How good are you? Find out...

[geoschmo]

Get rated.

Two new games starting. SE4 Ratings Game II and III. Both are 2 player games. Game settings to be agreed upon by the players. Only condition is players must be currently listed in Slynky's Rating system (http://se4-gaming.net/), or be willing to join, and agree to use this game for rating purposes.

I will be playing in game II, game III needs 2 players.

THis is going to be an ongoing series of games. If anyone wants me to throw up a rating game for more then 2 players I will do so.

[Chronon]

Count me in for game III. I haven't done a one-on-one game before, so this should be very interesting. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[Atrocities]

I am interested, but I know I suck so I will have to think about it. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif Great Idea though. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Baron Grazic]

Count me in for the next available spot. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[Chronon]

Baron G, Geo's got everything set up on PBW. All you need to do is join "SE4 Rating Game III," and we'll be all set. Looking forward to seeing you there.

[7o62x39]

I'm interested in playing. I'm not a programmer/modder but I've been playing and doing well in the TDM mod set as me against 19 AIs.

Never played other people before.

Cheers
Glenn

[geoschmo]

Anyone interested need only go to PBW and apply to join one of the games.

GO HERE (http://seiv.pbw.cc/text/index.jsp?menu=gamemenu.jsp%3fgame=d8v772&body=gamebody.jsp%3fgame=d8v772) to join Ratings Game III. This is a two player game. Chronon has already joined.

GO HERE (http://seiv.pbw.cc/text/index.jsp?menu=gamemenu.jsp%3fgame=4hqq1i&body=gamebody.jsp%3fgame=4hqq1i) to play in Ratings Game IV. This is a four player game.

GO HERE (http://seiv.pbw.cc/text/index.jsp?menu=gamemenu.jsp%3fgame=otfa4f&body=gamebody.jsp%3fgame=otfa4f) to join Ratings Game V. This is a two player game.

All the games are settings optional. Whatever you and your opponents can agree on. The only stipulation is you all have to be in Slynky's rating system or be willing to join and agree to use the game for Ratings purposes.

I will keep adding games as these fill up. If it get's monotonous I might change teh naming scheme, but if they are Ratings games they will be clearly labeled in the game info screen.

If someone has a particular size game or particular type of game or set of game settings they want to try, let me know and I can set that up for you too.

Geoschmo

[mottlee]

Cool Idea....as soon as I get killed in one (some) of my on going PBW count me in http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[deccan]

Hmm, since no one seems to want to play a 1-on-1 modded game with me and I don't have an opponent for KOTH yet http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif I guess I'm signing in here.

[Baron Grazic]

Good luck Chronon.
Small Galaxy, 1 or 3 planet start.
Any other settings you want, 'should' be fine with me.

[Chronon]

Thanks Baron Grazic, good luck to you as well.

Why don't we go with small quadrant, one planet start, no intel (one of the few major weaknesses in this game is the intel system), everything else default.

Geo, could you set that up for us? Thanks alot for hosting. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[parabolize]

going into game 5
happy to play any game setings but i would like a balanced map.

[Baron Grazic]

Chronon, I uploaded a 2000 point Empire, I am assuming you did to?
If so, let the games commence. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

PS. Thanks Geo...

[Chronon]

Yes, I did too. See you in the galaxy...

[deccan]

Parabolize:

Wanna try a modded game?

Otherwise, I guess it's back to vanilla KOTH settings. *Sigh* Fine with me, but I prefer 1 planet starts as opposed to 3 planet starts.

Balanced map? Maybe we could try a tesco map?

[parabolize]

Deccan:
as in devnull? i like the devnull mod.
no i dont want to play a koth game (i have one already)
will the tesco map work with the devnull mod?

[ September 09, 2003, 06:44: Message edited by: parabolize ]

[deccan]

Originally posted by parabolize:
Deccan:
as in devnull? i like the devnull mod.
no i dont want to play a koth game (i have one already)
will the tesco map work with the devnull mod?<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Devnull is okay with me. Say Devnull Mod Gold ver. 1.70? I don't see why one of tesco's KOTH maps won't work with Devnull, it's just a map after all.

[parabolize]

ya 1.7
tesco map
no events
medium tech cost
no intel
1 good home planet
low tech start
3000 racial points

sound good?

[deccan]

Originally posted by parabolize:
ya 1.7
tesco map
no events
medium tech cost
no intel
1 good home planet
low tech start
3000 racial points

sound good?<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Fine with me. Geo, can you please set up the game?

And how approximately how big is a Tesco map anyway? How many systems?

[geoschmo]

Originally posted by deccan:
Fine with me. Geo, can you please set up the game?

And how approximately how big is a Tesco map anyway? How many systems?<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Yep, as soon as you both upload empires.

Tesco maps vary widely in size and style. The only common point is that the empire placement is evenly distributed. If you have a particular type you want let me know, otherwise I'll just pick one randomly.

Geoschmo

[parabolize]

geoschmo: medium spiral

[deccan]

Er, geo, I'm not seeing any warp points here...

[Slynky]

Originally posted by deccan:
Er, geo, I'm not seeing any warp points here...<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Sounds like a tough game! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[parabolize]

i see the way out on the galactic map but where is it in the system? as i said i dont know if the map will work http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

[deccan]

Okay, so tesco maps don't seem to work with Devnull for some reason. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/blush.gif I'm getting error Messages too and I'm pretty sure it's not my copy of Devnull (just completed a turn of Puke's Mail Order Monsters and it ran fine).

So Parabolize, want to go with a regular randomly generated map?

Geo, if so, I'd like an opportunity to slightly tweak my empire file before the game starts.

[parabolize]

medium spiral arm (no black holes)

[geoschmo]

If you want to tweak your empire you will have to email it to me.

[deccan]

Originally posted by geoschmo:
If you want to tweak your empire you will have to email it to me.<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I'll only be able to do it tonight. Sorry, Parabolize, for the hold-up but I needed to get x-rayed today and it took longer than I expected. Now I need to get myself pumped full of antibiotics.

[parabolize]

thats cool with me
did you email geo?

