Alpha Centauri 2

Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri & Alien Crossfire => Command Nexus => Topic started by: uss1701jb on August 14, 2013, 04:33:44 AM

Title: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: uss1701jb on August 14, 2013, 04:33:44 AM

I'm looking for a simple 1v1 mean game- any takers?

Title: Re: Serching the Fungus for a game
Post by: t_ras on August 14, 2013, 07:16:46 AM

Welcome JB!
I say you wait a couple of days for an answer, some players (including me) dont log in every day.
Enjoy!

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Kirov on August 14, 2013, 10:21:41 AM

Welcome aboard! I was going to look for a 1v1 game myself, so yes, I'm interested. However if t_ras is busy (is he, t_ras?), we may be forced to play a random map and see what happens. What are your preferences? I usually go with standard settings but often suggest banning/nerfing game-breaking stuff.  The definition of it varies from player to player, but often involves EG, CBA, crawlers, choppers, etc. Are yuo up to any such modifications?

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: t_ras on August 14, 2013, 12:14:53 PM

Bussy or not depends on the point of time you finish deciding your settings...

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: uss1701jb on August 14, 2013, 04:14:47 PM

I'm willing to play with a standard rules, random map, and no game breaking stuff.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Kirov on August 19, 2013, 09:19:05 PM

I'm sorry, I completely forgot to reply. Are you still there?

As far as game breaking stuff is concerned, opinions differ greatly. Personally, I don't like EG, CBA and copters the most. I'd ban the first two and either ban or nerf copters (common approaches are restricting copters to low attack values or forbidding them from attacking base tiles). And as much as I know that for many SMACers supply crawlers are an essential part of the game, I'd still love to play without them just once, really just once. :) In fact, a game without both copters and crawlers would be perfect for me.

Do you have any suggestions of your own? Please take a look at the attached file and tell me what you think.

Another idea I'd like to try out once would be to vastly increase the additional cost of prototypes. This would force players not to neglect their arms race even during longer periods of peace... just a fancy of mine.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: uss1701jb on August 19, 2013, 11:32:47 PM

I'm fine with everything on here except world size. Could it possibly be Large?

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: uss1701jb on August 19, 2013, 11:38:42 PM

I would've put this as an edit, but Google Chrome wasn't cooperating.

a) No additional terrain enhancements near starting locations.

I prefer this rule to not be a rule, as I usually put my Formers on some form of automate (like I said, getting back into the game) and I'm worried I might violate this rule by accident.
Unless there is some way to edit the AI, I would prefer this to not be a rule.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Kirov on August 19, 2013, 11:53:22 PM

Quote from: uss1701jb on August 19, 2013, 11:38:42 PM

a) No additional terrain enhancements near starting locations.

No problem, we'll play a large map.

The above rule doesn't prevent any terraforming whatsoever, it just provides that our CMN will not put any additional enhancements like boreholes close to our locations. Once we start, you can do what you want. Although you may want to control your formers directly. When in doubt, just "forest & forget". ;)

So are you fine with that we don't use crawlers and choppers at all? Damn, I hope I won't breach this rule myself, it will be something unusual not to build crawlers everywhere. :D

Are you willing to make an additional SMAX copy on your computer so that we can use one of the latest patches, either by scient (bug removal) or kyrub (AI improvement)? You don't really need to read or know much about them, these are not mods but simply deal with issues and bugs related to game design.

Also, you're saying you're just getting back into the game? I play some MP these days, so maybe I could suggest you one of the stronger factions like Uni or Hive? I'll take some average like Angels.

Great, now we can look for the CMN! t_ras, do you copy? :)

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: uss1701jb on August 20, 2013, 12:03:49 AM

I'm fine with that, but:

1. I will most likely be playing on my laptop, which only has the XP patch

2. If one of us happens upon a Unity Chopper, do we have to disband/destroy it?

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: uss1701jb on August 20, 2013, 12:04:58 AM

Also I would prefer to use my go-to strongman, The Pirates, if you don't mind.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Kirov on August 20, 2013, 12:22:32 AM

You may want to upgrade to at least the scient's patch, it does nothing to gameplay except for removing some bugs and exploits, and I've never heard it caused any issues.

