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Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri & Alien Crossfire => Command Nexus => Topic started by: Mart on May 11, 2014, 07:54:25 PM

Title: Game for those still around
Post by: Mart on May 11, 2014, 07:54:25 PM

This is setting up thread for a new game for those who are still around.
Please post your preferences, most recently expressing interest in playing:
- Vishniac
- Geo
- Kirov

[edit]
CMN: Mart

Quote from: Vishniac on April 18, 2014, 09:43:24 AM

...

I am still here. If someone starts a game, I stand ready to unleash the dogs of war!
I'd say I would:
- prefer SMAC over SMAX
- appreciate some interesting scenario
- and why not pick up the ideas behind our Waterworld game and give them a new flesh?
But I would take what comes. 8)

Anyone else? If there are too many players, I can setup the second game right after this one.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Geo on May 11, 2014, 09:55:41 PM

If we go with SMAC, I propose a MP testgame with Kyrub's patch.

Mart: will you be participating or setting up? Or both?

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Vishniac on May 11, 2014, 10:51:14 PM

I am here. 8)

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Mart on May 12, 2014, 08:52:49 PM

Quote from: Geo on May 11, 2014, 09:55:41 PM

If we go with SMAC, I propose a MP testgame with Kyrub's patch.

Mart: will you be participating or setting up? Or both?

I will set this game up, just edited the first post.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Geo on May 12, 2014, 09:00:45 PM

So, Kirov and Vishniac, do we spar with the three of us, or take in an extra? Say, BUncle or so? ;cute

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 12, 2014, 09:13:34 PM

Siigh. Ping EM - he could use some easy meat. Seriously; ping EM.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Geo on May 12, 2014, 09:15:01 PM

No thank you. I'd like to be in a game longer then 50 turns. :P

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 12, 2014, 09:18:17 PM

Who sucks the right amount to suit you, then? Besides me. Invite someone - it's not brain surgery; MPlayers want to Mplay.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Vishniac on May 12, 2014, 10:11:56 PM

Quote from: BUncle on May 12, 2014, 09:13:34 PM

Siigh. Ping EM - he could use some easy meat. Seriously; ping EM.

EM shouldn't be penalized for mastering the game!

I'd say let's get him onboard but Mart could arrange a defavorable setup or scenario to re-equilibrate our chances.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 12, 2014, 10:22:01 PM

I understand his virtuosity is such that that wouldn't be so unfair... Good idea.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Mart on May 12, 2014, 10:27:27 PM

That is something I would avoid when setting up a game. You never can reliably judge such differences.
There are other ways to give more chances to players who do not play as good as others. Bigger map is a good one.
Not to mention pacts.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Geo on May 12, 2014, 11:02:59 PM

Quote from: Mart on May 12, 2014, 10:27:27 PM

Bigger map is a good one.

The previous game (waterworld) I participated in had a quite too large map.

So Vishniac, you'd like more then three (human) players then?

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Kirov on May 12, 2014, 11:04:43 PM

Yep, I'm also against debalancing. Let's just wait for a while, surely someone will turn up.

Also, do we insist on playing SMAC? I'm afraid kyrub's patch works best in single player as it modifies the AI only. We need some strong AI factions for that to be a factor, and AI, especially stronger, can be potentially very imbalanced (as Vishniac should remember from our Waterworld game). ;)

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 12, 2014, 11:13:43 PM

Quote from: Vishniac on May 12, 2014, 10:11:56 PM

Quote from: BUncle on May 12, 2014, 09:13:34 PM
Siigh. Ping EM - he could use some easy meat. Seriously; ping EM.
EM shouldn't be penalized for mastering the game!

I meant PM/email/contact EM. -But he's onsight now, so we'll see. I really would like to see him back in the saddle...

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Vishniac on May 13, 2014, 11:13:32 AM

Quote from: Geo on May 12, 2014, 11:02:59 PM

So Vishniac, you'd like more then three (human) players then?

Not necessarily but I've heard that at 3 there is always the 2 vs 1 factor .

For EM, I wasn't talking about debalancing or such but the very setup of the game can favorate a faction or not. If he plays Gaian with "rare native unit" setup or Morganite with "heavy cloud cover or Pirates on a map with only 25% sea, ideas like that. It's not unfair but he couldn't count on the usual forces of his faction.

