Alpha Centauri 2

Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri & Alien Crossfire => Command Nexus => Topic started by: t_ras on October 13, 2012, 02:39:05 PM

Title: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: t_ras on October 13, 2012, 02:39:05 PM
Welcome! 
You just found your way into SMAC community! :danc:
Now you can walk around the forums and learn, or get to real business and ask for a game  ;b;
I'll see you have one!

Now sit down, relax, and enjoy your journey on this new planet.... 8)

PS: you can reach me by PM or at martin_t  # @ # netvision # . # net # . # il
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: Buster's Uncle on October 18, 2012, 09:38:02 PM
A word for those new to Multiplayer about spectator protocol - try to keep the TTTs (Turn Tracking Threads) fairly clean and on-topic.  This isn't very important when a game is being roll-played and/or they're talking some smack, but if it's all posts like "turned" and  ;deidre;--> ;domai;, then think before posting there, although a question might be okay.

It's not as likely to be an issue in game organizing threads either.  Also, joking around is part of having a good time, and AC2 wants everyone to have a good time.  Just be considerate.

What the actual players in a given game do in the TTT is up to them, of course, but they need to be considerate of the other players. too.

Don't be shy about asking around for a game - post in the sign-up thread for one.


We hope both new and old MPlayers will be sure to introduce themselves in this thread.  We're glad to have you here, and would like to get to know you...
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: Buster's Uncle on October 21, 2012, 05:14:49 PM
Another tip - leave your PM email notification on, and be in the habit of checking the email address you gave the forum daily - it makes it simpler to get in touch with you.
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: Paddy Junior on October 28, 2012, 11:57:05 PM
Hi! I've been playing SMAC since about 2005 and i've recently just got the game back, i'm really excited to see people still play this game, i wouldn't say i know the game inside out but i enjoy playing.
I have never played a multiplayer game before and i'd love to start one however, PBEM sounds reaaaaallly slow, is there a faster way that we could play at the same time? like everyone plays at the same time? I think it would be really cool if we could. I'm new here so any info on tactics, new updates or anyone wanting a game, fell free to include me. Thanks folks!
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: Buster's Uncle on October 29, 2012, 12:56:51 AM
There's a thread somewhere on the ins and outs of a live hookup.  Search "hamachi" and/or "DrazharLN".
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: JarlWolf on November 15, 2012, 11:07:36 AM
The free gaming sever GameRanger also hosts Alpha Centauri and Alien Crossfire if you have it. Barely populated but we can change that.
Also for such games where its using an IP server,  from personal experience in game chat is not recommended. I suggest using Skype voice chat if need be. My Skype username is JarlWolf, if you want to add me. Just be aware that not all of us (such as myself) are not all native English speakers, and while I believe personally I can speak fluent English my manner of speech/accent and me being an old fart may prohibit me somewhat.

Hope to see you soon in a match.
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: sisko on November 15, 2012, 11:15:16 AM
last time i checked GameRanger, the players were able to connect only if using Windows XP. have you seen any ongoing matches?
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: typhoeus on April 06, 2013, 03:52:33 PM
Welcome! 
You just found your way into SMAC community! :danc:
Now you can walk around the forums and learn, or get to real business and ask for a game  ;b;
I'll see you have one!

Now sit down, relax, and enjoy your journey on this new planet.... 8)

PS: you can reach me by PM or at martin_t  # @ # netvision # . # net # . # il

Hi all, am from Ireland and have SMAC and X and have not played multiplayer b4.
Am itchin to play a game as the peacekeepers. can someone show me how to join a game plz? thanks
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: t_ras on April 06, 2013, 08:33:45 PM
Play by mail or IP?
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: uss1701jb on August 14, 2013, 03:45:29 AM
I just rediscovered SMAC/X and I've decided to try a multiplayer game. I'm sort of confused on how you do things around here. Can someone explain ???? Note that I have read the rules for games.