As to the chopper, good point. I think we can keep and use it, just don't upgrade it (I think it's not possible with the Unity units anyway).

Very well, play the Pirates, I'm always looking forward to see in action any of the less often appearing factions. :)

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: uss1701jb on August 20, 2013, 12:38:51 AM

Very well, I shall install Scient patch.

I just hope I can do it...

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Kirov on August 20, 2013, 12:51:38 AM

It's as simple as downloading a zipped terran.exe and replacing your current one with it. You can find it here:

http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=27 (http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=27)

But t_ras mentioned something about a new release of this patch, so maybe we could wait until I ask him about it.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Kirov on August 20, 2013, 12:52:23 AM

BTW, I cannot help but have this feeling that you're not particularly fond of the Peacekeepers... ;)

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: uss1701jb on August 20, 2013, 03:41:50 AM

Nope. Lal is a doctor, so that's one. Two is the whole -efficiency, then there's the double votes. I feel he is overpowered, and to top it of, there's the Han complex story. Shudder.

I also think the Peacekeeping son-of-a thing is pretty funny.


I'll try the patch ASAP

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Kirov on August 22, 2013, 02:09:30 PM

I get it. I like playing Lal, although I don't feel he's OP. His bonuses are nothing compared to Zak's or Yang's. And what's that Han complex story? I'm not sure I follow you here.

I PMed t_ras about the map. If he can't do that, there is no point in waiting for another CMN and I say screw it and let's play random. I know this can be really unfair to either player, so we can play two random games at once, and we can also restart if the starting location is imba (e.g. you got the Jungle, the Dunes, start next to the aliens etc.).

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: ete on August 22, 2013, 02:16:28 PM

Maybe consider trying the map described in this post: http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?topic=4144.0 (http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?topic=4144.0) (scroll down for .pngs of the map)? It's designed for each player controlling 2-3  factions which would give a richer game, but could be played with one faction each if you want and I can CMN it. It's not particularly balanced with the Pirates in mind, but there's a few reasonable starting places for them which would be fitting, and their advantage of getting a ton of pods and probably the fertile continent should be partly outweighed by their allies being outnumbered on land.

That would give you a fair map.

If you want to play it, agree on any bonus starting units you want, how many factions to have each, and PM me which factions/starting positions (they are numbered landmarks on the map) you want.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Kirov on August 22, 2013, 02:35:01 PM

Thanks for the info and your offer. I'll wait for uss's opinion, but I do feel like playing an unknown map, you know, with exploration choices etc. Somehow I just don't have too much love for maps like the Vets. But I can concede.

Uss, what do you think about playing several factions at once? I have my objections and I've never played like this.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: ete on August 22, 2013, 03:49:25 PM

That's fair, exploring random maps is always fun. I tried to give a bit of choice in places to explore, but it's never going to be the same if you have seen the area before. It could be played with just one faction each, and give more place to explore.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: uss1701jb on August 22, 2013, 09:51:38 PM

Sorry for not getting back sooner. School has started again and I am only on a computer for 45 minutes before 12:00 PM Chicago time.

My Autocorrect changed Hab to Han. Sorry.

I do not wish to control more factions at once. I would be willing to use the map though.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: t_ras on August 25, 2013, 04:31:36 PM

Ill be working on this during the coming weekend. regarding next Scient patch - we are waiting for the alatest version.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Kirov on August 25, 2013, 05:35:28 PM

USS, I'm off 1-8 September, so maybe we could wait for t_ras to find some more time?

The other option is that we can use ete's map. I really only glimpsed at it briefly and noticed like two wide continents, so if you do the same and nothing more, we can have a regular map with cool exploration and everything. What do you think?

I'm afraid we won't start any serious play until I come back.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: t_ras on August 25, 2013, 07:22:40 PM

I think Ete's map is certainly interesting.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: uss1701jb on August 25, 2013, 07:34:56 PM

Ete's map is fine.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Kirov on August 25, 2013, 08:23:46 PM

Quote from: uss1701jb on August 25, 2013, 07:34:56 PM

Ete's map is fine.

