Anybody feel like running a 'newbie'-game?

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Author Topic:   Anybody feel like running a 'newbie'-game?

dr_avalanche posted 05-06-99 04:19 AM ET
I have played Alpha Centauri (and Civ as well as Civ II) a number of times, but I'm just not good enough to play at Thinker levels (heck, I'm not good enough to play on Librarian level), so I wonder if there's any people out there on a similar level that would like to play a PBEM game?
If anyone out there would like to run it, it would be perfect, otherwise I could consider setting it up.
I'm thinking of a game at perhaps Talent level, as for other specifications I'm open to your opinions...
Lloyd posted 05-06-99 07:49 PM ET
I don't play at Transcend because I *enjoy* having only one non-drone per base, but because the AI is sad and helpless at the lower levels. Against real human opponents, librarian level is just fine. Easy enough to actually build real stuff, hard enough that pop. management is still an issue. I'd also be interested in a game for newer PBEM players.
Lloyd
tfs99 posted 05-06-99 08:25 PM ET
dr_avalance, et al.
If you need someone to put together an accelerated PBEM game for you, send me an e-mail when you get your player together.
[email protected]
SMAC n ... Ted S.
Sand posted 05-06-99 11:30 PM ET
Would love to play. I was thinking about putting a message like this up myself.
Only catch is I will be out of town next weekend (from Friday to Monday). If you hold off until then, I would love to participate.
Would prefer playing the Gaians, but am flexible. I haven't played but a couple weeks, and am in a big fight with the UoP right now at Talent level (so I fit into your category of skill).
I tend to be much better during the pre-game (taunting, goading, etc.). About half the time I get my butt handed to me on a platter. As long as the banter is good, that's really all that counts, right? ;-))
If my long weekend is ok (bad timing, I know), drop me a line at [email protected].
Jacques
dr_avalanche posted 05-07-99 10:21 AM ET
tfs99, I'll let you know when we are enough players. At least one or two more would be nice.
I'm not sure what faction I'd like, I've never played Morgans, so that could be a challenge...
Sand, we'll wait, of course.
Suggested options: Non-blind research, the rest at default?
Sand - Gaians
Lloyd - Any
Me (Dr_Avalanche) - Morgans
Sand posted 05-07-99 11:57 AM ET
Hey,
If I were choosing, I'd go blind research, but I'm flexible on the matter. I do like all the goodies that happen, though - pods, random events, etc.
How many people are we aiming for - all 7? That would certainly make for an interesting game. Though 4 would make for a quicker match, I would think. Never done PBeM with this game before, so I guess we'll figure it out. ;-)
Sand
dr_avalanche posted 05-07-99 01:30 PM ET
I'm flexible when it comes to research.
I don't know, I guess 7 players will take an awful lot of time. 5 players would be okay I think.
Sand posted 05-07-99 02:01 PM ET
Since I'm on my lunch hour, I thought I'd pop in again about the Newbie Challenge...
Some practical stuff:
1. All emails should be sent with a subject preface for easy recognition - something like "Newbie:". Makes it easy to sort the email into the "important" folder. ;-)
2. To keep track of who's turn it is, the person sending off his turn to the next person should email everyone in the game saying "Gaian sent their turn to Morganites". That way when there's a holdup people know what's going on.
3. Some sort of equitable solution for the passwords must be worked out. I personally have never had anyone cheat on me playing games that cater to mature people (i.e. Advanced Squad Leader). Maybe just having tfs99 generate everyone's password would work. That way someone neutral has all the keys in case of a dropout.
4. Game settings:
Map: Standard Random Map
Ocean Coverage: ??? (do we want mostly land or a good mix?)