I don't insist on SMAC. Either will do.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Geo on May 13, 2014, 12:24:16 PM

In that case I vote to make this a SMACX game. ;b;

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Mart on May 14, 2014, 11:08:46 AM

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Kirov on May 15, 2014, 01:16:44 PM

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Vishniac on May 15, 2014, 05:05:29 PM

- game type: ---
- proffered patch: ---
- your time zone - usefull in SMAX: CET
- preferred faction/s: depends on the setting. But no Miriam/Lal/Domai/Cha Dawn. I'll choose later if Mart has no special idea for a scenario requiring me to take someone precise.
_____________________________________
Preference | Settings

Map size | Standard
Ocean | ~75%
Erosion | ---
Life | Abundant
Clouds | ---
Difficulty | Transcend

Victory conditions:
Transcend | ON
Conquest | ON
Diplomatic | ON
Economic | ON
Cooperative | OFF
Do or Die | ON
Flexible start | OFF
Tech stag | Off
Spoils of war | ---
Blind research | Off
Intense riv | ON (use it to balance factions)
No survey | ON
No scatter | ON
No rnd events | ---
Time Warp | OFF
Iron man | ON
Rand person | OFF
Rand social | OFF

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Geo on May 15, 2014, 06:39:42 PM

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Mart on May 15, 2014, 08:08:27 PM

Quote from: Geo on May 15, 2014, 06:39:42 PM

...
- preferred faction/s: A progenitor faction, but with later start -and HQ base restrictions for the Ogre Mk. I.

What is this HQ Ogre MK I restriction?

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Geo on May 15, 2014, 08:36:05 PM

Not ever moving out of HQ?
My assumption is that it shouldn't be outright removed because of my proposed later start. I see it as a protection against random native life attack while my starting unit(s) wait out the number of turns a cmn-rolled dice throws, before I can found my first base and move a scout out.
Basically, this Progenitor faction 'wakes up' somewhere between MY 2102-2107, depending on what number your dice rolled (1-6).

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Vishniac on May 16, 2014, 11:32:07 AM

Progenitors have serious advantages that even a 5-turn delay can lower. You are sure to be 1 vs 2 with human players.

Maybe, for balancing things, I should take the other Progenitor, Kirov would have Deirdre AND abundant native life and we could bring Earthmichael in.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Geo on May 16, 2014, 11:44:57 AM

It doesn't really matter to me if I start from a weaker position. Look at our previous game where I had a -2 growth penalty and severe hab complex restriction, and where that brought me withiut complaint.
Besides, I feel my chances are better against a Progenitor AI then you. :D

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Mart on May 16, 2014, 02:47:34 PM

And what is the latest stable Yitzi patch?
I think we can try this one in this game.

Quote from: Vishniac on May 15, 2014, 05:05:29 PM

...
- preferred faction/s: depends on the setting. But no Miriam/Lal/Domai/Cha Dawn. I'll choose later if Mart has no special idea for a scenario requiring me to take someone precise.

I can accommodate a faction to the story.
Which one you feel like playing here?

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 16, 2014, 03:40:05 PM

The latest, although he's about to update again:

Quote from: Yitzi on May 04, 2014, 07:40:00 PM

Yitzi's unofficial SMAX patch 2.5j

http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=255 (http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=255)

Fixed another bug, in which enemy usage of PBs could cause a crash.

Requires all other files from 2.5.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Vishniac on May 16, 2014, 05:01:45 PM

I'll take the Hive once again then.
Need some bang for my bucks if there is some progenitoring around...

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Mart on May 16, 2014, 11:12:06 PM

Yitzi patch, 2.5j is not stable. I played maybe 3 turns with progenitors and got game crash. Need to check other versions.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 17, 2014, 12:04:23 AM

Have you reported the bug? I don't think progs get played a lot, so a prog-specific bug would be easy to overlook, but Yitzi will want savegames if you can supply, so he can nail the problem.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Vishniac on May 17, 2014, 07:20:27 AM

I'm still not that warm to have someone with Progenitor.
Was a long time since I played a SMAX game with them so I launched one yesterday and...frightening! (though the Santiago AI was able to eradicate the Usurpers who were harassing me ;santi;)

Better have a good scenario to alleviate those fears.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Geo on May 17, 2014, 07:28:22 AM

To be fair, I prefer to see the Hive as an AI faction, since this one seems to fare best against human opponents. ;)
Besides, I'm simply not such a good MP player, whatever gameplay awesomeness BUncle likes to bestow upon me.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Mart on May 17, 2014, 10:22:32 AM

We could also do something different, that is not often attempted:
Everyone plays the same faction, just a different version of it. We could have 3 versions of that faction, so 3 separate graphics files would differentiate them.
And possibilities:
- we take an existing vanila or crossfire faction
- we take another custom one
- we build yet another special one to our liking

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Vishniac on May 17, 2014, 01:24:58 PM

Quote from: Mart on May 17, 2014, 10:22:32 AM

We could also do something different, that is not often attempted:
Everyone plays the same faction, just a different version of it.

Not thrilled about it. It would defeat the very purpose of SMAC: seeing different ideologies with forces and weaknesses fight.