[deccan]

Geo, I've sent you an updated emp file to your yahoo acount. Please see if it's okay.

[deccan]

Er, Parabolize, do you think geo forgot to turn intel off?

[primitive]

Any takers for a 1 on 1 slugfest ?
- Fairly large galaxy
- 10 planet start
- Full tech
- No intel
- No Stellar Manipulation
- No Talisman
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif

[parabolize]

Originally posted by deccan:
Er, Parabolize, do you think geo forgot to turn intel off?<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">it is off in the empire screen

[deccan]

Originally posted by parabolize:
it is off in the empire screen<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Um, isn't it *always* off in the empire screen prior to first contact? It's just that I see intel as researchable. Anyway, I'm going with it.

[Slynky]

Originally posted by primitive:
Any takers for a 1 on 1 slugfest ?
- Fairly large galaxy
- 10 planet start
- Full tech
- No intel
- No Stellar Manipulation
- No Talisman
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I feel froggy today, "P".

Do you have some time today to get this puppy started?

If so...

I would counter with 5 planets (or three if that's not on the list), medium galaxy, good planets.

Also, you didn't specify racial points...should it be ZERO?

[Slynky]

OK, Primitive, since we have talked, how does this sound:

- Medium galaxy (tesco map if possible, at least 75 systems)
- 5 planet start
- Full tech
- No intel
- No Stellar Manipulation
- No Talisman
- 3,000 racial points

Know anyone who can set it up for us?

[Slynky]

Originally posted by Slynky:
OK, Primitive, since we have talked, how does this sound:

- Medium galaxy (tesco map if possible, at least 75 systems)
- 5 planet start
- Full tech
- No intel
- No Stellar Manipulation
- No Talisman
- 3,000 racial points

Know anyone who can set it up for us?<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Tks, Asmala. (of course, if this game turns out putting Primitive even HIGHER on the charts, I'm going to be upset! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif )

[Slynky]

Primitive Challenge

The Primitive one -vs- Slynky: 2400.0

Tks again, Asmala, for setting it up. Looks like the first turn will take a while.

[Asmala]

I see the game is going with a nice pace, now it's a turn 2400.6

[geoschmo]

Originally posted by deccan:
SE Rating Game V

Parabolize vs. Deccan (Devnull Game)

Turn 30 and no contact yet. Sheesh. We must have started *real* far apart.<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif I thought you guys wanted some room? Guess the map was a bit too large?

[parabolize]

its not too big
my empire is running on the idea of a big map

[deccan]

Originally posted by parabolize:
its not too big
my empire is running on the idea of a big map<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Uh-oh, sounds ominous. I guess I should find you and kill you before you get your hands on something really nasty like a Talisman heh?

Seriously though, the only reason I asked to tweak my empire file was because my original one was set to assume that I'd have some breathing room at the beginning. When we changed to a random map, I had to account for the possibility that we might start right next to each other. I guess I should have stayed with the original .emp file then.

[deccan]

SE Rating Game V

Parabolize vs. Deccan (Devnull Game)

Turn 30 and no contact yet. Sheesh. We must have started *real* far apart.

[parabolize]

contact 2403.3
talisman what talisman? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

[deccan]

Originally posted by parabolize:
contact 2403.3
talisman what talisman? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Arrrrggghhhh!

Still it takes guts to try for talisman in a game like this. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif

[Baron Grazic]

Chronon's Veruran Cooperative Vs Grazic's EEEvil EEEmpire - Ratings 3 Game - 2404.7

Things are starting to hot up. After the EEEvil EEEmpire cornered the Veruran early with mines, we were unable to take out the 2 Veruran planets behind the lines because of strong Organic Weapon Platforms already built.
We have populated 2/3rds of the Galaxy and have just recently come into contact with Organic Fighters.
So far no major battles, but the Veruran Cooperative can see our 20 ship strong fleet in Lapzooli to the south.

When will the EEEvil Lapzooli Fleet attack the lone colony of Lapzooli IV is the big question, and when will the Veruran attempt to clear the mine fields...
Only Time will tell, and shortly at the rate we are flying thru the turns...

{Edit - Spelling}

[ September 17, 2003, 05:51: Message edited by: Baron Grazic ]

[deccan]

SE Rating Game V (Devnull)

Parabolize vs. Deccan

Parabolize has me really confused. Obviously, he's building towards the talisman, but I keep entering systems expecting to find him there, but they're empty? Yet he's been leading for most of the game.

[Slynky]

Originally posted by deccan:
SE Rating Game V (Devnull)

Parabolize vs. Deccan

Parabolize has me really confused. Obviously, he's building towards the talisman, but I keep entering systems expecting to find him there, but they're empty? Yet he's been leading for most of the game.<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Hey, "dec", maybe he had a few of those systems where there are 40 planets in it and all of them are breathable... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif

[parabolize]

no but i do like the map http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[deccan]

Originally posted by parabolize:
no but i do like the map http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Turn 60

Okay, Parabolize has the Talisman and is going on the offensive, and is still leading. I have no illusions about being able to win this game (*sigh*), but I'm not going to surrender just yet because I can see some cool battles looming ahead.

I do think I was screwed by the map though. Before I started moving into Parabolize's half of the map, I had found only 2 breathables.

From the planets of Parabolize that I've been able to see, he has far, far more than that. But again, it was gutsy to take Deeply Religious in a game like this, and I'm glad to see it paid off him at least this once.

[Slynky]

If it hasn't been accepted by next Friday, I'll take it, Primitive.

[primitive]

The challenge match between Primitive and Slynky ended prematurely at turn 33.
Congrats to Slynky, the new no. 1 ranked player in the world http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

It wasn't my fault, it was the map. Yeah, thats my story and I'll stick with it. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif
The truth: I gambled and lost. I colonized, he built ships.