Did you just glimpse at it (like me) or take a closer look? Either way, let's not study it further and we're good to go.

So you say you take the Pirates? Fine, give me Miriam (dum-dum-dum-duuum!). I've played her like 3 times in my life, obviously never in MP, but it's time to try out this a gameplay.

I'm also fine with using 5 AIs, at the CMN's discretion. And you?

Remember, no crawlers and choppers allowed! Can you put it in the name of the game? Because I'm bound to forget it at some point.

Alternatively, I can try to provide an alphax.txt with those elements removed.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: uss1701jb on August 25, 2013, 08:34:57 PM

5 is fine. ITS ALL FINE

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Yitzi on August 25, 2013, 10:23:49 PM

Quote from: Kirov on August 19, 2013, 09:19:05 PM

As far as game breaking stuff is concerned, opinions differ greatly. Personally, I don't like EG, CBA and copters the most. I'd ban the first two and either ban or nerf copters (common approaches are restricting copters to low attack values or forbidding them from attacking base tiles).

If you're using my patch, you can also remove the bonus speed that copters get from reactors; together with boosting the AAA ability (which hurts copters more than needlejets because they lose their advantage if they take enough damage per attack that they can't safely attack twice in a turn), I suspect that will be a good nerf.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: t_ras on August 25, 2013, 10:38:42 PM

Compters are fun part of the game, yet I recognise that if one of the players gets them much early then the others is it game beraking.Yitsi, is there a good way to keep everything and yet balance it somehow (is boosting AAA enough?)

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Yitzi on August 26, 2013, 01:07:27 AM

Quote from: t_ras on August 25, 2013, 10:38:42 PM

Compters are fun part of the game, yet I recognise that if one of the players gets them much early then the others is it game beraking.Yitsi, is there a good way to keep everything and yet balance it somehow (is boosting AAA enough?)

I've never playtested this approach, but I would suggest:
-Switch Doctrine:Air Power from requiring Synthetic Fossil Fuels and Doctrine:Flex to Synthetic Fossil Fuels and AAA.  It'll delay it, and in particular puts AAA on the path to it.
-Lower the Air Superiority ability to Synthetic Fossil Fuels, to weaken needlejet blocking.
-Lower the cost of AAA from 1 to -1, and of Air Superiority from 1 to 0 but with the "cost increased for land units" flag set.
-For later in the game, disable Dissociative Wave for air units, and set Probability Mechanics to double the effectiveness of ECM and AAA.
-While that should weaken air power, and thus the Cloudbase Academy, there's still the satellite effect, so I'd suggest moving Orbital Defense Pod down to Orbital Space Flight and cutting its cost to 8 rows, and moving Sky Hydroponics Lab up to Super Tensile Solids and increasing its cost and that of Nessus Mining Stations to 18 rows.  That way, satellites are harder to build than to destroy, weakening them and hopefully finishing the balancing of CBA.
-For the Planetary Energy Grid, your best bet is probably to increase hurry costs across the board by 150% in order to weaken the value of energy credits and thereby help balance the PEG.

To repeat: I've never tested these, but I think they would improve balance in the areas you're concerned about.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: ete on August 26, 2013, 01:32:43 AM

I did partially build the map to handle AI, but had not expected to use 5 AIs and only one on-land human, so it won't be as symmetrical and fair as it would be for a more standard game, but you guys seemed content to play with random map balance so I imagine that's not too much of an issue. I think I can adapt my map to be reasonably balanced and interesting with this setup.

Questions:
Do you guys have any preferences about which opponents you get?
Would you like the AIs set up to provide a challenge (e.g. mildly boosted stats, automatically pacted with each other, starting with some extra formers, etc) or just out of the box AI in good start locations? If you would like them boosted, which advantages are preferred?
How would you like 'copters nerfed? Movement down to 4? Doubled cost?

I've read over the proposed map settings, should all be fine.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Kirov on August 26, 2013, 01:22:22 PM

As for the copters, nerfing was just an idea in case USS didn't agree to a complete ban. Since he did, I'd rather do the copters entirely away.