If not the Hive, then give me...
Well, it depends on the setting...
Cybernetics' Aki-Zeta 5 ;aki;

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 17, 2014, 03:04:12 PM

I have Hive graphics laying around to offer in younger, intense, leader, and lady leader version - one's a splinter faction ready to go, the other alt. gender and would need me to spend a few minutes altering colors. Also one with Yang all pimped out street, yo.

Got at least two alts. of everyone except Cha and the progs, who got left out of the alt. gender set for obvious reasons.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Vishniac on May 17, 2014, 03:56:14 PM

Quote from: BUncle on May 17, 2014, 03:04:12 PM

Got at least two alts. of everyone except Cha and the progs, who got left out of the alt. gender set for obvious reasons.

I seem to remember a picture of the drag queen colorized version of progenitors.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 17, 2014, 04:01:09 PM

There are a number of custom prog factions around, the graphics for which could easily be appropriated for multi samefaction MP. I've done three or four myself...

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Geo on May 17, 2014, 05:21:40 PM

Quote from: Vishniac on May 17, 2014, 01:24:58 PM

If not the Hive, then give me...

Nonono. I didn't mean to imply you shouldn't take the Hive. Just my rebursal to your Progenitor doubts comment. By all means, have a go at Yang!

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Mart on May 18, 2014, 09:03:00 AM

Yitzi patch 2.4c seems to be stable with Progenitors. I would propose to play it. There is needed alternative alphax.txt. I'm not sure if we make additional changes to standard version of these rules.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Geo on May 18, 2014, 09:45:00 AM

Quote from: Mart on May 18, 2014, 09:03:00 AM

Yitzi patch 2.4c seems to be stable with Progenitors. I would propose to play it. There is needed alternative alphax.txt. I'm not sure if we make additional changes to standard version of these rules.

I assume not.
When you create the 'scenario', would you please make a download with ALL necessary files? It is sometimes hard to figure out what is needed for Yitzi's patches.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Vishniac on May 18, 2014, 09:56:16 AM

And, please, explain once again in plain text and understanble words :-[ what to do with it, what to save for going back, and so on...

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Mart on May 18, 2014, 10:32:21 AM

The best way to use modded game, at this moment, is to:

1) Make an additional game folder, by copying the standard gaming folder (smax) to a new location. It can be with changed name, as needed, eg. "SMACX-Yitzi", or even better "SMACX-Yitzi-2_4c", etc. (no need to install anything at this point, like from CD, as long, as the game was kept up to date, e.g. latest winXP patch)

2) Go to download "Yitzi's unofficial SMAX patch 2.4", and get the zip file,
which is here__________ (http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=154)
and paste files from the zip to the newly created game folder by replacing
(we just got plain 2.4 patch, at this point, which may be crashy)

3) Go to patch 2.4c update download, and get the exe file,
which is here__________ (http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=156)
You can either replace terranx.exe or do something more flexible (for later patch versions) just rename exe to something like: "terranx_yitzi_2_4c.exe" and then paste it to the newly created game folder.
(The game does not mind running exe under changed name, but you have to start that exe directly by clicking it or by link. A launcher like the one from CD will not start it, as it looks for plain terranx.exe)

4) Alternatively you can delete additional files from "saves" and "scenarios" folders in the newly created game folder , as you have them in the original game folder. This is to save hard drive space.

=====
We can play such Yitzi patch, as long as all players are comfortable with using it. Otherwise we default to maybe last Scient patch.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Mart on May 21, 2014, 02:50:13 PM

Ok, so has everyone checked possibility to play the mod?

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Geo on May 21, 2014, 07:43:36 PM

2.4c seems to work fine at my end playing as one of the Progenitor factions. Played up to about MY 2130.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Geo on May 23, 2014, 08:59:15 PM

Bump for Kirov and Vishniac. :whip:

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Vishniac on May 23, 2014, 09:32:58 PM

Quote from: Geo on May 23, 2014, 08:59:15 PM

Bump for Kirov and Vishniac. :whip:

What bump?
If the mod works, and you say it does, then I am just waiting for the setup to start.

Bump for Mart! :P

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Geo on May 23, 2014, 09:48:07 PM

Shouldn't you tell your final settings then?

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Vishniac on May 23, 2014, 10:05:35 PM

I'd say it's up to the scenarist to provide now.
I just let clouds and erosion pending.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Geo on May 23, 2014, 10:15:03 PM

So you're still going with the Consciousness? I didn't want to imply the Hive must be AI, you know...