Beeing a slow learner, I'll try another challenge:

Anyone up for: Primitives Challenge 2 to be played on this map:
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/newuploads/1064142026.jpg

With these settings:
- 5 planet start
- Full tech
- No intel
- No Stellar Manipulation
- No Talisman
- 3,000 racial points

The map should be balanced (computer generated, only editet a few spacelanes). A quick count of planets says there are a little less Hydrogen planets, and of course there are no None Gasplanets so the None planets will be smaller on average. I have not checked how the planets are distributed but it looks to be plenty of everything everywhere. BTW, I will play Oxygen and take Ancient to offset that I have seen the map. My opponent (if I can get any http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif ), can also get a peak of the map before the start if he takes Ancient. Top or bottom start position will be random.

Any takers ?

BTW:
If anyone else want to try this setup or or something else on this map, I'll be happy to run the game http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Chronon]

Baron Grazic has defeated me in Ratings Game 3. I'm afraid my organic gambit did not work, and I was outclassed by superior strategy on every level. At least I learned a few things along the way... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Baron Grazic]

I take offense to every compliment Chronon, because I have learned the hard way already, to colonise hard and fast, whereby you just learned that. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Geo, Can you setup another game between us? Exact same settings.

[deccan]

Okay, I'm hereby surrendering to Parabolize in SE Rating Game V. His Talisman-equipped DUC ships are killing my fighters before they can even get near them, AND he has stealthed ships behind my lines.

I HAVE colonized a lot of planets, but making him slog through them is pointless. Chalk up another loss for me.

[parabolize]

The map was GREAT on my side i had 26 breathables in 28 systems before i got gas and ice. I had 120 LCs on the way
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif
edit: spelling

[ September 22, 2003, 23:33: Message edited by: parabolize ]

[geoschmo]

Two new Ratings games up and accepting players:

SE4 Ratings Game VI (http://seiv.pbw.cc/text/index.jsp?menu=gamemenu.jsp%3fgame=4hqqdo&body=gamebody.jsp%3fgame=4hqqdo). This is another two player game.

SE4 Ratings Game VII (3 Players) (http://seiv.pbw.cc/text/index.jsp?menu=gamemenu.jsp%3fgame=1uainh2&body=gamebody.jsp%3fgame=1uainh2). Yeah, you can probably guess on this one. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Originally posted by Baron Grazic:
Geo, Can you setup another game between us? Exact same settings.<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Ok, game is up and I assigned you both to it.

[Alneyan]

I will apply to the 1vs1 game, anyone wants to help me in my struggle to take over the Last place in the rating? Beware Deccan, as I shall take your place. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[deccan]

Originally posted by Alneyan:
I will apply to the 1vs1 game, anyone wants to help me in my struggle to take over the Last place in the rating? Beware Deccan, as I shall take your place. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">No, no, no. You have to lose 2 rated games in a row before even thinking about usurping my place. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

[Slynky]

Originally posted by primitive:
The challenge match between Primitive and Slynky ended prematurely at turn 33.
Congrats to Slynky, the new no. 1 ranked player in the world http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

It wasn't my fault, it was the map. Yeah, thats my story and I'll stick with it. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif
The truth: I gambled and lost. I colonized, he built ships.

Beeing a slow learner, I'll try another challenge:

Anyone up for: Primitives Challenge 2 to be played on this map:
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/newuploads/1064142026.jpg

With these settings:
- 5 planet start
- Full tech
- No intel
- No Stellar Manipulation
- No Talisman
- 3,000 racial points

The map should be balanced (computer generated, only editet a few spacelanes). A quick count of planets says there are a little less Hydrogen planets, and of course there are no None Gasplanets so the None planets will be smaller on average. I have not checked how the planets are distributed but it looks to be plenty of everything everywhere. BTW, I will play Oxygen and take Ancient to offset that I have seen the map. My opponent (if I can get any http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif ), can also get a peak of the map before the start if he takes Ancient. Top or bottom start position will be random.

Any takers ?

BTW:
If anyone else want to try this setup or or something else on this map, I'll be happy to run the game http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Wednesday and still silence. Perhaps they are scared of the hoardes. Or maybe the game settings are a bit "radical" for them.

[geoschmo]

I don't play full tech games very often. That's the only thing causing me to hesitate.

[parabolize]

I will take the challenge Primitive. Radical is good.

[primitive]

Good to see somebody got the guts http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Sent you an e-mail. Good luck http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Loser]

Originally posted by Alneyan:
I will apply to the 1vs1 game, anyone wants to help me in my struggle to take over the Last place in the rating? Beware Deccan, as I shall take your place. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Here. I'm quite a newb myself. A lot more of a newb than I thought I was, before I started PBW.

[edit: go ahead and pick whatever settings you'd like.]

[ September 24, 2003, 21:28: Message edited by: Loser ]

[Slynky]

I'll update the site tonight. Good luck guys. Oh, and play nice, Primitive http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif .

[deccan]

Um, can someone please delete SE Rating Game V already? Thanks.

[Slynky]

Originally posted by deccan:
Um, can someone please delete SE Rating Game V already? Thanks.<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I you just want it off your game listing, you can pull out of it and it won't show any more.

[parabolize]

Pimitive's challenge:
turn 18
no contact
I am in first place so i cant be doing to badly. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Slynky]

Originally posted by parabolize:
Pimitive's challenge:
turn 18
no contact
I am in first place so i cant be doing to badly. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif <font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Well, though people say being in 1st is no big deal, I prefer it over being in a lessor place.... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[parabolize]

Primitive's Challenge
turn 26
we had contact 3 turns ago
primitive was organic, ancient and propulsion expert
me temporal
He has 2 BCs in one of my new systems. He has killed about 4 undefended planets and 1 BB-SY. More colony ships are coming. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif
i still have first place http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[Alneyan]

SE4 Rating Games VI: Loser (Sad State of Affairs) versus Alneyan (the Arcadia League). Turn 2404.1

We made contact a few turns ago in a system which would become the heart of the most devastating war the galaxy had ever seen and... Oops, I overdo.

I have been second for the whole game, hopefully rank doesn't really matter. (I was first with a little advance on Geoschmo, even when the game was virtually lost for me) Both our starting systems were actually quite poor, resulting in ecominical hassle.

