RBPB4 Lurker Thread

[Gazzahk]

Spaceman, what do you suggest is the answer to this predictability?

Could the answer be more players, less players, inclusion of aggressive AI, ban NAPs (or no diplo), totally balanced maps, abandon the double move prohibition, or a mix of some of these or others?

Plus do so many restrictions / rules confine game play too much?

[Gazzahk]

I for one have found these write ups extremely interesting, fascinating and above all useful. As an MP novice I want to get stuck in on an MP game BUT obviously I would not be suited to this high level of play.

Is the best suggested way for MP novices to start through PBEM?

Is there any other advice?

[Gold Ergo Sum]

I actually think that the answer is pretty simple:

1) Ban the things that are truly unbalanced:

a) Leaders with a combination of FIN/EXP/CRE
b) Inca, India
c) The Great Lighthouse--especially if the map allows IC-TRs.

2) Try to keep the skill level of players matched.


I think the other stuff, like too many NAPs, course correct themselves after a game like this. After this game, no one wants to agree to NAPs anymore.


Many games on RB demonstrate the problems created by unequal skill levels. On the othe hand, PBEM17 featured a very balanced group of players, but nospace had EXP/CRE, India, and landed the TGLH, all quite unbalancing in and of themselves, and that imbalance overrode the equitable skill division of the players.

[Cyneheard]

Is the best suggested way for MP novices to start through PBEM?

The difference between PBEM and PB isn't the format (which isn't all that different), it's the metagame/playstyle:
PBs are usually larger here, and they're higher-profile, so they tend to get better play (if not necessarily better players; the A-List games tend to be more exclusively PBEMs, because those are easier to fill).

[darrelljs]

Tech trading. Its the only viable rubber band mechanism in the game. Then you have to deal with the kind of crap we had in PB3.

PBEM17 was rego's fault for taking IND and not scoring either of the two main economic wonders. We were not hypocritical but were lying, evil, scummy, deceitful, and weak. I lost interest in the game but others want to continue so we can play out out although I'm not sure what there is left to achieve .

Darrell

[Cyneheard]

PBEM17 was rego's fault for taking IND and not scoring either of the two main economic wonders.

Fair point.

[spacemanmf]

Balance is a sort of answer:

Similar skill levels (although it's hard to quantify this easily).

The RB mod solves a lot of problems highlighted by GES.

Playing it CTON or AW keeps everyone honest.


Oh and the Pyramids were the whopping great cherry on the nice big cake.

We're playing on in PBEM17 because it's more or less a level playing field again (subject to everyone declaring war on us again), and it's vaguely interesting to see how the map pans out because it's such a devilish design.

[NobleHelium]

Moogle's invading stack is...six units? Locke's screenshot showed a lot of knights before. Where'd they go?

[spacemanmf]

Moogle's invading stack is...six units? Locke's screenshot showed a lot of knights before. Where'd they go?

You need to read his thread more closely. Plus check out Adlain's.

[NobleHelium]

Oh, I'm not reading every thread. I'll go look at those.