As for the AI, it's up to you, but I'm fond of the original seven more. We can make it Sparta, Hive, Dee, Morgan/Domai and say Angels (as my competition in probing).

I like when the diplo is flexible so no automatic pacts, please. But the AI can have additional formers and colony pods, some forest patches near the starting locations, CentEco for everybody, a few additional monuments near bases. Maybe a probe team for each. A bit of cash like 50-100. In short, they can provide some challenge, but not so much as to eliminate a player or throw the game off balance if a player takes their locations.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: ete on August 26, 2013, 04:44:52 PM

Okay, all sounds good. Will probably go with Domai since the AI handles Morgan poorly. I'll try and arrange AIs so they have compatible social preferences to those closest to them, may end up changing one or two AI factions if they seem like they'd fit particularly well. Would you like copters banned by disabling them in alphax or just you humans agree not to use them?

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Kirov on August 26, 2013, 04:57:48 PM

I wanted to select a challenging AI set which is not too prone to get probe raped by Miriam.

As for modifications, please ban copter, EG and CBA (by setting them to 'destroyed' or something in AI bases). It's always a problem when the AI builds a project you're not supposed to have.

Thanks very much!  ;b;

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: ete on August 26, 2013, 05:00:59 PM

Yep, planned to.

One last thing, do you want global warming disabled/massively reduced?

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: uss1701jb on August 26, 2013, 05:17:28 PM

Does Global Warming apply to melting the ice?

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Kirov on August 26, 2013, 05:21:02 PM

Well, it's the sea rising is the main effect of global warming, apart from that volcano which appears every now and then.

I don't pollute that much to be an issue for me. It can stay as it is.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: uss1701jb on August 26, 2013, 05:24:35 PM

I meant the council vote to melt the caps.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Yitzi on August 26, 2013, 05:33:21 PM

Quote from: uss1701jb on August 26, 2013, 05:24:35 PM

I meant the council vote to melt the caps.

I think that the council votes of global warming and solar shades are affected the same as ecodamage-caused global warming, but I'm not sure about that.  It is, however, possible to change the frequency of ecodamage-based global warming without affecting the council-vote effects.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: ete on August 26, 2013, 05:35:21 PM

Okay, leaving the flooding alone.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Kirov on August 26, 2013, 05:35:54 PM

That's a very good question. I wouldn't expect those issues to be related, but it would take some time to verify it.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: ete on August 26, 2013, 06:41:57 PM

Making your game now.

Having some issues with a bug which I think is due to Yitzi's patch (display of units on a square along the bottom is not showing up), do you guys want to wait or shall I make it with kryub's?

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Yitzi on August 27, 2013, 01:26:22 AM

Quote from: ete on August 26, 2013, 06:41:57 PM

Making your game now.

Having some issues with a bug which I think is due to Yitzi's patch (display of units on a square along the bottom is not showing up), do you guys want to wait or shall I make it with kryub's?

I'll look into it.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: ete on August 27, 2013, 02:10:43 AM

Okay, I have a workaround now, but it's late. I'll build the game tomorrow. The issues were both bugs which predate yitzi's and even kryub's patches that I had somehow avoided before.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: ete on August 27, 2013, 06:01:22 PM

Okay, building your game now. I'm switching the factions around a little since the Angels are not all that probe resistant (especially with their techshare giving them other people's tech for you to steal) and have others in mind which should handle Mirriam's attacks as well as an AI can.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Kirov on August 27, 2013, 06:15:25 PM

Thanks for that. You don't have to hurry, you know, I'm leaving this Friday for a week.

And while we're at poor Miriam's restrictions, let's not forget about the other player who can expand unhindered until boats are invented! ;) Sure on the list of factions Miriam probably scores somewhat better, but I've virtually never played it (I have more experience with Cha Dawn), so it kinda evens out.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: ete on August 27, 2013, 06:33:12 PM

May as well get started as soon as practical. It'll be interesting to see how the game goes, Pirates will make things quite unusual. I'll likely be checking up on the game every once and a while from the saves (don't worry, won't give any information away until the game is over).

