, but the study of stratagy, courage, determination, sacrifice, loss and victory. We look for honor in defeat, virtue in the depraved and civility in conflict. Yes, war is about winning, but victory at the price of humanity is empty. War is a great teacher that helps us to become better, whether it's make sure that the innocent are protected or to make sure that depravity and atrosities are abolished.

This has taken a serious turn, but I want all veterns of all countries of the world to know that I honor you. Let no man say that those that fight for their country or people do so to the shame of humanity. Thank you for what you have done.

That was a long way off the topic, but I wanted to let you all know how glad I am for the unity and community that is present here. I'm sure I work up the courage to jump into an online game against you, but until my life settles down a bit, my onlinegameaphobia wears down and I feel like my tactics are adaquate even for the newbies, I'll watch, read and enjoy from the sidelines for now. I make a good cheerleader.

Ketch

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

Why do you assume that Pbem is the only way to play multplayer. There is hotseat too. It does not take as long.

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

Voting continues. Pbem seems to be leading the way by considerable numbers. Maybe the reason I stick mainly to vs AI is I just had my butt handed to me in my last Pbem game. :doh:

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

I would be interest to know how many of the "Mainly play against the AI' have never Played By E-Mail.

Once I'd played by email, it was so much more fun than the AI that I barely ever played against the AI again.

So be warned: PBEM is the crack-cocaine of wargaming :eek: (for those of us who are suseptible to this type of addiction)

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

Good point. In my case, I think the main reason for my leaning towards playing vs the AI is due to the time I spend designing. Since I have to devote a considerable amount of time playtesting, I end up spending a good portion of available "game time" playing vs the AI.

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

100% vs AI for me (and that only when I have time), it just sounds too technical to play e-mail, and only a turn per day! It would be hard to play enough PEBM turns per day to be meaningful unless of course you're unemployed or in jail:D. If you're not out of work or in the slammer it would be hard finding enough time without becoming unemployed lol:D. Or going to jail because you hit your wife because she wouldn't stop nagging you as you waited for the "file".
Cheers,
Andrew

Re: Pbem vs AI . . In what mode is most of your time spent playing?
 

I'm a novice but ENJOY playing a human opponent pbem over the AI. Playing against the AI just seems shallow and uninspiring. As long as you're not playing a veteran player who is attacking you with insulting remarks every turn the game is fun. I met one player like that but won't put him on the spot. You only get better with more and more participation. My 1st pbem game was a draw but that makes me even more hungrier to keep playing and get a victory.
-Ketch-
You're REALLY missing out on some great fun! Don't let fear and doubt keep you from pbem. Anyone looking for a good sport for a pbem game feel free to message me. Myself being an army desert storm veteran you can't help but love this game! I only wish that maintenance units were added so you could fix immobilized/disabled(vehicles that can't fire).:up: