SP vs. MP

[Ming]

There are many big differences between playing against the AI and playing against a reasonably decent human.

For example, against the AI, you don't have to build defensive units RIGHT away. You can crank out a worker, scout, work boat as your first build. While in MP, if you don't have a unit in your capital, you are likely to be out of the game quickly.

What are the other differences that people can see... discuss

[rah]

A big difference (SP) is that I can declare war on the AI and they'll move their SOD onto my territory where they can be easily handled and then it's easy to mop up their defensive troops.
IN (MP) if you declare war you have to move into their territory and take their best shot before you get to a city. (UNLESS you culture allows you to attack on the first move of the incursion)


IN SP, your opponents use the espionage slider.
IN MP, I've never seen anybody use it.

IN SP, border culture wars are usually easy to win.
IN MP, border culture wars get pretty intense.

[rah]

And the best one.
IN SP, you can place 50 units right on the border and the AI is still surprised when you attack.

IN MP, they're not surprised and have already started repositioning their troops.

[Virulent]

Originally posted by rah
IN SP, your opponents use the espionage slider.
IN MP, I've never seen anybody use it.

Interesting. I don't play MP but you would think the passive effects (city visibility in particular) would be worthwhile at the very least. Or is it just not worth it to divert funds from research?

[TimeTraveler]

Originally posted by Virulent


Interesting. I don't play MP but you would think the passive effects (city visibility in particular) would be worthwhile at the very least. Or is it just not worth it to divert funds from research?

Maybe in Civ5, means of getting research should (on average) depend only halfway on the tax slider and halfway on specialists and Great People?

And/or put more meat into the EP slider?

[Hauptman]

In SP I know exactly what the AI is upto, they do it the same every time.

In MP I'm on the edge of my seat wondering what they are upto!

[frenzyfol]

We play at work (multi).
And most of the games are won through backstabbing and politics and ganging up on others. Teams are usually forged early
In my single player games I find the AI doesn't understand the lets join together so that in the end we can forge an alliance.

[Robert]

Originally posted by rah
IN SP, border culture wars are usually easy to win.
IN MP, border culture wars get pretty intense.

What level are you playing on?
Border culture wars drive me insane in SP!
MP is a lot easier!

Besides that:
- MP doesn't have shift-F5

[Ming]

I have to agree with Rah... even on the higher levels, it's pretty easy to win a culture war with the AI for control over strategic resources or other important squares. You can optimize for culture... the AI usually doesn't.

In MP, if you are fighting over a specific square, both sides are usually agressively building culture producers, and any other trick they can to maintain control.
It's much easier to out pace an AI.

[Rammstein76]

In SP your allies dont betray you often...
In MP..... ;D

[rah]

Originally posted by Rammstein76
In SP you know which allies will betray you...
In MP..... ;D

Corrected

[ben04]

In SP culture wars can be very intense on the higher levels. At least on deity which is the only level that I have fought culture wars. Normally I just invade the city trying to push my borders.

[Crossfire]

I agree with ben04. Even on Emperor some of the AIs can really push your borders. I have a lot of trouble with Pacal sometimes.

[Robert]

I'm playing immortal and I've huge troubles winning cultural wars. Even in cities in which I put full cultural effort.

[rah]

I Usually play on Emperor and Very rarely lose a culture war. Not quite ready for immortal yet but thanks for reminding us again that you do.