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: ete on August 27, 2013, 08:27:57 PM

Okay, the game is ready.

Checklist:
SPs set to destroyed
Crawlers and Copters disabled via alphax
All rules set to those in the text file
Difficulty Transcend
Force current difficulty ON
Starting units for humans set (3 CPs each+2 Green Scout Patrols for Mirriam, 3 Sea Escape Pods+2 Green Unity Gunships for Pirates)
Starting techs for humans set (natural starting techs)
Starting bases for AI set (already built in good locations)
Starting units for AI set (3 formers+3 scout patrols each, bar Sparta which gets 3 Scout Rovers. All AI starting units at +1 Morale as minor advantage.)
Starting techs for AI set (natural techs+Cent Eco, Uni has their bonus, Gaia gets a bonus one because they would've had Eco anyway)
Seed AI enhancements built (roads linking their bases, a few forest squares since they rarely make those and need them)

Plus a fair amount of playing around with the map to make for a more interesting game, mostly adding pods to places that I'd avoided before in the interests of balance earlygame. You guys seem to be keen on fun>perfect balance, and pods are always fun. Also finding some neat things that each of you could pull with base locations and such, and interactions between AIs.

Let me know if any of the above is not what you intended (e.g. did you mean for humans to get formers too, or AI to get only one each? Do you particularly mind the AI getting starting roads or any other bonuses I've given?).

I'm just playing a quick game to see if the AI locations/advantages are reasonable or too much for Mirriam to handle early on (in a pure AI test she was killed first, but her nearest foe did get a very early Battle Ogre) and making the odd tweak while waiting for confirmation on the checklist.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Kirov on August 27, 2013, 08:55:29 PM

It looks you've put considerable thought into this game, so thank you very much and I'm sure it's balanced just enough for us to enjoy ourselves. Fun sure goes first! I'm a bit scared of those 3 Sparta rovers, I hope she doesn't live next door.  ;)

We can discuss some non-confidential aspects of the map here or at the CMN corner.

First issue you reminded me of is formers. Seems to me some factions benefit much more from starting formers than others. Take Miriam - for her it takes ages to develop CE. Ulrik - he pays an arm and leg for his sea formers. Yang and Domai also benefit more than Deedee or Zak.

But as I said, both Miriam and Ulrik are even here, so we can choose as we want. I vote against starting formers, to force us to go CE. USS, I believe you're fine with that?

If so, we can start!  ;b;

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: uss1701jb on August 27, 2013, 09:00:13 PM

That sounds great.

So how does this whole Play By E-mail work? (Sorry for the newb question :danc:)

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: ete on August 27, 2013, 09:17:46 PM

No problem, I put a lot whole lot more thought/time into the map, that's the hard/slow bit. May as well try and get the rest of the scenario right :). The AIs should give you a fairly hard time in the early game, not enough to kill you but you'll need to fight or make peace. The Pirates will have less of an issue with early pressure, but will have a hard time claiming much land anywhere, which fits. I also just ran a test for the global flood bug on earthquake pod. Took a huge amount of pops to get one, but it apparently did not raise sea levels so you should be safe from that.

Indeed, formers at start does change the balance significantly especially for the Gaians who lose one of their bigger advantages (formers quite a lot sooner).

Just going to run one more test and then give you the map. If you have preferences for passwords PM me now, otherwise I'll pick some memorable but not too easily guessable ones for you both.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Buster's Uncle on August 27, 2013, 10:03:39 PM

Quote from: uss1701jb on August 27, 2013, 09:00:13 PM

That sounds great.

So how does this whole Play By E-mail work? (Sorry for the newb question :danc:)

Gentlemen?  Are we even emailing anymore, or just posting turns in the TTTs?

js, go here: http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?topic=4213.msg30316;boardseen#new (http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?topic=4213.msg30316;boardseen#new) download the turn and play it and post your save.  Kirov will talk you through the rest, I imagine.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: ete on August 27, 2013, 10:15:44 PM

Yea, use the TTT. The mode of play listed in game is PBEM though.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Kirov on August 27, 2013, 11:09:24 PM

Quote from: uss1701jb on August 27, 2013, 09:00:13 PM

So how does this whole Play By E-mail work? (Sorry for the newb question :danc:)

To stay on the safe side, I'll assume in my explanations that you know absolutely nothing about PBEM. So you know, sorry for being captain obvious.