I am responsible for the first bloodshed, when engaging a lonely colony ship, or I should say, a Bersecker colony ship which retaliated against me. Not even Colony Ships are easy prey nowadays. Afterwards, Loser discovered the marvelous mines, very useful for making beautiful fireworks. But I fear he has something ready, waiting to retaliate against the League. Will I manage to win or at least, be a significant threat? I will let you bet on that. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

As for our Empires, Loser seems to be more dangerous. Yes, I made quite a mistake when designing my Empire, I uploaded the *wrong* empire file. Don't ask. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif Sure, my current Empire isn't *too* bad but it could be so much better. *Points at Advanced Storage Techniques for instance*

[ September 28, 2003, 07:31: Message edited by: Alneyan ]

[geoschmo]

Didn't generate any interest at all in the three player Ratings game so I scrapped that and setup another 2 player game.

Ratings Game VII (http://seiv.pbw.cc/text/index.jsp?menu=gamemenu.jsp%3fgame=bbaqcf&body=gamebody.jsp%3fgame=bbaqcf)

I have taken one spot so we just need one more to get started.

Geoschmo

[Slynky]

It takes quite a bit of nerve to be the first to hop in! Never know when Asmala is feeling froggy ( http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif ).

I'd hop in but I'm trying to save every brain cell for my "Hill" match... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif

[geoschmo]

Originally posted by geoschmo:
Didn't generate any interest at all in the three player Ratings game so I scrapped that and setup another 2 player game.

Ratings Game VII (http://seiv.pbw.cc/text/index.jsp?menu=gamemenu.jsp%3fgame=bbaqcf&body=gamebody.jsp%3fgame=bbaqcf)

I have taken one spot so we just need one more to get started.

Geoschmo<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Sigh... no one wants to play me. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[Slynky]

Originally posted by geoschmo:
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Originally posted by geoschmo:
Didn't generate any interest at all in the three player Ratings game so I scrapped that and setup another 2 player game.

Ratings Game VII (http://seiv.pbw.cc/text/index.jsp?menu=gamemenu.jsp%3fgame=bbaqcf&body=gamebody.jsp%3fgame=bbaqcf)

I have taken one spot so we just need one more to get started.

Geoschmo<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Sigh... no one wants to play me. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">I'd play you now but I'd have to set it up, I guess...what do you think, Geo?

[Slynky]

Oops, DUMB of me...the game is sitting there.

I have several hours to get it started...you available now?

And what kind of settings were you thinking about?

[geoschmo]

Yep, I sent you an email.

[Slynky]

Originally posted by geoschmo:
Yep, I sent you an email.<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Got it. Replied (getting settings ironed out).

[Slynky]

Hmmm, how about this then:

3 GOOD planets;
3000 racial points;
No mines;
No Ancient;
Medium midlife galaxy.

(left intel on for you... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif )

Counter? Or other suggestions?

[geoschmo]

We having our conversation here then? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

That's fine. No mines. Interesting. That will require some thought. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

I'll start the game as soon as both empires are up. Take me a minute to put a 3K race together.

[Alneyan]

No mines? But... that's so mean! I mean, how would I defend myself, as I am quite a coward in this game, if I cannot rely on mines? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Joking aside, good luck to both of you! And a game without mines could be quite interesting, at least you no longer need to bring that fleet of minesweepers with you all the time, in case your devious opponent put a few minefields here and there in random locations. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Slynky]

Originally posted by geoschmo:
We having our conversation here then? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif
<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Well, sorry, but I didn't get a reply to my email and I didn't think it was personal enough to worry about http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif .

If you had no other suggestions or disagreements, then I'll work on my race.

[Slynky]

Originally posted by Alneyan:
No mines? But... that's so mean! I mean, how would I defend myself, as I am quite a coward in this game, if I cannot rely on mines? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Joking aside, good luck to both of you! And a game without mines could be quite interesting, at least you no longer need to bring that fleet of minesweepers with you all the time, in case your devious opponent put a few minefields here and there in random locations. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif <font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Ahhh, what the heck...gotta do SOMETHING different than KOTH, right?

[geoschmo]

Originally posted by Slynky:
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Originally posted by geoschmo:
We having our conversation here then? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif
<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Well, sorry, but I didn't get a reply to my email and I didn't think it was personal enough to worry about http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif .

If you had no other suggestions or disagreements, then I'll work on my race.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">I didn't get a reply to my first email to you. Hmmm.

No it's not too personal to discuss here. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif I just thought it would be a little clutter. But no biggie.

[Alneyan]

Originally posted by Slynky:
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Originally posted by Alneyan:
No mines? But... that's so mean! I mean, how would I defend myself, as I am quite a coward in this game, if I cannot rely on mines? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Joking aside, good luck to both of you! And a game without mines could be quite interesting, at least you no longer need to bring that fleet of minesweepers with you all the time, in case your devious opponent put a few minefields here and there in random locations. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif <font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Ahhh, what the heck...gotta do SOMETHING different than KOTH, right?</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">No offense intented Slick. I was merely kidding, and as I stated (too indirectly though I would believe), I would actually find such a setting interesting. And even *if* I didn't like your proposal, who would I be to ask you to change the settings of a game I am not in?

Sure, I should have been clearer the first time. Sorry for any misunderstanding.

[Slynky]

"No offense intented Slick. I was merely kidding, and as I stated (too indirectly though I would believe), I would actually find such a setting interesting. And even *if* I didn't like your proposal, who would I be to ask you to change the settings of a game I am not in?

Sure, I should have been clearer the first time. Sorry for any misunderstanding."

None taken. I took your comment as it was...that it would be interesting without mines.

[Slynky]

Originally posted by geoschmo:
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Originally posted by Slynky:
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Originally posted by geoschmo:
We having our conversation here then? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif
<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Well, sorry, but I didn't get a reply to my email and I didn't think it was personal enough to worry about http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif .

If you had no other suggestions or disagreements, then I'll work on my race.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">I didn't get a reply to my first email to you. Hmmm.