Erosive Forces: default
Native Life Forms: Average
Cloud Cover: default
Blind Research: Off (would prefer on but am flexible on the matter)
Difficulty: Talent
All victory options: on
everything else default
5. Accelerated Start - I figure we tell tfs99 to start a game and play for 20-30 turns. Give him the leeway to stop when something "big" happens. Leave the definition of "big" up to tfs99 to decide, but I see "big" as a strong opportunity for a faction to start a SP, or 2 human factions coming in contact with one another. That way we get a good start without tfs having to make critical strategic decisions (which is the whole point right? ;-) Once he gets to 30 turns or a "big" point, he can just zip it up and ship it off to us.
6. Diplomacy - we have to decide what type of human email diplomacy to allow:
a. The "wild and wooly" diplomacy method - players can talk to one another all they want from the very beginning so long as they do not disclose their (or anyone else's) location on the map until formal in game contact occurs. Definitely an interesting choice.
b. Or we could have it that players cannot talk to one another until they secure contact with one another in-game. Also a neat way to go, but it might hurt someone who is stuck on an island by himself.
c. And of course general broadcasts of threats, megalomania, jibes, taunts, goads, boasts, etc. are fully embraced from pre-game jibes to post-game gloating. ;-))
I think that is all.
Earth-Father Sand of the Gaians
Remeber, of course, that to rule Planet you must embrace Planet. Securing this is easy - submit to the Gaian philosophy now and spare yourselves the torment. I await welcoming you into the fold with my demon boils Dr. Avalanche and Lloyd...
mviertel posted 05-07-99 04:51 PM ET
Hey, are you still looking for players? I'd love to join. I play under whatever rules you like.
I will only be able to send turns during workdays, as during the weekend I have other stuff to do.
Sand posted 05-07-99 05:02 PM ET
Dr. Av,
I agree 4-5 is the sweet spot. Enough to keep the game vry lively, but not so much as to unduly bog the game down.
Sand
dr_avalanche posted 05-07-99 09:06 PM ET
Mviertel, you're in. We can take one or two more players, then we'll set the game up. I'll wait until after the weekend, then I'll mail the player list to everybody, including tfs99 who sets up the game.
I think it's a good idea if he sets the passwords, then we have someone to keep them in case a player disappears from the game.
Stein posted 05-07-99 09:26 PM ET
If this is the "newbie" egame place then it must be for me... I, like the rest of you, have not played email version before and would like to give it a shot...
So if ya'll (yes I'm from East Texas) have room for another "newbie" please consider my application...
my email is in my profile (i think)
thanks
stein
tfs99 posted 05-07-99 11:22 PM ET
I'd _REALLY_ recommend not using a randomly generated map. Or at the very least, not using random placement on the map. If you've ever played an MP SMAC game before, you'll know what I mean (YKWIM).
Players get different units, scrunched together or left all by themselves. Someone gets access to some cool terrain, others get plunked in the midst of a sea of fungus. Or maybe you get stuck on a rather small island all by yourself with nowhere to go.
It doesn't completely spoil the game, but definitely leaves a bad taste in the mouth. After a few games, you start to feel, well, a little sick of it and you start to long for something better. That's why I started Slartibartfast Services.
Go to:
www.sirius.com/~tfs99
Haven't had one complaint about any of my three maps, and quite a number of compliments. I recommend that y'all download and take a gander at Tropical Chiron. It was my first creation. And don't judge by my HTML prowess, I am a _TOTAL_ newbie at that!
The other two maps are even better and are already being used in PBEM games and, of course, the first round of the May Madness SMAC Tournament. Now, you may want to use one of the other two maps, so don't go peeking!
SMAC n ... Ted S.
dr_avalanche posted 05-08-99 10:57 AM ET
Okay, with Stein we're 5 if I understand it correctly. I think that's enough for a game, right?
The arguments against a random map seems strong, I suggest we use a map by tfs99, if nobody has any objections.
Boy Buddha posted 05-08-99 12:24 PM ET
Im not all too good with computers. someone please show me how to run or join a multiplayer game.
dr_avalanche posted 05-11-99 08:32 PM ET
All, it seems we have our thread back. Thank the Planet gods...
