Never played a MP game, ever...

[Indalecio]

However, I want to do one this Saturday, and I could use some tips.

First off, is there a guide somewhere on how to set this up?

What are various types of MP games?

Should I use the Gamespy client?

[Dominae]

Welcome to MP Indalecio (not that I play very much myself, but whatever).

The easiest way to get going is to fire up Civ4 and select Multiplayer > Internet Games. This puts you into the Gamespy Lobby (I've never felt the need to use the client).

Sort the list of available games by the ones that haven't started yet. Don't join any of the games that have 'Ladder' in their names: unless you're on the ladder you'll get booted, and the ladder is probably not the best place to get your feet wet with MP.

Double-click on a game name to join it. You might encounter some connectivity issues; there are plenty of threads on how to deal with this.

When inside the setup screen, chat with the other players to see if you agree on settings, rules, etc. This is also a good opportunity to see if everyone is mature and not likely to quit, whine, or gang up on you.

If you're looking for a friendlier environment for MP, get a group together first by posting on this forum, then start the game using Direct IP (instead of Internet Games). rah's Saturday Games is a good example of a long-standing group that doesn't feature all the bs you'll find in pickup or ladder MP. That said, nothing beats the ladder if you're interested in competition.

gl and hf.

[Indalecio]

Alright, I'll try that out. Thanks for the help!

[Dulaak]

He isn't doing you a favor by helping you play Civ4 MP. If he were really helping you he'd tell you to find a better game than Civ4.

[Wittlich]

Originally posted by Dulaak
He isn't doing you a favor by helping you play Civ4 MP. If he were really helping you he'd tell you to find a better game than Civ4.

Do I sense a note of bitterness in your last post Dulaak?

[snoopy369]

Next time can you just take the username "ihateciv4" please? Make it easier for all of us ...

[Dulaak]

Sure, when you take "I'maloserfiraxisfanboywhogoesaroundtellingeveryone toreprogramthegameiftheydon'tlikeitinmyneverending questtogetonthefiraxisteam." Too long maybe?

[snoopy369]

That's a lie, i do not make any attempt to get onto the firaxis team. My skills are not in game programming

Besides, the only game I want to make is SimTrafficGrid. Sadly there aren't enough people out there with my odd fascination with stop light timing and placement

[CanuckSoldier]

As Dominae has stated, sort the list by "new" games and try those out. Don't join games that are in progress unless specifically invited to sub in a game. And unless you eventually do join the ladder, don't join those games. The ladder is just a free gaming league that most competitive MP players use to judge there skill against other MP players. But playing in a few open games to learn the basic mechanics is best, but when you get tired of quitters the ladder will take you to a system were that is discouraged.

CS

[0bsidi0n]

Hey, I'm starting my first MP game too. I have a question: can me and my pal start it on gamespy, then save it and go to PBEM? Thanks!

[CanuckSoldier]

I haven't done much testing but Firaxis states that all MP saves are cross compatable.

CS

[guermantes]

I have never played a MP of CIV either. Do you get a fixed amount of time for each turn and do you decide with the opponents how many hours a day one should dedicate to the game until it finishes? (There is something about turnbased MP that is counterintuitive for me.)

[snoopy369]

You can have a fixed amount of time (normally) or just until you're done. Most turns are completed before that amount of time on a 'normal' timer; there are faster ones (for essentially 'speed chess' type games).

You can either play simultaneous turns (where everyone moves at the same time) or sequential; simul is more common of course as it's faster.

If you're up late saturdays come play with the RAH saturday night game (pretty late euro time but we've had a few... around midnight start)

Usually a simul turn game can end in 4-5 hours but it can be faster if you use quick speed or whatnot.

PTBS is another option, one turn/day (give or take), but otherwise identical - so your games take a year to a year and a half to finish. Faster than PBEM but basically the same idea (slow turns, more diplo).

[ptzvetan]

Originally posted by snoopy369


PTBS is another option, one turn/day (give or take), but otherwise identical - so your games take a year to a year and a half to finish. Faster than PBEM but basically the same idea (slow turns, more diplo).

Which are the mainn thing that new MP should know about PTSB - more military early in the game, focus on research, fast territory expansion or ?

And what do you mean by "diplo." - trading, making alliances agains others.

The answer may appear obvious, but still is better to be told in the beginning by smbd experienced.

Thanks

[snoopy369]

PTBS has more deal making, because you have a day between turns. In normal MP it's a lot faster so you are much quicker to act and don't have time to work out complex deals, or complex alliances. You end up with very large and complex alliances - go to the Teach Alex thread in the main ptbs forum and you'll see evidence of that Other than that i'd say it's the same, except you have a different style of players usually, somewhat more laid back as they're the only types willing to wait a year or two for a game to finish.

MP is also a lot more ... quick paced, and more RTS-y, in other words more war inclined (the RAH game is not that war inclined, but still more so than most PTBS). Many PTBS have no war at all for a large portion of the game; some have more war of course, but in general regular MP is a lot more war-inclined.