1) If you don't have it, download and apply the latest Yitzi's patch, 2.3

http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=149 (http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=149)

Since I'm using also scient's and kyrub's for other games, I need to make a copy of the entire game, and you may have to do the same in the long run.

2) For you own convenience, create a folder in your SMAC saves folder titled as per the name of our game.

3) Download your most recent turn from this forum or email if you prefer the latter (I prefer the forum, it's easier to track).

4) Run SMAX, then select "Multiplayer", then the last option "Hotseat/PBEM", then "Load multiplayer game", then find the save you want to play.

5) Enter the password provided by ete.

6) ENJOY THE GAME!

7) When you're sure you're done, click "turn complete". Then you see my screen with password. Select "save and exit". For convenience's sake, enter a name like "No Copters Kirov 2101". I'll do likewise with your name and date.

8 ) The game quits automatically. Upload the turn to the TTT, aka turn tracking thread. Feel free to say something completely silly.

9) Wait for me to do the same.


Some more notes:


a) Please read the PBEM rules carefully. Use the link inside the thread to read about all known bugs and exploits found in the game. As a rule of thumb, I'd appreciate if you refrain from any exploits or rule abuse, even those not listed at this forum. For example, when you probe me unsuccessfully and see my vendetta dialog window, please consult me before making the choice for me (the game displays the window at the wrong player's turn). When in doubt, ask me or t_ras in private if you need.

http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?topic=1519.0 (http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?topic=1519.0)

The most important thing is that we can use the "stockpile energy" exploit. Long story short, please remember to enter 'Stockpile energy' after each unit you build (but never after buildings). In this way, you'll get some money you deserve. It's tedious, I know, but more fair to aggressive factions. If you want the long story, I can look for it.

Yitzi may have fixed this bug, I'm gonna ask him.

b) To quit the turn, you can only select "turn complete" or save it (which will result in automatic quitting as well). Any other quit, by Escape or Shift+Control+Q or whatever, will lose you your progress. If you reload your turn, there is an anti-cheat notification to other players. It really doesn't matter that much and we trust each other and everything, but it is considered well-mannered to post the reason why you had to reload. A simple "game crashed" raises no questions.

The rules are, you are never allowed to reload on purpose and you can never take a different action (e.g. explore somewhere else or change actions towards AI) upon a reload. After you do your turn, you can open your turn to study on killing me.

c) There is a very annoying bug in MP in that it mixes faction colours (it uses the last setting of alpha.ini instead of creating a new one). This has no actual in-game effect, but as far as I'm concerned, it drives me crazy. If you have the same, download and use this very simple and useful tool by Mart, Iniswap.

http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=126 (http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=126)

d) Unlike in SP, we can see each other from the start at the diplo screen. We are not allowed to communicate until we actually meet in-game. However, we are allowed to check each other with the right click (you see population, SE settings and HQ name there).

e) It is nice to do your turn within 24h. Up to 3 days is no problem at all, for longer busy periods - it's well-mannered to post the reason you're away in TTT. The email notification system at this forum sometimes fails, so remember to check the TTT every now and then. After 5-7 days I'll prod you via email.

f) Some messages are visible only to the first player. To be safe, please let me know if somebody discovers SotHB, there is the perihelium, etc.


Wow, that's quite a list we have here. Feel free to ask any questions you have.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Buster's Uncle on August 27, 2013, 11:46:02 PM

Quote from: Kirov on August 27, 2013, 11:09:24 PM

it is considered well-mannered to post the reason why you had to reload.

He's being too polite.  Always always always provide a reload explanation - failure to do so is paranoia-inducing, and I've seen it flat end a game at another forum.  You are a square-shooter, js, and would never cheat, but Kirov's been around since the dawn of time, and would hypothetically spot hypothetical cheating quickly.