I'll send out the player list tomorrow if I find time to set it up. I'll send the names to tfs99 who has graciously offered to set up the game for us.
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Author	Topic: Anybody feel like running a 'newbie'-game?
dr_avalanche	posted 05-06-99 04:19 AM ET I have played Alpha Centauri (and Civ as well as Civ II) a number of times, but I'm just not good enough to play at Thinker levels (heck, I'm not good enough to play on Librarian level), so I wonder if there's any people out there on a similar level that would like to play a PBEM game? If anyone out there would like to run it, it would be perfect, otherwise I could consider setting it up. I'm thinking of a game at perhaps Talent level, as for other specifications I'm open to your opinions...
Lloyd	posted 05-06-99 07:49 PM ET I don't play at Transcend because I enjoy having only one non-drone per base, but because the AI is sad and helpless at the lower levels. Against real human opponents, librarian level is just fine. Easy enough to actually build real stuff, hard enough that pop. management is still an issue. I'd also be interested in a game for newer PBEM players. Lloyd
tfs99	posted 05-06-99 08:25 PM ET dr_avalance, et al. If you need someone to put together an accelerated PBEM game for you, send me an e-mail when you get your player together. [email protected] SMAC n ... Ted S.
Sand	posted 05-06-99 11:30 PM ET Would love to play. I was thinking about putting a message like this up myself. Only catch is I will be out of town next weekend (from Friday to Monday). If you hold off until then, I would love to participate. Would prefer playing the Gaians, but am flexible. I haven't played but a couple weeks, and am in a big fight with the UoP right now at Talent level (so I fit into your category of skill). I tend to be much better during the pre-game (taunting, goading, etc.). About half the time I get my butt handed to me on a platter. As long as the banter is good, that's really all that counts, right? ;-)) If my long weekend is ok (bad timing, I know), drop me a line at [email protected]. Jacques
dr_avalanche	posted 05-07-99 10:21 AM ET tfs99, I'll let you know when we are enough players. At least one or two more would be nice. I'm not sure what faction I'd like, I've never played Morgans, so that could be a challenge... Sand, we'll wait, of course. Suggested options: Non-blind research, the rest at default? Sand - Gaians Lloyd - Any Me (Dr_Avalanche) - Morgans
Sand	posted 05-07-99 11:57 AM ET Hey, If I were choosing, I'd go blind research, but I'm flexible on the matter. I do like all the goodies that happen, though - pods, random events, etc. How many people are we aiming for - all 7? That would certainly make for an interesting game. Though 4 would make for a quicker match, I would think. Never done PBeM with this game before, so I guess we'll figure it out. ;-) Sand
dr_avalanche	posted 05-07-99 01:30 PM ET I'm flexible when it comes to research. I don't know, I guess 7 players will take an awful lot of time. 5 players would be okay I think.
