Much to Discuss

[miccofl]

As with all games of this magnitude there are many issues, gameplay related as well as team related, that need to be discussed and resolved prior to starting the game. We need to get started discussing them.

One point brought up at the new UN (hosted by CDG, located here - just click (http://cdgroup.org/forums/tbs/civ3/viewforum.php?f=418) ) is to play this as an IP, or if you prefer MP, game. We would all get together and set a time block for once a week play. We would play 20-30 turns at a clip in the early stages, although as the game progresses things would probably slow down a bit. It would be a very different setup than what we are used to, things would have to be decided well in advance, but the game would certainly progress much faster and would probably eliminate some of the problems we have had with our current game. Opinions?

We also have to decide the more mundane things like Civ choice, map preferences, color, naming, etc. If we go with a standard PBEM game, we need to have ideas for maintaining game speed, what to do about bug issues, cheating, etc, and many others. Let’s get started, we have the time to get this set up easily unlike the rush we faced the last time with our last minute entry.

[Furloaf]

I'm not sure on the IP issue. The logistics are difficult of getting teams to even play PBEM, IP I believe would only be worse. The game would also suffer after the early turns.

[miccofl]

Originally posted by Furloaf
The game would also suffer after the early turns.

How so? The teams would have a week to set goals and policy to be carried out during the session and the player would have to report his/her actions after the session. If the planning stage is done correctly the course of action during the session would be fairly clear. It might inhibit war, but if properly thought through and set up in advance should not be a major issue if certain conditions are set and met.

[Furloaf]

I don't remember why I said that. Must not have read everything.

I still don't think an IP format would be an improvement over the PBEM format. It benefits the early game, but with 1 week turn times it will equalize with PBEM format.

[miccofl]

How many times did we get the ISDG turn this week? :cute:

[Laser]

PBEM is superior for this type of game. You can't have a demo game with a play by IP once a week set up...that's a "let me try to play according to what people voted and then report what I ended up doing instead" type of game. ;)

[Dauphin]

I don't like the idea of making it an IP game once a week. I don't see any advantages in that over the PBEM system other than ease in the early stages. (By this I mean it is entirely possible to have a quick turn around PBEM session if all players are present).

What the IP session once a week would do is effectively cut out a large number of players unable to partake at the alloted time (such as me :cute: ) as well as reduce the ability to plan for the next turn. If teams play the PBEM turns as quickly as they can I see no way in which it is better to have IP which essentially doing nothing to the free flow of the game IMO

[Laser]

I like the idea of faster play, but I don't think IP is the answer.

I think there should be an ENFORCED time counter with serious penalties for teams going in the hole this time around...and I think it should be agreed on by all teams participating what the penalties are going to be BEFORE the game gets underway. That should speed it up.

[brian_the_bold]

i too belive that pbem is a better option to everybody

and im in full agreement with laser an enforced time counter

50 hour bank 4 hours per turn you go in the hole and you lose your next turn period

you get 10 hours and start again and if you go in the hole again 2 turns and if there is a 3rd your civ is alt-q'ed period....natiral selection at its best :)

[Trip]

PBEM is certainly the best for a game of this type. What if someone were attacked during an IP game? What sort of chaos would that cause?

There needs to be time to discuss things and to plan ahead. Only PBEM allows you to do that.

[shadowlord3]

I agree with Laser.

In my opinion PBEM is the only way to play a Demo game. It isnt demo if 1 player is playing the turn through IP.