No it's not too personal to discuss here. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif I just thought it would be a little clutter. But no biggie.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Well, this explains why you didn't get it:

Failed to deliver to 'dayton_dragons@yahoo.com'
SMTP module(domain yahoo.com) reports:
connection with mx1.mail.yahoo.com is broken

[geoschmo]

Oh, don't forget to put this one down as a rated game Slynk. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Slynky]

Originally posted by geoschmo:
Oh, don't forget to put this one down as a rated game Slynk. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif <font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Well, there are a few points to be made off me (but, besides the Ratings, there is fun to be had). AND, I know you've had a run of "luck" lately, so I'm treating you as I know you to be.

So, let's have some fun!

PS: I'll take this as official notice... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[geoschmo]

Run of luck?

Are you talking about the 2-0 in the Last two abberation, or the 3-6 in the Last nine trend. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[Slynky]

Originally posted by geoschmo:
Run of luck?

Are you talking about the 2-0 in the Last two abberation, or the 3-6 in the Last nine trend. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif <font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">I'm talking about you being dangerous in any game! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif

(to me, you have a sort of "wild card" attached to your playing style)

[geoschmo]

Uh, Slynk a doo? I screwed up man. I messed up my empire setup. It's not the end of the world, just a minor screwup. I can live with it as it is if you got a primo starting position or something. But how would you feel about restarting?

[Slynky]

Originally posted by geoschmo:
Uh, Slynk a doo? I screwed up man. I messed up my empire setup. It's not the end of the world, just a minor screwup. I can live with it as it is if you got a primo starting position or something. But how would you feel about restarting?<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Well, I like my starting position BUT, as a great player once said to me, "I don't want any excuses when I get my win."

So roll back time and throw the dice again!

[geoschmo]

Uh, what idiot said that?

(or if I said it)

Yes, those are wise words indeed. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[geoschmo]

Slynky, I sent you an email. Let me know if you don't receive it, k?

[Slynky]

Originally posted by geoschmo:
Slynky, I sent you an email. Let me know if you don't receive it, k?<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">I got it but never know if it will return to you.

In short, pick one. ONE thing I think I know about you is your honesty. Now, trust my honesty to know I deleted the message and will let you chose one.

[geoschmo]

It wasn't about trust. I was just trying to get a start that was comparable to the original for you. I didn't want to feel like you got screwed or anything by doing a restart. But ok, I'll pick one at random then.

[ September 30, 2003, 13:08: Message edited by: geoschmo ]

[primitive]

Originally posted by Slynky:
"I don't want any excuses when I get my win." <font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">If, Slynky: If http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[Slynky]

Originally posted by primitive:
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Originally posted by Slynky:
"I don't want any excuses when I get my win." <font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">If, Slynky: If http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Wouldn't ya know someone would come along and recognize their words... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

[Baron Grazic]

Morning all.
"Chronon vs Grazic, part deux" has finished with a win going to our "Rock Empire".
It was an extremely small map, and very early we were able to sneak a ship past the Nautilus Pirates defenses and was able to blockade their HomeWorld for a couple of turns, which certainly stopped their expansion.

Geo - Can you not delete the game for a day or two, because although I won, I surrendered to Chronon so that he could see the whole map, and my setup. Thanks.

[Chronon]

Yes, the rematch ended the same way as the first one. You're right BG, the blockade did slow down my expansion quite a bit. Note to self: don't let the homeworld be blockaded... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Baron Grazic]

Everyone starts off with a loss or 2.
Fortunently for me, my first 2 one-on-one losses were playing 1.49 KOTH matches, so no-one knows about them. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon6.gif
Good luck, and you might as well join the KOTH games.

[geoschmo]

Slynky vs Geoschmo Ratings Challange 7

Well we met finaly around turn 25. We used a medium randomly generated map and for once it seems to have done a fairly good job of spacing us out.

This will indeed be a great challange and test of my ability. On top of being a highly skilled player and a fast expander, Slynky has chosen to play a religous race in this game. Being that we both had so much room to expand he has had plenty of time to develop the talisman. I expected it, and had it confirmed in our first combat this turn.

This will be a good test of those theories we developed for dealing with a talisman race. No allies to rely on to gang up on him this time.

Geoschmo

[Slynky]

Geo vs Slynky (that would be me):

Yes, very interesting map/matchup. In fact, one of Primitive's map preferences ("choke-point boy").

You can see the map (altered by me to hide warp links) that shows the point of contention...in the middle of the map. I am on the left and he is on the right (a slightly bigger portion...the pig!). There is another connection point that I am aware of (on the south) but that's it for now.

Funny part is that I was 1st place the whole game till we met. RIGHT after that, he swooped into 1st place. Been building everywhere I can and have LOTS of ships off the line but can't change position. So, is it the Talisman vs "brute force"? Throw in a mixture of strategy and skill and who knows.

One thing I DO know: Never take Geo for granted.

Glad I have over 100k in research; glad I have lots of resources; glad I have the Talisman (I think I will need it).

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/newuploads/1065029625.jpg

[parabolize]

Primitives Challenge 2:
Well so much for me being in first. The organic scum has overpopulated his side and moving into my side http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon8.gif
We are still flying same size fleets at each other.
I have been killing DNs in Groups of 20.
He has been killing base ships in Groups of 15.

edit: turn 52

[ October 01, 2003, 20:14: Message edited by: parabolize ]

[Slynky]

Originally posted by parabolize:
Primitives Challenge 2:
Well so much for me being in first. The organic scum has overpopulated his side and moving into my side http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon8.gif
We are still flying same size fleets at each other.
I have been killing DNs in Groups of 20.
He has been killing base ships in Groups of 15.

edit: turn 52<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Beware the hoardes! Though primitive, they are brutish! To have joined in a game with the likes of him shows bravery at its best!

