Alpha Centauri 2

Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri & Alien Crossfire => Command Nexus => Topic started by: sisko on June 22, 2011, 05:41:11 PM

Title: Ladder Game # 1: Rincewind vs eclipse4449
Post by: sisko on June 22, 2011, 05:41:11 PM
Please post in this thread your preferences and i will update these 2 'tables'.
First one is mainly about the map and factions, the second about the game preferences.
If you can't agree on some of them i will choose the middle way (if possible) or use my own judgement as a tie-breaker.
For the second 'table' use only ON / OFF when stating your preferences to avoid confusions.

SetupPreferencesEclipse4449Rincewind
Game (SMAC/SMAX) & patches
Faction choice (faction's slot in turn order)
Map (random/Chiron/other)
Size
Ocean coverage
Erosive forces
Native life forms
Cloud cover
Difficulty level

SetupPreferencesEclipse4449Rincewind
Allow Victory by Transcendence
Allow Victory by Conquest
Allow Diplomatic Victory
Allow Economic Victory
Allow Cooperative Victory
OFFDo or Die: Don't restart eliminated players--
Look first: Flexible starting locations
Tech stagnation: slower rate of research discoveries
Spoils of war: Steal tech when conquer base
Blind research: cannot set precise research goals
Intense Rivalry: Opponents more aggressiv
No Unity Survey: World Map not visible
No Unity Scattering: Supply Pods only at landing sites
Bell Curve: No Random Events
Time Warp: Accelerated Start (on/off/custom)
ONIron Man: Save/Restore restricted to exit--
Randomize faction leader personalities
Randomize faction leader social agendas
Expected turn rate (usually 24h)
Number of days to wait before turn is 'pushed'

Title: Re: Setup thread for Ladder Game # 1
Post by: sisko on June 23, 2011, 11:43:25 AM
if you don't have any preferences, i can surprise you...  8)
Title: Re: Setup thread for Ladder Game # 1
Post by: Eclipse4449 on June 23, 2011, 10:35:19 PM
I would much rather not have Blind research.  Blind research sucks  :(
I also kind of Like Random events but this in unimportant compared to Blind Research.

I have no Preference on any other thing, any kind of map or Level
Title: Re: Setup thread for Ladder Game # 1
Post by: Eclipse4449 on June 23, 2011, 10:40:53 PM
Rincewind please contact me via email
eclipse4449 at gmail dot com
Title: Re: Setup thread for Ladder Game # 1
Post by: Eclipse4449 on June 23, 2011, 11:12:13 PM
Quote from: sisko on June 22, 2011, 05:41:11 PM
Please post in this thread your preferences and i will update these 2 'tables'.
First one is mainly about the map and factions, the second about the game preferences.
If you can't agree on some of them i will choose the middle way (if possible) or use my own judgement as a tie-breaker.
For the second 'table' use only ON / OFF when stating your preferences to avoid confusions.

SetupPreferencesEclipse4449Rincewind
Game (SMAC/SMAX) & patches
Faction choice (faction's slot in turn order)
Map (random/Chiron/other)
Size
Ocean coverage
Erosive forces
Native life forms
Cloud cover
Difficulty level


SetupPreferencesEclipse4449Rincewind
on   
Allow Victory by Transcendence
on   
Allow Victory by Conquest
on   
Allow Diplomatic Victory
on   
Allow Economic Victory
on   
Allow Cooperative Victory
OFF
off   
Do or Die: Don't restart eliminated players--
off   
Look first: Flexible starting locations
off   
Tech stagnation: slower rate of research discoveries
on   
Spoils of war: Steal tech when conquer base
off   
Blind research: cannot set precise research goals
off   
Intense Rivalry: Opponents more aggressiv
on   
No Unity Survey: World Map not visible
off   
No Unity Scattering: Supply Pods only at landing sites
off   
Bell Curve: No Random Events
off   
Time Warp: Accelerated Start (on/off/custom)
ON
on   
Iron Man: Save/Restore restricted to exit--
off   
Randomize faction leader personalities
off   
Randomize faction leader social agendas
agreed   
Expected turn rate (usually 24h)
3?   
Number of days to wait before turn is 'pushed'
[/q
quote]