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Kirov on May 23, 2014, 10:39:46 PM

So I'm going against a prog and a CyCon? Hmm... I think I'm gonna take Miriam against such heathens.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Vishniac on May 23, 2014, 10:44:14 PM

Yeah, The Consciousness will do.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Mart on May 24, 2014, 03:23:54 PM

Below are settings. I took also liberty to overwrite one setting and decide in two1:1 cases and decided on progs.
Let me explain, I think a bit more defensive setup can be better for this game. Factions are strong. Miriam gets fanatic, progenitors will be with defensive ability. I am going to include Usurpers and Spartans also, plus two more factions according to story.
A bigger map will help to build stronger factions before serious conflicts.
Additionally:
- I am going to enable Council for human part.
- Cloudbase Academy will be disabled
- Empath Guild - I am thinking of keeping it in game !!! :) but I will leave this decision to players.

- game type: smax/-/smax
- patch: scient/yitzi//-//scient/yitzi||Yitzi 2.4c
- your time zone - +1/CET/CET
- faction:
Kirov Believers
Vishniac Cybernetic Consciousness
Geo Caretakers
___________________________________
Preference | Settings

Map size | std/large//std//std ||changed 40x80
Ocean | aver/75%/50-75% ||map design
Erosion | high/-/low ||average/design
Life | aver/abund/abund ||abundant
Clouds | dense/-/dense ||dense
Difficulty | trsc/trsc/- ||transcend

Transcend | on/on/on ||ON
Conquest | on/on/on ||ON
Diplomatic | on/on/on ||ON
Economic | on/on/on ||ON
Cooperative | off/off/on ||OFF
Do or Die | on/on/on ||ON
Flexible start | on/off/on ||ON
Tech stag | off/off/off ||OFF
Spoils of war | off/-/off ||OFF
Blind research | off/off/on ||OFF
Intense riv | off/on/- ||ON
No survey | on/on/- ||ON
No scatter | on/on/- ||ON
No rnd events | on/-/off ||OFF
Time Warp | off/off/off ||OFF
Iron man | .../on/on ||ON
Rand person | off/off/- ||OFF
Rand social | off/off/- ||OFF

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Geo on May 24, 2014, 06:11:57 PM

I don't think I specified which prog faction I'd take.
Any particular reason you hooked me with the Caretakers? It would make me the only faction able to popboom through growth.
I thought Standard maps are only 40x80, and large 44x90?

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Kirov on May 24, 2014, 06:16:38 PM

I'm strongly against the EG, it's too powerful in my opinion. Like, please guys, I really want it to be banned. Other stuff, I can concede to.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Mart on May 24, 2014, 06:34:30 PM

Quote from: Geo on May 24, 2014, 06:11:57 PM

...
Any particular reason you hooked me with the Caretakers?

The defense bonus and not offense.

Quote

...
I thought Standard maps are only 40x80, and large 44x90?

I can make standard map, ok.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Geo on May 24, 2014, 06:37:03 PM

Quote from: Mart on May 24, 2014, 06:34:30 PM

Quote from: Geo on May 24, 2014, 06:11:57 PM
...
Any particular reason you hooked me with the Caretakers?
The defense bonus and not offense.
Quote
...
I thought Standard maps are only 40x80, and large 44x90?
I can make standard map, ok.

Okay, I'll be ;caretake; then.
I'm inclined to agree with Kirov regarding the Empath Guild.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Vishniac on June 11, 2014, 09:38:35 PM

So...let's go?

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Geo on June 11, 2014, 11:13:40 PM

Who won? ;cute

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Kirov on June 12, 2014, 01:32:18 AM

Let's call it a draw, but I want a rematch.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Mart on November 30, 2014, 11:33:30 PM

I'm back, and I have the game. I have seen all players active like today or yesterday, so there is a chance, it will start with original team.
So, it is Believers, Cycon and Caretakers. SPs: Empath Guild and Cloudbase Academy set to destroyed. No AI.

It was like 6 months already I was MIA. Not the best time for me, was quite hectic. Although I came to the forum few times, I could not muster up enough strength to complete the scenario. In short, I will have to find a new job soon.

Anyway, I'm opening TTT thread...
Link (http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?topic=13971.0)

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Vishniac on December 09, 2014, 07:14:54 PM

So, is it definitive that the FTSA game has:
- dense cloud cover
- abundant native life
- average erosion
?

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Mart on December 09, 2014, 07:34:22 PM

Yes, but the map is designed and changes were made to it.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Dio on December 10, 2014, 08:10:18 PM

Is diplomacy between human players allowed before we come into contact in-game?

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Kirov on December 10, 2014, 08:21:21 PM

If it's not agreed beforehand, it's default that we can't talk before we acquire each other's comms in a standard way. You can always right-click though, to check the pop etc.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Dio on December 10, 2014, 08:25:21 PM

I understand and was only curious.

Title: Re: Game for those still around
Post by: Vishniac on December 10, 2014, 08:30:25 PM

I'd say No.
But don't worry: Mart probably made sure you'll find us before Morgan and I can talk to one another...

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Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri & Alien Crossfire => Command Nexus => Topic started by: Mart on May 11, 2014, 07:54:25 PM