USS1701JB


Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: Buster's Uncle on August 14, 2013, 03:58:08 AM
Well, you've done the right first step - posted and said you wanted a game.  What you need to do is keep reading around the forum and looking for game ideas, and posting ideas for a game (as simple as "I want a fairly straightforward 1v1 newb training game", even) come back every day and nag, if you have to.  Most newbs give up too easily when a game doesn't coalesce and start immediately.

Relax.  Everyone here was once new, and we ARE glad to meet you, and I'll ban anyone who tells you your question was stupid, or is otherwise rude (before they get to know you, anyway.)  Protip: that was for your benefit, because this is a classy crowd I don't need to threaten to get them to be polite.

The actual MP people will have more useful specific advice, but remember patience and persistence.  You may forget the Alamo, however.  Gentlemen? I can tell that uss1701jb is cool; please take him in hand.

Welcome to AC2.

-Is uss1701jb the replacement for that ship in the future on that episode of Enterprise?
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: uss1701jb on August 14, 2013, 04:35:39 AM
It's my initials after the registry number, thanks for asking!
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: Buster's Uncle on August 14, 2013, 04:45:08 AM
You're John Byrne?  I'm a big fan.

;lol
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: uss1701jb on August 14, 2013, 04:55:39 AM
 :D   
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: Green1 on August 14, 2013, 07:50:32 AM
There probably will be someone that will take you up on a PBEM in Command Nexus. Just give them a bit of time.

Till then, post around. This is a pretty decent and intelligent board which can be a rarity on gaming forums.
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: JarlWolf on August 14, 2013, 08:52:20 AM
Mhm... and I also suggest to try out and dabble with some of the custom factions floating about... they can make your singleplayer games quite interesting while you are waiting for a multiplayer fight to the death.
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: AlphaFan45 on June 14, 2014, 04:22:25 PM
I am sorry if this is the wrong place to post this but I am new to this forum. I enjoy playing single player games of SMAC on my own but joined this forum in hope of doing multiplayer. Could someone here explain how to get multiplayer to work and play a game with me? I think I understand how to do it using hamachi but I have never had a chance to test that out.
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: t_ras on June 16, 2014, 03:17:55 PM
Hi AF!
Most of the players here do PBEM (play by email). meaning they send the turns to each  other by mail and play ofline.
If you want one to start you can post in the forum asking for a game. I'll gladly take a one on one with you.
I'm not an online game player, so if you want such (its call IP game) just post for one in the forum and in FB group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/131175990236847/ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/131175990236847/)

Enjoy!
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: SenniTreborius on October 04, 2014, 09:24:46 PM
Hello just joined. I use  scient's Unofficial_SMAC_SMAX_Patch_v1.0 and GooglyBoogly_SMACX_Datalinksv1_3. is that acceptable in mp. can't get Yitzi's patch to work though :-\
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: t_ras on October 05, 2014, 07:25:23 AM
Welcome!!
Using the scient patch is certainly acceptable and it is in deed used in many games.
Which version have you tried to use with Yitzi's patch to work? What was the problem?
You can look for answers On Yitzi's pathces also here:
http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?board=23.0 (http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?board=23.0)
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: SenniTreborius on October 05, 2014, 12:57:33 PM
Actually the problem was mine as I hadn't install anything other than the exe. Yitzi set me right.
Thank you for your help.
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: t_ras on October 05, 2014, 03:56:52 PM
That was the reason I asked what version you downloaded, I suspected this.
Enjoy :)
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: SenniTreborius on October 12, 2014, 01:21:57 PM
Sorry for double posting, but this is not so much a reply as a general enquiry. Is there not a sort of PBEM GM who keeps everyone's post/turns, or moderates in some way. And could such a person not open up a recalcitrant players position by giving the password/id to another person, or at least activate the AI to take over an abandoned faction. OR at the very least turn everything on to auto? And it's now 06:37, my sentence structure is becoming appalling, and I'm defiantly going to bed.
Bienas noches
You're talking about a CMN.
All of it is PBEM. These games go literally for months and months. ... That said, A LOT of folks seem to like MP vids and there are not a lot of them compared to SP games.
Thanks for the heads up, I'll restrict myself to one.
MP was what I wanted to record, when I work it out it should be good. Sounds like the files might need a dedicated editor with good connection speed.
OH any suggestions for a good AAR to read that shows expert play.
AND a thought is it possible (via mod perhaps) record a whole map game (sorry that's just a crazy idea), but how big are the saves later on in the game. Does the PBEM game record the moves or just the start and end positions. If it records the actual players moves then a mod could feed the moves into the game and a whole game could be recorded by stringing the files together, and playing them back serially. Or indeed watched by a game owner in an AAR. No heavy up and downloads etc. Does the PBEM system record the moves. (Damn, in a way I hope not as I feel another project coming on).