On the map visibility I've never figured out on or off (entire map should be invisible)
Title: Re: Setup thread for Ladder Game # 1
Post by: Eclipse4449 on July 03, 2011, 01:43:59 AM
Is there something that needs to be done before we begin?  I would like to get started.
As I said any kind of map and rules is ok I just prefer blind research disabled :)
Title: Re: Setup thread for Ladder Game # 1
Post by: Rincewind on July 03, 2011, 02:25:43 PM
Yes, lets get started :)
Title: Re: Setup thread for Ladder Game # 1
Post by: sisko on July 03, 2011, 02:34:51 PM
i was waitig for your reply, Rincewind. the game will be setup according to eclipse4449's preferences.
you can send me your prefered password by PM otherwise i will just assign one to each of you
Title: Re: Ladder Game # 1: Rincewind vs eclipse4449
Post by: bdanv on July 05, 2011, 06:56:42 PM
Rules:
Rules for the fully patched game (including the unofficial patch):

Notes:Important:
The game is launched!
GOOD LUCK!

i would appreciate if one of you, could send me the turns in copy so i can post status reports (power graph pictures). my email address: borcea [_] dan {@} yahoo (.) com
Title: Re: Ladder Game # 1: Rincewind vs eclipse4449
Post by: Rincewind on July 06, 2011, 03:32:50 PM
first turn done

ps: how often do you want the turns via email? seems kinda useless to send them everytime
Title: Re: Ladder Game # 1: Rincewind vs eclipse4449
Post by: bdanv on July 06, 2011, 04:24:36 PM
if you keep on posting the turns here, then there's no need to email anymore.
Title: Re: Ladder Game # 1: Rincewind vs eclipse4449
Post by: Eclipse4449 on July 07, 2011, 04:24:08 AM
Gps to Rincewind

I have read and agree with the rules
Title: Re: Ladder Game # 1: Rincewind vs eclipse4449
Post by: Rincewind on July 07, 2011, 06:46:36 PM
WTF!

i just loaded my turn and something was wrong with it.

i got all the commlinks for all other factions and the map was fully revealed

this is not right, it said something about the map being opend in map editor.

ill post the savegame here so that you can see for yourselves.

my password is: laguna
Title: Re: Ladder Game # 1: Rincewind vs eclipse4449
Post by: bdanv on July 07, 2011, 08:03:05 PM
i just opened your save and it looks like a normal save to me.
no commlinks no map revealed.
can you send me a screenshoot of the map by email?
Title: Re: Ladder Game # 1: Rincewind vs eclipse4449
Post by: sisko on July 07, 2011, 08:22:35 PM
what version of the game are you running and what operating system, Rincewind?
Title: Re: Ladder Game # 1: Rincewind vs eclipse4449
Post by: Rincewind on July 07, 2011, 08:59:50 PM
im running windows 7

smacx v 2.0 with unofficial patch

heres the screen, my color scheme [messed up - or loved very much] itself when i printed it, its the best i can do so far, but im trying to work around it
Title: Re: Ladder Game # 1: Rincewind vs eclipse4449
Post by: Rincewind on July 07, 2011, 09:01:21 PM
double sry
Title: Re: Ladder Game # 1: Rincewind vs eclipse4449
Post by: Eclipse4449 on July 08, 2011, 04:47:36 AM
My screenshots look just like yours, I never figured out why.

I dought this is or was the issue but will report it anyway;

I recently bought my laptop (the machine I played the turn on) just recently as a display model.
the administartor or user name on the machine was "user" so I changed it to Ray.  I noticed for some reason I did not have full permissions as an admnistrator, I could not edit files like notepad unless the files were saved into the my documents folder and then to move them where I wanted them I received and "access denied" dialog message.

The point I'm trying to make is the "terrainx.exe" file would claim the my cpu was not supported and clicking "OK" or "Cancel" both crashed the game to the desktop.

I downloaded the patches as described and attempted to run them and install them and in both cases the application failed to execute or extract.

