Multiplayer Issues: Synchronizing Game... Leaders?

[Amoren]

Not sure if this is the right place on this forum to put this, but I just keep running into issues trying to get SMAC to work for multiplayer for my friend and I. :|

The closest we've so far managed to get it to work is with Hamachi, but while that will allow us to join the host's lobby without the host freezing (like direct TCP/IP did), or be stuck waiting on host permanently in GameRanger, it now causes a Synchronizing Game... Leaders X (5/5) issue whenever we start up the game that we can't seem to get past.

I've tried searching this forum and the Command Nexus for a solution to this to no avail. So, does anyone know how to finally get around this issue? I've been running into a brick wall for the past few days trying to get the game to work for him and I, and I'm almost frustrated to the point of just giving up.

I'm not using any of the unofficial patches here, but as far as I can tell they wouldn't fix this issue, unless I'm mistaken?

[Amoren]

So, as a small update, we've now managed to actually get the game to launch by just ignoring the error message pop up when it shows itself... Unfortunately, this only allows us to get INTO the game. A few turns later, the Error message "Synchronizing Game... Leaders" pops up after every turn, and considering how long it takes for each of the SEVEN or so error messages to pass, makes the game unplayable rather quickly.

Looks like we'll need to figure out some way to either disable the error message from popping up (because I don't think there's an actual issue going on, we were playing fine), or fix whatever issue it is its talking about. Does ANYONE have any possible idea on to do either of these?

[Buster's Uncle]

From what I gather from occasional complaints, the IP gaming is just plain broke.  I dunno - naturally, people who get it to work don't post to ask how or complain.  sisko plays IP once in a long while, but he's in Europe and may be already done for the day.

Keep checking back - it's not uncommon for it to take days on this sort of thing to notice the thread and speak up.

[Amoren]

If the IP method is broken, can anyone else detail a multiplayer method that does work (beyond the hot seat/e-mail one, of course)? Or is that the method most people use to play?

[Buster's Uncle]

It is - I suppose that's part of the problem.  Not enough experience with IP/hotseat in the community, compared to PBEM.

[voker57]

If the IP method is broken, can anyone else detail a multiplayer method that does work (beyond the hot seat/e-mail one, of course)? Or is that the method most people use to play?

I'm playing SMAX with friends using n2n (VPN tool, like hamachi) over IP, works like a charm most of the time.

[Amoren]

Thanks, I'll give it a shot and report back after we give it a try! Currently I'm on a Dragon Age: Inquisition fix, so it might be a bit before we take another crack at Alpha Centauri.