[Alneyan]

SE4 Rating Games VI has ended by, quite surprisingly, a victory for the Arcadia League. (That is to say, my side) This time, training and sensors weren't forgotten. *Winks at Geoschmo*

We both had economical problems in the early game, but Loser was more efficient on this field in the short run. (He was first until turn 50 or so) However, in the long run, his initial edge wasn't enough. His strategy would have worked as he tried to invade my worlds, if it wasn't for a minefield deployed two turns before. I am not sure though what would have happened if I did need to commit what little forces I had by then. (A few Light Carriers with the mighty DUC)

After turn 50, my economic was in a much better shape, including enough research centers to... erh, research at a good pace. Not much happened then, until turn 70 or so when I launched a few skirmishes against his worlds, protected by minefields. My attacks were delayed a bit as I waited for minesweepers (three or four times enough to sweep any minefield), and during this pause, Loser built a warfleet in a border system while also trying to steal some of my damaged ships in his worlds. (The stolen ship was "recovered" nevertheless by an interceptor built for speed, only one sector away from the closest Space Yard. But this ship wouldn't have given much, only Fighters technology)

As one would have expected, the first and only main battle took place in the turn 85 or so, at a warp-point when Loser tried to invade my worlds for the second time. And although I had both a technological edge and a tactical position, the combat was a close one, leading to the destruction of a good portion of my fleet stationated there. But it also meant Loser had only a few warships available after this battle, and certainly not enough to fight off on multiple fronts.

As for the maps, there were quite a few exposed systems in both our sides, meaning defense was a problem. And I would tend to believe the map was gentler with me than with him, as there were not many breathable planets available in his side of the galaxy, and no moons.

Still, it was a close game, especially at the begining. Thank you for the game Loser. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Loser]

That's about how it happened.

I made the Mad Five Base Budget Busting Colonization Push at the beginning of the game and paid for it. I didn't find _any_ breathable mineral worlds within four systems of my homeworld and foolishly did not consider the More Smaller Mineral Colonies possibility to get me by.

Instead, a couple of years in, I started breaking down the Research Centers on the homeworld to make room for more Mineral Miners. I didn't have any research colonies at that point so research actually came to a halt. That's not a Success Strategy, I am thinking.

In the more minor battles earlier in the game, Alneyan's Fighterless Light Carriers trounced every one of my ships they safely made it to, only defeated, really, by Planet Sector Mines.

He beat me, but I can't help thinking he could have beaten me worse if he'd included some Fighters.

[Alneyan]

I didn't use many fighters because they were expensive to build in the early game (every mineral counts when your storage of minerals is only a three-figures number, usually 120 or so), and later on I was eventually replacing my old Carriers by Dreadnoughts. But still, I had fighters during the Battle, although I believe they weren't launched during the fight and I didn't launch them manually before. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Still, I should have built more fighters instead of weak Carriers here and there. Even if fighters are rather slow compared to the rest of my fleet. (Only a speed of 7 for a common design with 2 DUC, while even baseships were travelling at a speed of 9. And baseships aren't what you would call the fastest hull available) They weren't many PDC around, a dream for fighters, especially against these planets.

And yes, there was a shortage of mineral planets in this game. The only ones really suitable were asteroid fields, (read, remote mining and/or Stellar Manipulation. Yes, I even researched Stellar Manipulation to transform these 275% huge asteroid fields into planets, hopefully breathable planets) and the occasional uncolonizable, unbreathable tiny planet here and there. Sure, a planet with 0% mineral isn't going to help much when you lack mineral.

I was even lacking radioactives, but that happens when you are building a hundred heavy mount PPB at the same time. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Edit: oh, one of your ships managed to actually destroy one of my Carriers in the skirmishes. It was a capture ship which took over a Carrier with no supplies left. Erh, well, perhaps it isn't an exploit. However, your ships were rather strong, as the final battle resulted in heavy losses on both sides.

[ October 02, 2003, 15:49: Message edited by: Alneyan ]

[geoschmo]

Geo V Slynky, turn 48

Things have stabalized along the border Slynky mentioned in his map. The southern choke point that he briefly mentioned was actually a main point of contention and he was building up for an invasion while playing it all cool like in his post here. Of course I knew this because I had snuck in stealth ships and was watching him assemble his fleet. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

I sent small raids in the south and at one of the north warp points to give him something to think about and do a little damage to his collecting fleets. Wiped out both and then withdrew to lick my wounds as despite being victorious I suffered significant damage in both assaults.

A bit later he discovered my spy ships and destroyed them. At that point I decided defending two warp points in the north was not worth the couple of rinky dink planets in that system and withdrew so I could concentrate my defenses on one. I plan to keep him fairly harrased though because I don't want him to build up too comfortably in that system.

In the south his large assault came with around 30 light cruisers and cruisers attacking in force. All were captured or destroyed. The defenders are holding fast and receive reinfocments all the time.

So the situation is static for the moment with us facing off accross the two warp points. If either player is able to break through in either spot I expect them to be able to do significant if not fatal damage to the other.

[ October 02, 2003, 18:08: Message edited by: geoschmo ]

[Slynky]

SE4 Ratings Game VII: Slynky -vs- Geoschmo

Turn 60-something.

Just a quick message to update the game ("We got trouble, right here in River City!"), looks like I've been invaded in stealth. Citizens are crying for help ("Awwww, to heck with them, let's go invade the enemy turf instead!").

GEO: I sent you an email explaining I would get a turn in later (due to chores I promised I'd do) and didn't want you to think I was one of those players who start losing a game and then losing interest in it. As usual, I sent you an email but it was rejected (like about half of them that I send to you):

Failed to deliver to 'dayton_dragons@yahoo.com'
SMTP module(domain yahoo.com) reports:
connection with mx1.mail.yahoo.com is broken

[geoschmo]

No problem Slynk. You've been doing 4 to 6 turns per day, I can't complain about that. If you need to contact me try a Shrapnel PM. That should get to me ok. Not sure why you are having so much trouble emailing though.

As far as the game goes, it's about over anyway. My stealth ships are a nuisance at best. Perhaps if I had had another 20 turns to assemble a proper sneak attack I could have done some real damage. But I saw your ship opening warp points and and knew my days were numbered so I threw everything at you I could.

The real difference in this game is the Talisman. I have always been of the opinion that the Talisman is not unbalancing, but I think I am convinced now. At least for two player games anyway. I still think you can gang up on a religious player in a multiplayer game, but in a two man game the talisman just makes up for too many dificencies otherwise. Case in point that warp point battle in the south. I had you outnumbered better then two to one and equal tech otherwise and most of my ships were trained. And I think I only managed to lightly damage one ship. I figured I would get hurt there but counted on damaging you in return. Losing my southern fleet and not even slowing down your ships is a blow I cannot recover from.