I remembered that the windows XP fix for this was to edit the Alpha Centauri.ini file's first line
ForceOldVoxelAlgorithm=0
to read
ForceOldVoxelAlgorithm=1

This is where I discovered my limited Window7 Ultimates limited permissions.

I then created a new user(Administrator) "Eclipse"
I unistalled the game and removed to folder and reinstalled the game and also applied both patches

Having solved the issue that even know that user was an Adminstrator some permissions somehow were turned off to protect the machice from possible corruption from possible purchasers touching the laptop.

The new "User" eclipse had regained full and normal operation.

I tested a single player game and saved it to create the "Save" folder and pasted the Ladder turn and played it as normal and having no issues.

My only worry is now is that I have these pateches installed it is not equal to what it had been for my "White Rainbow: pbem game.  That version used a cracked version of the exe file allowing it to play without the original disk in the tray.  I assumed that single cracked exe file was equal to the 2.0 and unofficial patch because I was able to play that game and also received no messages that any player in that game did not receive any error messages to claim there was an error.

So my install was in fact proper at the time I played my turn.

Now as for this file I feel it maybe corrupt, how or why does not matter and two my opponents password has been posted.  My opinion is we begin a brand new game and see if the same problem re-occurs.  Do you agree?
Title: Re: Ladder Game # 1: Rincewind vs eclipse4449
Post by: Eclipse4449 on July 08, 2011, 05:02:01 AM
1
We must discover if

Quote
"I remembered that the windows XP fix for this was to edit the Alpha Centauri.ini file's first line
ForceOldVoxelAlgorithm=0
to read
ForceOldVoxelAlgorithm=1"
is to be "0" or "1"

it is currently "1"

2
This site or I mean these 2 pages are crashing to the desktop and causing a "Tab recovery action" everytime I change pages
Title: Re: Ladder Game # 1: Rincewind vs eclipse4449
Post by: bdanv on July 08, 2011, 07:51:15 AM
Quote from: Eclipse4449 on July 08, 2011, 04:47:36 AM
Now as for this file I feel it maybe corrupt, how or why does not matter and two my opponents password has been posted.  My opinion is we begin a brand new game and see if the same problem re-occurs.  Do you agree?
i see no other option. i will generate another game on a different map with a different password for Rincewind.
Title: Re: Ladder Game # 1: Rincewind vs eclipse4449
Post by: Rincewind on July 08, 2011, 12:18:25 PM
yea, lets start a new game, i will reinstall smacx

damn annoying and i got such a golden starting location :D
Title: Re: Ladder Game # 1: Rincewind vs eclipse4449
Post by: sisko on July 08, 2011, 02:15:00 PM
Quote from: Eclipse4449 on July 08, 2011, 05:02:01 AM
2
This site or I mean these 2 pages are crashing to the desktop and causing a "Tab recovery action" everytime I change pages


maybe this link can help you: http://blogs.technet.com/b/asiasupp/archive/2010/11/03/what-we-can-do-if-error-message-the-tab-has-been-recovered-a-problem-with-this-web-page-caused-internet-explorer-to-close-and-reopen-the-tab-happen-when-you-browsing-some-website-through-internet-explorer-8.aspx (http://blogs.technet.com/b/asiasupp/archive/2010/11/03/what-we-can-do-if-error-message-the-tab-has-been-recovered-a-problem-with-this-web-page-caused-internet-explorer-to-close-and-reopen-the-tab-happen-when-you-browsing-some-website-through-internet-explorer-8.aspx)

otherwise you can use another browser. i use Chrome and i don't have this problem.
Title: Re: Ladder Game # 1: Rincewind vs eclipse4449
Post by: Rincewind on July 11, 2011, 09:22:04 PM
so did everyone die? or go on vacation? im impatient!!!! waaaaaagh! new game of smacx! gogo power rangers!  :D
Title: Re: Ladder Game # 1: Rincewind vs eclipse4449
Post by: Eclipse4449 on July 12, 2011, 02:00:50 AM
Yes I'm game, or umm would be if I had a turn :)