As an aside the you seen the German film Transfer from 2010. Interesting!
So does the PBEM game record the moves or just the start and end positions. IE can one see the movement of other units within the LOS (lineof sight), or is one given a static disposition at the beginning of each turn.
And would a LAN transmit differently as I presume unit movement within LOS is visible.

Edit: For LAN I meant IP game. Haven't had coffee yet.
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: t_ras on October 12, 2014, 01:38:01 PM
No records of any moves. The SAV file contains the positions at end of last turn and then you move your units and save. It is the same as SP game .
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: SenniTreborius on October 12, 2014, 01:46:01 PM
No records of any moves. The SAV file contains the positions at end of last turn and then you move your units and save. It is the same as SP game .
So to clarify one does not see the Movement of enemy units in LOS, one must notice them oneself. OK what about in an IP game.
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: t_ras on October 12, 2014, 02:02:30 PM
Sorry, I got you wrong. I thought you meant the whole history of moves. Of course the last turn of moves can be seen just like in SP. Same goes for IP.
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: SenniTreborius on October 12, 2014, 02:09:02 PM
Interesting has anyone every tried splicing the email files together to watch a complete or part game, after the game was finished of course?
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: t_ras on October 12, 2014, 02:13:24 PM
Not that I know. But it happened that I as CMN when through the save to see how the game is coming along
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: SenniTreborius on October 12, 2014, 02:26:57 PM
Not that I know. But it happened that I as CMN when through the save to see how the game is coming along
Wonderful! What type of file is the game file??
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: t_ras on October 12, 2014, 03:21:51 PM
A SAV file is the save data of the game. It is a binary file, not much to see in there. I just opened them in the game to see the turns.
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: SenniTreborius on October 12, 2014, 05:07:44 PM
A SAV file is the save data of the game. It is a binary file, not much to see in there. I just opened them in the game to see the turns.
So to go forward with this idea I would have to learn to hack binary files, cool!
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: t_ras on October 13, 2014, 07:19:34 AM
Why would you need to hack them? they Don't contain movement history.
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: SenniTreborius on October 13, 2014, 09:04:33 PM
Why would you need to hack them? they Don't contain movement history.
I thought you said it did.
To reiterate, I was looking for a way to watch all players moves in an MP AAR. IF the players were willing to give their files to a compositor, AARs could be replayed in SMACX and recorded to video for others to watch. That was the idea that I was pursuing.
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: Buster's Uncle on October 13, 2014, 09:14:19 PM
If everyone posted all their turns and you had the passwords, you could (laboriously) patch the game together and do that...
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: SenniTreborius on October 13, 2014, 09:33:24 PM
If everyone posted all their turns and you had the passwords, you could (laboriously) patch the game together and do that...
Yes, that was what I wanted. Oops, guest just arrived, off line for a while.
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: Buster's Uncle on October 13, 2014, 09:47:25 PM
...You might look around for a concluded game w/ everyone posting their turns and see if the CMN can dig up the passwords...
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: SenniTreborius on October 14, 2014, 01:15:17 AM
...You might look around for a concluded game w/ everyone posting their turns and see if the CMN can dig up the passwords...
Dear Buncle, my thoughts on the matter. The problem is I do not know the intricacies of the matter.
1. When a CMN watches a player's move do they see each move made by the player. And do they keep a copy of each save file or is this a players duty. Can they play one after the other by loading up saves sequentially.
2. Could such save files be patched together easily by removing or replacing the beginning and end of a file, (sort of like a header and footer, but in binary). So that a total turn or even game could be watched. Or can files be played sequentially. (This would have the added advantage of that the normal hesitations and pauses as a player considers their move would be eliminated).
3. How soon after a game do the CMN and players delete their saves.
4. Is there a list of CMNs that can be contacted.
5. Is there a list of completed games.
6. (And, I am away to check on this), how does one get an MP game going.
7. In what format is data transferred in an IP game.
8. And this question just because it bugs me not to know. Why aren't players who drop out replaced by giving the password for their position to someone who (hopefully) likes a challenge. Or can the Factions AI be turned back on.
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: Buster's Uncle on October 14, 2014, 02:10:07 AM
Just have a look through old threads in this folder - you should be able to see who set it up, and that's the CMN.  I think the only way what you want to do could work would be to load saves one at a time and video what shows at the turn beginning.  You're not going to have any luck trying to hack together saves, or anything like that.
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: SenniTreborius on October 14, 2014, 02:30:08 AM
Just have a look through old threads in this folder - you should be able to see who set it up, and that's the CMN.  I think the only way what you want to do could work would be to load saves one at a time and video what shows at the turn beginning.  You're not going to have any luck trying to hack together saves, or anything like that.
Thanks for that information. I'm sort of relieved, and what you suggest sounds a lot easier. Now I can return to trying to record games. I must admit I am somewhat inclined to go of at a tangent when pursuing interesting ideas. And I just offered to be a replacement  in a game where someone had to drop out. My first MP, which is one of the reasons why I joined up in the first place.
Edit:when you say folder, do you mean Category, Forum, sub-forum or thread. I'm still gettting used to BBS speak.
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: Buster's Uncle on October 14, 2014, 02:41:19 AM
Sub-forum.