Sand	posted 05-07-99 02:01 PM ET Since I'm on my lunch hour, I thought I'd pop in again about the Newbie Challenge... Some practical stuff: 1. All emails should be sent with a subject preface for easy recognition - something like "Newbie:". Makes it easy to sort the email into the "important" folder. ;-) 2. To keep track of who's turn it is, the person sending off his turn to the next person should email everyone in the game saying "Gaian sent their turn to Morganites". That way when there's a holdup people know what's going on. 3. Some sort of equitable solution for the passwords must be worked out. I personally have never had anyone cheat on me playing games that cater to mature people (i.e. Advanced Squad Leader). Maybe just having tfs99 generate everyone's password would work. That way someone neutral has all the keys in case of a dropout. 4. Game settings: Map: Standard Random Map Ocean Coverage: ??? (do we want mostly land or a good mix?) Erosive Forces: default Native Life Forms: Average Cloud Cover: default Blind Research: Off (would prefer on but am flexible on the matter) Difficulty: Talent All victory options: on everything else default 5. Accelerated Start - I figure we tell tfs99 to start a game and play for 20-30 turns. Give him the leeway to stop when something "big" happens. Leave the definition of "big" up to tfs99 to decide, but I see "big" as a strong opportunity for a faction to start a SP, or 2 human factions coming in contact with one another. That way we get a good start without tfs having to make critical strategic decisions (which is the whole point right? ;-) Once he gets to 30 turns or a "big" point, he can just zip it up and ship it off to us. 6. Diplomacy - we have to decide what type of human email diplomacy to allow: a. The "wild and wooly" diplomacy method - players can talk to one another all they want from the very beginning so long as they do not disclose their (or anyone else's) location on the map until formal in game contact occurs. Definitely an interesting choice. b. Or we could have it that players cannot talk to one another until they secure contact with one another in-game. Also a neat way to go, but it might hurt someone who is stuck on an island by himself. c. And of course general broadcasts of threats, megalomania, jibes, taunts, goads, boasts, etc. are fully embraced from pre-game jibes to post-game gloating. ;-)) I think that is all. Earth-Father Sand of the Gaians Remeber, of course, that to rule Planet you must embrace Planet. Securing this is easy - submit to the Gaian philosophy now and spare yourselves the torment. I await welcoming you into the fold with my demon boils Dr. Avalanche and Lloyd...
mviertel	posted 05-07-99 04:51 PM ET Hey, are you still looking for players? I'd love to join. I play under whatever rules you like. I will only be able to send turns during workdays, as during the weekend I have other stuff to do.
Sand	posted 05-07-99 05:02 PM ET Dr. Av, I agree 4-5 is the sweet spot. Enough to keep the game vry lively, but not so much as to unduly bog the game down. Sand
dr_avalanche	posted 05-07-99 09:06 PM ET Mviertel, you're in. We can take one or two more players, then we'll set the game up. I'll wait until after the weekend, then I'll mail the player list to everybody, including tfs99 who sets up the game. I think it's a good idea if he sets the passwords, then we have someone to keep them in case a player disappears from the game.
Stein	posted 05-07-99 09:26 PM ET If this is the "newbie" egame place then it must be for me... I, like the rest of you, have not played email version before and would like to give it a shot... So if ya'll (yes I'm from East Texas) have room for another "newbie" please consider my application... my email is in my profile (i think) thanks stein
tfs99	posted 05-07-99 11:22 PM ET I'd _REALLY_ recommend not using a randomly generated map. Or at the very least, not using random placement on the map. If you've ever played an MP SMAC game before, you'll know what I mean (YKWIM). Players get different units, scrunched together or left all by themselves. Someone gets access to some cool terrain, others get plunked in the midst of a sea of fungus. Or maybe you get stuck on a rather small island all by yourself with nowhere to go. It doesn't completely spoil the game, but definitely leaves a bad taste in the mouth. After a few games, you start to feel, well, a little sick of it and you start to long for something better. That's why I started Slartibartfast Services. Go to: www.sirius.com/~tfs99 Haven't had one complaint about any of my three maps, and quite a number of compliments. I recommend that y'all download and take a gander at Tropical Chiron. It was my first creation. And don't judge by my HTML prowess, I am a _TOTAL_ newbie at that! The other two maps are even better and are already being used in PBEM games and, of course, the first round of the May Madness SMAC Tournament. Now, you may want to use one of the other two maps, so don't go peeking! SMAC n ... Ted S.
dr_avalanche	posted 05-08-99 10:57 AM ET Okay, with Stein we're 5 if I understand it correctly. I think that's enough for a game, right? The arguments against a random map seems strong, I suggest we use a map by tfs99, if nobody has any objections.
Boy Buddha	posted 05-08-99 12:24 PM ET Im not all too good with computers. someone please show me how to run or join a multiplayer game.
dr_avalanche	posted 05-11-99 08:32 PM ET All, it seems we have our thread back. Thank the Planet gods... I'll send out the player list tomorrow if I find time to set it up. I'll send the names to tfs99 who has graciously offered to set up the game for us.