PBEM/MP Mod: A Call to Modders!

[snoopy369]

Well folks, if you've been following IC threads, you'll probably remember the discussions about the AU Mod and multiplayer, and how many of the decisions in AU Mod were made to hamper AIs rather than to encourage better PBEM/MP play.

Well, it seemed like there was some interest (Rommel and I anyhow ) in creating something like the AU Mod, but for PBEM. I'd like to start the discussions on this, and would be willing to spearhead the efforts, as long as others seem interested and contribute to the efforts (Rommel? Alexman? Please!)

For now I'd just like to start with a signup thread to gauge interest; please post saying your interest level (use the poll, but PLEASE repeat your vote in your response) and say what the one thing you'd change in a MP/PBEM Mod from Stock rules, and why. (Please try to post something different, if someone's already posted your one thing! I intend to use these as the starting "threads" if there are enough of them.)

Remember this mod is not intended to involve the AI - AU Mod is great for that - and thus changes can be made that would be impossible for the AI to deal with. The general theme for this, in my opinion (although it can certainly change if others disagree), would be to remove exploits used in PBEM/MP, to increase the "fun" PBEM/MP games can bring, and to "level the playing field", taking out or adding features to allow players an even chance to win regardless of start, civ, or other "random" factors.

The one thing I'd change: Increase naval movement one at all levels at least up to magnetism - to allow more play in archipelago and continent games.

[Rommel2D]

I think the Statue of Zeus is something many are concerned about, so hopefully someone else will bring it up.

I'd suggest moving map trading up to Map Making, and MPPs and Embargoes to Code of Laws, so that they are technically available in more games...

[GhengisFarbâ„¢]

I'm interested in a MP Mod, and I think a lot of balance issues could be corrected with having Small Wonder versions of some of the overpowering Wonders.

[Rcoutme2]

I would get rid of the attack/defense units system (predominantly). I would move cavalry to the Industrial Age (perhaps replace it with dragoons). Make most units have fairly equal attack and defense values in the Middle ages, maybe slight differences (leave knights as is) change Muskets to 4/4 giving France a bonus and making the tech much harder to research, etc.

[snoopy369]

Woah, slow down there cowboy. One issue at a time please ... this is just the beginning

[Rcoutme2]

Well, personally, I felt that was one issue...

Trying to even out the attack/defense issue. From what most people tell me who have played epic games to the end, cavalry is too powerful and overwhelms everything else. This would not be the case if most units were balanced, instead of 1/2 the units being attack and the other 1/2 being defense.

In Civ II, muskets were 3/3's. If something were similar in the MA's here (along with getting rid of the cavalry unit that overwhelms things) then games might go much further...

I was just trying to spell out how this might be accomplished.

[snoopy369]

Perhaps. I think you're going for a big chunk of the pie there meself - I was more intending for single thread starters, such as "Cavalry = Overpowered" would work. I think your issue with balancing attack/defense (and I have to say I disagree completely, but that's beside the point) would be a larger issue than just the Cavalry, and a definitely separate one. We'd probably work those out in more general threads (ie, general balancing threads)... but you bring up a good point.

[punkbass2000]

I would be reasonably involved. I would like to keep AU's "as close to stock as possible" maxim at least. WE can play RoR for a strategic, non-AI variant.

[snoopy369]

Punkbass, that would probably be my theory as well. Not that I want to dissuade folks with more extreme views from participating - but don't expect drastic changes. Still please bring up the points - it may be (and AU proves is) possible to fix problems with small fixes rather than large ones.

[snoopy369]

Hmm. Not much action in the days I was gone (none, really!) - is it time to start the polls? Rommel, what do you think - and should we do them here, or somewhere else?

[conmcb25]

Just make sure you pay proper respect to the great in your polls or some of us just wont pay attention

[GhengisFarbâ„¢]

Definitely needs to have a new unit, the War Banana.

[Rommel2D]

Originally posted by conmcb25
Just make sure you pay proper respect to the great in your polls or some of us just wont pay attention

Dood, just lay off of us with all these fascist rules. Like, we're a free and creative society here, and you just want to grind us under the jackboot heel of your oppressive restrictions, man.

[snoopy369]

*rofl* nice one rommel

[Rommel2D]

Originally posted by snoopy369
is it time to start the polls? Rommel, what do you think - and should we do them here, or somewhere else?

This is definitely the place for PBEM-specific content. The thing is this is a new arrangement with the forums- some time and a little advertisement might generate wider interest. People from the AU and Creation forums might want to help us out. A couple .sig links wouldn't hurt...

What format did you have in mind for the polling? A panel similar to the AU's (maybe 5-person)? Or open-ended thread polls? I'd prefer not using the thread polls because they are less likely to lead to a contemplated, well thought out opinion. The AU system has worked so well because the topics are thoroughly discussed and argued before the panel is polled, and even then new information or a good argument allows them to change their vote...