Be warned that I've noticed some of the MPlayers skip the turn tracking thread posting - there's a lot each player can't see, especially early in a game, and that would leave a big hole.  So always check for that, as well as the game actually concluded.

Also, Earthmichael is the best - look for games he was in for high-level play.
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: JeroenDStout on November 21, 2014, 03:36:47 AM
I just tried it in SMAC and in a PBEM (locally on my own computer) I do not see the unit moves, only the outcome. Winning/losing battles are shown by a menu which says what I lost / won.

That is a little disappointing, it might be hard to see from that how someone is playing.

EDIT: in SMAX you only get the lost/won menu, too. So you had better remember your unit positions!
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: Kurvivor on May 30, 2015, 07:54:15 AM
Hello. What is the appropriate place for asking for advice when stuck in single player?
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 30, 2015, 02:40:30 PM
The Theory of Everything (http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?board=2.0)  ;nod
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: Eadee on August 06, 2015, 09:33:50 PM
So, finally I made it to this subforum as well.

I'd really like to try out a multiplayer PBEM game. Haven't done a single one so far.
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: Buster's Uncle on August 06, 2015, 09:36:21 PM
It'll probably take a while for a game to turn up; keep checking back for announcement threads and such.
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: Eadee on August 06, 2015, 09:42:06 PM
It'll probably take a while for a game to turn up; keep checking back for announcement threads and such.
I'll surely do.
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: Misotu on October 10, 2015, 07:12:21 PM
Hi, I'm new to this forum and am just in the process of embarking on a (probably soon-to-be regretted) head-to-head with Kirov.

I used to be quite a good builder back in the day at 'Poly but haven't played MP for 10-15 years and haven't played SMAC/X for as long. Civ BE got me back into it because SMAC/X knocks it into a cocked hat so far although I'm sure BE will improve over time. But there's nothing quite like SMAC/X ...

If there are any stalled games out there looking for someone to take over a position (even if it's dire) I'm happy to do it as I'm retired now and have both the time and the internet connection. I'm reliable and on-line pretty much every day so just PM me if there's an opening. I can't promise to be great, but I do honour previous alliances always and never drop out even if the situation is hopeless.