Title: Re: Ladder Game # 1: Rincewind vs eclipse4449
Post by: bdanv on July 12, 2011, 04:24:28 PM
yeah, sorry for the delay. i was out of town and had little time for my SMAC duties.
i will try to give something to play today.
Title: Ladder Game # 1: relaunched
Post by: bdanv on July 13, 2011, 11:32:29 PM
save is attached. sorry for the delay.
Title: Re: Ladder Game # 1: Rincewind vs eclipse4449
Post by: Rincewind on July 14, 2011, 12:23:49 PM
yaaaay, same issue again, the map editor gets activated when i load the game. im trying to find a solution to this, it seems like i have to delete the registry, then reinstall the game, start a new game without updates, install the updates, and then load the savegame.

im sorry about this

i will post again when the problem is solved.
Title: Re: Ladder Game # 1: Rincewind vs eclipse4449
Post by: bdanv on July 14, 2011, 01:56:09 PM
:(  this is bad news, also, a serious issue that must be reported to the bug fixing project.
Title: Re: Ladder Game # 1: Rincewind vs eclipse4449
Post by: Eclipse4449 on July 17, 2011, 09:38:35 PM
I have sent a couple of pbem style randomly generated maps with passwords assigned and not assigned, one of which did load properly for Rincewind.

Here is what we came up with;
I setup this game using the game's Multiplayer/Hotseat, New game options and had it generate a new map
I asigned 2 players, me and Rincewood and saved the game.

He received it and was able to load it.  Is there some difference in the way I did it than the previous versions?
Title: Re: Ladder Game # 1: Rincewind vs eclipse4449
Post by: bdanv on July 18, 2011, 10:18:27 AM
the method a CMN uses to create a PBEM is quite different from the one you describe.
the CMN creates a map and then a scenario with balanced starting postitions just like in this article: http://www.civgaming.net/smac/acad_scened.shtml
using the create PBEM option of the game, the result is usually quite different. most of the times you'll end up too close to your opponent and/or other AI factions, especially in the higher difficulty levels.

if both of you agree, i can setup the game with the PBEM option of the game, on a map that can guarantee fair starting postitions for all the factions in the game, even for aquatic factions, but you should prepare yourself for a high fungus - high native life environement.

of course, there is also the option to generate the game on a random map with the PBEM option of the game, just like eclipse4449 did, but i don't think it's preferable since this is a ladder game and you want the best not the most fortunate to win.
Title: Re: Ladder Game # 1: Rincewind vs eclipse4449
Post by: Eclipse4449 on July 19, 2011, 02:45:04 AM
I completely agree with "the best not the fortunate"

I am prepared to play anything the game can come up with ie fungus or native life, this is normal gameplay for me.

Maybe a random map with tweaking is best but as stated this is a Ladder and this should mean it is equal from one game to the next. 

My original turn when loaded was quite arid, I think it was the west side of a slope but assumed surrounding are would have made up for it
Title: Re: Ladder Game # 1: Rincewind vs eclipse4449
Post by: sisko on July 22, 2011, 12:33:13 PM
Quote from: Eclipse4449 on July 19, 2011, 02:45:04 AM
I am prepared to play anything the game can come up with ie fungus or native life, this is normal gameplay for me.
what about Rincewind?

Quote from: Eclipse4449 on July 19, 2011, 02:45:04 AM
Maybe a random map with tweaking is best but as stated this is a Ladder and this should mean it is equal from one game to the next.
tweaking means using the scenario editor and causing the same issue on Rincewind's computer
Title: Re: Ladder Game # 1: Rincewind vs eclipse4449
Post by: Eclipse4449 on July 23, 2011, 01:00:34 AM
I can set up a random map, set the options and assign the players on my PC, is this acceptable?
Title: Re: Ladder Game # 1: Rincewind vs eclipse4449
Post by: Rincewind on July 23, 2011, 11:10:32 AM
im ok with that
Title: Re: Ladder Game # 1: Rincewind vs eclipse4449
Post by: Eclipse4449 on July 31, 2011, 01:21:17 AM
Thanks Rincewind but I was looking for approval by the Admin
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