I will continue the game until I see how bad my stealth ships can hurt you, but the game will be over soon.

[Slynky]

SE4 Ratings Game VII: Slynky -vs- Geoschmo

Turn 60-something.

I wonder if you're baiting me with the "things look bad" comments. Or perhaps you mean it. I dunno. I know one thing...the Last turn took me an hour! The next will take a while. I figure I'll have to scramble hard to bring this one home, I don't know about you. Actually, you've outplayed me on this one. (don't worry, I'll complain about my starting position later... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif )

[geoschmo]

I don't know that I have outplayed you. I can say quite honestly I don't know how I could have played a better game myself. My starting spot was decent, but not great. My economy has been clicking well and I have been producing mass numbers of ships and research. Maybe if I had waited in the south for your ships to attack I could have done some damage and I might still have a chance in this one. Or if we had been close enough that I could have attacked you before you got the talisman. But as fast as you expand that would have been quite difficult.

The no mines has been interesting. Of course it has helped me in that it made my stealth attacks possible. But it's also helped you in that it's tied up most of my forces defending the warp points instead of allowign me to press you a little harder.

I wouldn't mind a rematch onces this one is over. But no talisman and no Stellar manipulation. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[Slynky]

Originally posted by geoschmo:
I don't know that I have outplayed you. I can say quite honestly I don't know how I could have played a better game myself. My starting spot was decent, but not great. My economy has been clicking well and I have been producing mass numbers of ships and research. Maybe if I had waited in the south for your ships to attack I could have done some damage and I might still have a chance in this one. Or if we had been close enough that I could have attacked you before you got the talisman. But as fast as you expand that would have been quite difficult.

The no mines has been interesting. Of course it has helped me in that it made my stealth attacks possible. But it's also helped you in that it's tied up most of my forces defending the warp points instead of allowign me to press you a little harder.

I wouldn't mind a rematch onces this one is over. But no talisman and no Stellar manipulation. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif <font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">The way I figure it, in the south, we both had so many ships neither of us could have pulled off a good victory letting the other have first fire. And certainly worse for you with the sats I had there. I would have stayed and used the hole opener to go around you; I never would have attacked there like I did before.

Outplayed me? Sure you did. I failed to remember the mining absence and you took advantage of it...not once but twice. You also took advantage of ship capture (I won't tell everyone how). So, though I have the Talisman, I'm afraid to confront you at warpholes (and I'm "holed up" so to speak http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif ).

And there's the matter of your 51 ships wandering around http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif .

I got Ice tech to go with my Rock tech and failed to look around before doing so at how sorry the minerals were on them http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif .

You control the bigger half of the map.

And I see you have some BCs running around now, too. With 150 ships, I'm still in second place. I was in second place even after killing 30+ ships of yours in the south. That's scary http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif .

[geoschmo]

Actually you killed 60 ships in the south, and you're still in second place. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif But not for long.

As far as the map, actually it's alomst exactly down the middle. My side looks bigger, but the systems are more spread out. In actuality I only have two more system then you do. Of course until we both see both sides it's difficult to say who has more planets available. I expect that will be close though.

It really does come down to the Talisman. You say you are afraid to try the warp points. And likely your fleets would have been banged up pretty bad if you tried them. But even if all your ships were destroyed my fleet woull have been too damaged to take advantage of the victory. On teh other hand your southern fleet obliterated 60 of my top ships and only got a few paint scratches to show for it. Actually my small sattelite group did more damage to your fleet when they came through then my 60 ships did 2 turns before. And even then I only damaged one ship. Now yoru fleet of 30 is free in my southern space.

My 51 ships in Dertran are hardly wandering. There is only one planet there I can get to. I can see that both warp points out of that system are well defended by your ships and sattelites. Or had you forgot about my stealth ships for a third time. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

The only way I can win this is if my remaining stealth ships can do enough damage to you to collapse your ecoonmy before you can stop them. I seriously doubt that is possible. They have only managed to take out about 15 planets thus far. At best I may have managed to cause you to pause some of your build queues. And only temporarily I am sure.

[Fyron]

Well, at least you finally realize that the Talisman is not balanced. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[geoschmo]

Slynky, don't spend an hour doing this turn. I surender.

[geoschmo]

Originally posted by Imperator Fyron:
Well, at least you finally realize that the Talisman is not balanced. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif <font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">I have never denied it's powerful. And in a multiplayer game it is still possible to team up on a single religious player. But it's just too strong for one on one play. It does too good a job of compensating for deficencies in other areas. The Talisman player can play a so so game and unless the other player is playing their "A" game they will still win, and sometimes even then. I guess I have just never had an experience like this where I faced a player had such high skills in other areas as well as having the Talisman.

[Slynky]

Originally posted by geoschmo:
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Originally posted by Imperator Fyron:
Well, at least you finally realize that the Talisman is not balanced. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif <font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">I have never denied it's powerful. And in a multiplayer game it is still possible to team up on a single religious player. But it's just too strong for one on one play. It does too good a job of compensating for deficencies in other areas. The Talisman player can play a so so game and unless the other player is playing their "A" game they will still win, and sometimes even then. I guess I have just never had an experience like this where I faced a player had such high skills in other areas as well as having the Talisman.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Long message coming...(OK, so everyone else will be bored to death, but what the heck http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif )

PS: While I'm typing, my PW is 3939. Take a look at a turn back.

[ October 04, 2003, 22:44: Message edited by: Slynky ]

[Slynky]

I think you played a heck of a game! I was on pins and needles the Last 15-18 turns. In fact, not sure you should have surrendered. I glanced at your position and know one reason why...your new BCs.

But, your fleet of 47 ships would still be hold two of my fleets at bay. I considered sending the one in from the west where I had about 20-25 ships left (sent 10 away). BUT, that fleet held THAT one and the one at the warphole on the north at bay. I couldn't leave either hole and wasn't sure either fleet of mine could stand up to yours in a "fair" fight (me not getting first shot at a warphole you flew through). So, they had to wait.