With regard to new PBEM games, I'm very rusty but a quick learner and hopefully it'll mostly come back to me. I'm a good loser so up for most things (although the rover rush gets a bit old). I really do like team games, for the banter and also to learn how others do things. I'm a good partner for a militarist (you do, after all, need tech to keep all those armies up to date).

Anyway ... that's me  :)


Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: Maeldun on February 04, 2016, 06:07:07 PM
Hello,

New here. Looking to play against a human opponent. I have no experience in multiplayer games, but against the AI I win all the time since I can reload saved games  :D

The forum is kind of intimidating right now and it's not really clear to me where to start. A lot of information to take in for now.

Please let me know if anyone if up to start up a new long-term (PBEM) game.
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: thedarkestcolors on February 25, 2016, 04:01:35 PM
Also looking for a newby / casual player pbem.. I have only played a few sp games, hardest I won was 2nd highest (thinker?), I had a really lucky start though. Trying first transcend atm. So don't expect more challenge then from the AI for now ;)
Never played anything but the Hive, so it would be good if I could be them and I'm clueless about how to set up a pbem.

Maeldun, still looking for someone?
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: realjackryan on August 14, 2016, 06:08:13 AM
Hello lifelong player, first time multiplayer LFG.

up for any kind of Multiplayer but totally confused on how to go about setting it up etc. Is there a guide to this anywhere? To echo above comment, the forum can be a little intimidating (not anything design wise, just a tough community to"break into" with trying to soak up nearly 2 decades of discussion all at once). Any help greatly appreciated.

Best

Jack
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: Eadee on August 15, 2016, 12:18:36 AM
No need to be afraid. I found out most users here are tame and no need to worry.

If you want to start a MP-Game I'd recommend to post a "Profile" here (http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?topic=2622.0) , read through the other profiles in that thread and write a private message to any person you'd like to play a game with (sometimes people reappear even after looong times when they get a reminder-mail that a private message arrived on the board).

You can also post a new Thread here (http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?board=3.0) if you have specific ideas for a game type you want to play. People will see the thread, read your specifications and reply if they want to join (this way you'll only get those players that check the MP-Forum on a regular basis).

I'd recommend to do both.

Oh, I almost forgot. Welcome to AC2 :)
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: Trench Dog on May 28, 2019, 03:34:15 AM
Howdy. So I've come back after about 2 years of being inactive on here- (old user was Comrade Crimson) and I've been investigating the potential of playing live multiplayer sessions, specifically with this method found in this link here:

https://pastebin.com/X3br4PvH

Does anyone have experience regarding this setup? I've yet to sit down and go through all of it but figure to sit down and try it out at some point, figured to ask if anyone else had gone through this method.
Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: SgtSlick on June 04, 2019, 02:56:10 PM
I saw this post on reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/4Xgaming/comments/bwhcdz/smacx_ai_growth_mod_version_131_maintenance/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/4Xgaming/comments/bwhcdz/smacx_ai_growth_mod_version_131_maintenance/) 
about the new smacx ai growth mod and asked if any has figured out how to play MP via IP lately.

Last time I tried was a couple of years ago with hamachi / gameranger and I think fiddling around with router settings for hours too from memory, but it failed. Would love to know if there is a sure fire way to play via IP.

Title: Re: Newcomer? Welcome!
Post by: Trench Dog on June 05, 2019, 06:02:52 AM
I saw this post on reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/4Xgaming/comments/bwhcdz/smacx_ai_growth_mod_version_131_maintenance/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/4Xgaming/comments/bwhcdz/smacx_ai_growth_mod_version_131_maintenance/) 
about the new smacx ai growth mod and asked if any has figured out how to play MP via IP lately.

Last time I tried was a couple of years ago with hamachi / gameranger and I think fiddling around with router settings for hours too from memory, but it failed. Would love to know if there is a sure fire way to play via IP.

Seconded, there was a method apparently figured out here- https://pastebin.com/X3br4PvH (https://pastebin.com/X3br4PvH) but I've yet to sit down and figure it.
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