Also, try to avoid all that by not having to do any reloads.  Good hunting, young sir.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Yitzi on August 28, 2013, 12:22:33 AM

Quote from: Kirov on August 27, 2013, 11:09:24 PM

Yitzi may have fixed this bug, I'm gonna ask him.

I have not, but it's on my list.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: uss1701jb on August 28, 2013, 01:55:54 AM

Is there any special instructions to install a patch to SMAX? Is it still terran.exe?

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Buster's Uncle on August 28, 2013, 02:08:14 AM

Is there not a .txt file with instructions in the .zip?

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: uss1701jb on August 28, 2013, 02:10:43 AM

Haven't unzipped yet. Oops.  :-[

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: uss1701jb on August 28, 2013, 02:14:00 AM

"This is the first disk in a backup set, please insert lat disk of this set."

 ???

This shows up when I try to unzip it.

If it will help, I'm using CAM UnZip.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: ete on August 28, 2013, 02:28:47 AM

http://alphacentauri2.info/wiki/Installation (http://alphacentauri2.info/wiki/Installation) may help you.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Buster's Uncle on August 28, 2013, 02:35:48 AM

Will your zip program let you look at the contents of the file, as opposed to just unzipping?  I can usually look with Zip Central, which is a free download a googling away...

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Buster's Uncle on August 28, 2013, 02:38:11 AM

Quote from: ete on August 28, 2013, 02:28:47 AM

http://alphacentauri2.info/wiki/Installation (http://alphacentauri2.info/wiki/Installation) may help you.

Have you ever read Draz' Hamachi thread?  The installation instructions are so good Petek refers people to them san Hamachi issues.  And you should definitely ping Petek with that link and have the King Of All Tech Help look the page over.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: uss1701jb on August 28, 2013, 02:40:46 AM

No, it won't. Kirov, we might have to put this on hold for a few days. I understand you wont be playing starting this Friday? I'd be okay with putting it off.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Buster's Uncle on August 28, 2013, 02:41:32 AM

Quote from: BUncle on August 28, 2013, 02:35:48 AM

Zip Central, which is a free download a googling away...

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: uss1701jb on August 28, 2013, 02:43:15 AM

Trying ZIP central.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Buster's Uncle on August 28, 2013, 02:43:44 AM

 ;b;

ete: http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?topic=1437.0 (http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?topic=1437.0)

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: ete on August 28, 2013, 02:57:42 AM

That's for IP games, not PBEM/TTT ones like this?

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Buster's Uncle on August 28, 2013, 03:03:49 AM

Quote from: BUncle on August 28, 2013, 02:38:11 AM

The installation instructions are so good Petek refers people to them san Hamachi issues.

SMACX installation.  Possible reference material for the wiki installation page...

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: ete on August 28, 2013, 03:29:04 AM

Right, I'll compare and integrate things at some point.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Buster's Uncle on August 28, 2013, 03:41:03 AM

And Petek.  Seriously.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Kirov on August 28, 2013, 11:49:38 AM

Backup your terranx, alphax and helpx. Download the following three files to you main SMAX folder and we're ready to go. :) Read about the patch below.

http://alphacentauri2.info/wiki/Yitzi%27s_patch. (http://alphacentauri2.info/wiki/Yitzi%27s_patch.)

basically, it fixes many bugs and gives you more control over the game via additional alphax rules (look it up). This will not affect our game unless ete had modified his alphax. However, as with all unofficial work, please report any issues and crashes.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Kirov on August 28, 2013, 11:59:49 AM

OK, only now I've noticed that there's an entire page of posts here. Guys, I'm not sure what's that with installations and Hamachis. USS doesn't need to install anything, he copies 3 files by Yitzi to his folder and voila. Although he may want your entire game to another folder first. Right now I have 3 copies for 3 patches (we could use some tool to solve this issue).

