Re: TCP/IP
Yep, I have to chime in here too in support of TCP/IP play. A number of my friends picked up the game after seeing it at my house with the intention of us all being able to play it via the internet.
At that time (December), it was thought that TCP/IP would be possible sometime early in the year. I was hoping to have seen some serious progress in that department as well. I understand that other issues have cropped up etc, but I think that this item keeps going farther and farther down the list. It really wouldnt surprise me (but would greatly disappoint me) to hear that they arent going to do it until SE5 (or whatever).
Like Londo, I havent touched the game in over a month and before that, I had only been playing sporadically for a month or so before that. The AI just cant hold the interest. Even if its 'tougher' its still not 'immersive'. There is NO diplomacy with the AI. It just feels like random actions. There is no 'allied support' or joint offensives or anything other than exchange of points and that leaves it feeling rather bland after a while IMO.
Multiplayer via the internet would completely change all that. This reminds me very much of the same discussions regarding adding 'net support that occured on the Combat Mission Boards Last year. Most people thought that it was fine to just play PBEM. Well, lemme tell ya, when TCP/IP hit, these folks were AMAZED at how much it added to gameplay to be able to play 'in real time'. I think the same might occur for SE4. People will waste no time setting up games, I'm sure. And if someone were kind enough to provide a dedicated chat room for finding games, it would greatly add to the game's appeal.
Finally, if AI work is going to be done, I'd suggest some folks taking a look at EU. The AI in that is amongst the best that I've seen yet. The diplomacy and alliances feel correct. Your allies support you in war. THAT is a novel concept. And the AI doesnt cheat there either. Of course its far simpler to program the AI in a more 'static' environment, but the game itself is highly detailed and involved. If anyone is looking for a new game to bat around, I'd highly recommend it.
Anyways, here's hoping that they will get TCP/IP out sometime by summer.
Talenn
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