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Yitzi on August 28, 2013, 04:28:54 PM

Quote from: Kirov on August 28, 2013, 11:49:38 AM

Backup your terranx, alphax and helpx. Download the following three files to you main SMAX folder and we're ready to go. :) Read about the patch below.

http://alphacentauri2.info/wiki/Yitzi%27s_patch. (http://alphacentauri2.info/wiki/Yitzi%27s_patch.)

basically, it fixes many bugs and gives you more control over the game via additional alphax rules (look it up). This will not affect our game unless ete had modified his alphax. However, as with all unofficial work, please report any issues and crashes.

Actually, as of version 2.0, most of the things go by the alphax of whoever's playing, not of whoever created it.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Buster's Uncle on August 28, 2013, 06:02:26 PM

Quote from: Kirov on August 28, 2013, 11:59:49 AM

OK, only now I've noticed that there's an entire page of posts here. Guys, I'm not sure what's that with installations and Hamachis. USS doesn't need to install anything, he copies 3 files by Yitzi to his folder and voila. Although he may want your entire game to another folder first. Right now I have 3 copies for 3 patches (we could use some tool to solve this issue).

Are you hinting that t or I ought to do a split?

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Kirov on August 28, 2013, 06:09:49 PM

No problem, I just read this thread before breakfast and didn't quite follow you. Now I get it. :)

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: uss1701jb on August 28, 2013, 11:19:04 PM

Deleted the terranx.exe. Replaced it. Now it won't run.

I get the INS Unity and the progenitor ships, but SMACX doesn't load

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Kirov on August 28, 2013, 11:23:52 PM

Darn. Has it happened to anybody else?

USS, have you backed up your exe? We can play with the regular SMAX for a couple of turns, until the brainiacs here figure something out.

If not and you still can't run your SMAX or do anything about it, I can give you my login to GOG so that you can download and run a working copy. Besides it's just a couple of bucks if you're interested.

So let me know what's your status.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Buster's Uncle on August 28, 2013, 11:29:51 PM

It is my position that if you legitimately own a copy of the game, getting a free copy online (because of scratched CD or whatever reason) is ethical...

Naturally, Kirov's offer would be deleted otherwise.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Kirov on August 28, 2013, 11:37:47 PM

Yes, I assumed he's got a legal copy, but it's not like Firaxis tech support is going to be much helpful right now. To most of their staff SMAC probably doesn't ring any bell, so it's not like less-orthodox copies make Brian any poorer. ;) But it's just me, have it your way BU.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Buster's Uncle on August 28, 2013, 11:41:04 PM

Sorry. 

I did not intend to imply that you erred in any way.  I assume the same, and just wanted to mention a policy position.  Give him your login unless he says he's been running a crack, I say.

And yeah, it's not hurting Brian to pirate at this point, but GOG and Sold Out Software have legitimate business interest, and I'm big on doing the right thing and encouraging same.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: uss1701jb on August 29, 2013, 03:50:26 AM

I did back it up, so I will play my turn by 4:00 PM Chicago time.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: t_ras on August 29, 2013, 09:57:40 PM

I think I lost track of this discution ???. Can someone explain. Is there a game going on? Are you waiting for something? any help required?
Sorry for begin zombie... :-[

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Buster's Uncle on August 29, 2013, 10:10:36 PM

The TTT is here and less derailed... http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?topic=4213.0 (http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?topic=4213.0)

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: uss1701jb on August 29, 2013, 10:32:30 PM

Can someone provide a vanilla terranx.exe? I lost my backup.

Sorry for STILL not playing. I've been searching for my backup for thirty minutes.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: roninscg on August 29, 2013, 10:35:53 PM

Here it is :-)

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: uss1701jb on August 29, 2013, 10:40:12 PM

Thanks. Will ( hopefully) get things sorted out by 7:00.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: uss1701jb on August 29, 2013, 11:21:48 PM

Do I need to rename it or something?  ??? I got the same problem after install

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Buster's Uncle on August 29, 2013, 11:23:51 PM

I'm going to ping Petek about this thread - he never fails on install problems.

Title: Re: Searching the Fungus for a game
Post by: Petek on August 30, 2013, 12:44:26 AM

@uss -

Please start a new thread in the ToE forum and explain your current problem. Will then be glad to try and help!