Take a look at my rioting! 1 third to 1 half my planets. My mineral production wouldn't support my fleet but for 2 more turns (then scrapping begins). Also, take a look at my ships (invading fleets) and you'll see they don't generate enough supplies to continue much further. I figured letting them run out of gas (and causing planet death and hopefully rioting on the way) was a desperate attempt at winning. The only hope I had was to get satellites up BUT, if you discovered my ring of mining ships with one of your invaders, you could have killed what production I DID have. You were one system south of it.

As to starts, I was on the back row! And the immediate systems around me sucked. To make it worse, my home system with 2 homeworlds was the one on the back row. I was surprised you hadn't taken more of the map as far as I had to go to get to the middle. (you'll notice I burned the hole to that system to keep your ships out).

I did manage to retrofit some BCs with optics 2 and panels to go hunting (especially in those systems where I couldn't build a sat). But, the rioting was killing me.

I think you played a heck of a game and took advantage of the lack of mines.

As to the Talisman, I feel kind of "cheap" taking it but I know you to be dangerous and I was risking points. One thing I DO know is that I'll never take Religion in a KOTH game! Amazing that I was able to get to the Talisman. Had we been closer together...a different story. And you were up on the other tech I had to rush to get. Having to lower my agression ALMOST made it like you had the talisman as well.

As to a re-match, I enjoyed the thrill of that one so much, I'd be willing to do it again. No Talisman and no Stellar. So, toss out some game setting suggestions... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[geoschmo]

Cool. I did better then I thought. Had a bunch of you planets rioting. Your econ really was teetering on the brink of a total collapse. A few more turns and I might have pulled it off.

This game really was a close one. It could have gone the other way if a couple of things had happened. If you had been a little slower getting the stellar manipulation ships in play. I had a good plan I think. I was going to send some small cloaked fleets into your space. Instead of just a handful of single ships and deeper behind your front lines. And I would have sprung the trap when my ships were in position to do maximum damage instead of just reacting to your opening warp points. You would have been forced to either pull your fleets back to get my raiders or go for broke yourself and make a run through my full strength defenses. Either way I think would have made things very nice for me.

It was fun as long as it Lasted anyway. I am up for a rematch if you are.

Geoschmo

[geoschmo]

I ran a test and my fleet got pasted tryign to run either of those warp points. SO my only chance would have been to fall back and try to catch your fleets in my space. Even then I would have had to catch them at a warp point to beat them. The timing would have been too hard to accomplish. I suppose the best I could have hoped for would be a stalemate of sorts dragging out the war for another 50 turns or so while you got your econ back on line. But I don't think I could have pulled it off.

I hadn't counted on your ships running out of fuel. I saw you had the tech so I figured you had some solar panels in your fleets. If I had known that I might have held on a biut longer, but it wouldn't have mettered in the end.

My latest BC design was a sheer desparation move. About ten turns ago when you finally caught me in score I started pumping them out jsut to get back on top. I wanted you to think I was too big for you to try attacking. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[Slynky]

Just re-read my post...ugh...boy do I RAMBLE and not make much sense (was hurrying since wifey was pulling lasagna from the oven).

Yes, sometimes, the game could have swung widely given a couple more (or less) turns to get something prepared.

For example:

(1) The stellar ship I build was a planet creator. I built it while waiting on the next step so I could build an opener. I agonized over that "waste" of refitting (about 80Kt of minerals and 40Kt of rads) but finally clicked to build it because I figured the 4 turns wait would haunt me (that's how scared I was of your ships).

(2) I studied APBs (but forgot they don't really pay off till around APB 9 or 10 over the PPBs). What a waste that was. I wanted them on medium platforms.

(3) I held off on optics ONE and got burnt, then held off on optics TWO (for only 62500 research points!) and got burned again! Even worse http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif .

(4) I had JUST started building platforms on my bigger planets a turn or two before you sneaked your ships in. Though you avoided bigger planets on your first attack, you hit them later when they wouldn't have had time to be built if I had waited longer. In fact, some were still being completed (the ones without shipyards) as you attacked.

So, as I said, I think you outplayed me. You used the parameters of the game better than I did. Maybe you didn't expand as well as you could have...only thing I can think of. But, a couple of decisions and choices in this game could have made the differece either way. My way of saying that the Talisman didn't give me a win, it helped me win, sure.

So, as I said, it was a good game and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Slynky]

Originally posted by geoschmo:
I ran a test and my fleet got pasted tryign to run either of those warp points. SO my only chance would have been to fall back and try to catch your fleets in my space. Even then I would have had to catch them at a warp point to beat them. The timing would have been too hard to accomplish. I suppose the best I could have hoped for would be a stalemate of sorts dragging out the war for another 50 turns or so while you got your econ back on line. But I don't think I could have pulled it off.

I hadn't counted on your ships running out of fuel. I saw you had the tech so I figured you had some solar panels in your fleets. If I had known that I might have held on a biut longer, but it wouldn't have mettered in the end.

My latest BC design was a sheer desparation move. About ten turns ago when you finally caught me in score I started pumping them out jsut to get back on top. I wanted you to think I was too big for you to try attacking. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif <font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Well, the BC trick worked. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon8.gif

As I said, your fleet of 47 ships would have held an equal number of ships at bay. 20-something on one side and 20-something on the other. I couldn't release more to rumage through your systems...what you see running around north and east was all I could spare. Down south, the big fleet only had one support ship. It couldn't have gone much further. So, I was sending new ships to get your invaders, some ships into your area, and the rest holding.

So, I was serious when I said earlier that the game was a tossup (and I felt more like 60-40 your way).

SOoooo...I made the suggestions Last time. Other than no S-Manip and Religious race, what are your suggestions for a rematch?

[geoschmo]

Actually I think I expanded at pretty near breakneck speed. My homesystems were almost on the right hand edge so we really were about as far from each other as we could be in this game. I ended up with 30+ planets and 10-20 colony ships enroute by turn 20 and had used up almost all the rock planets on my side of the quadrant by turn 50 and had to research gas giants. I might have gotten another couple systems deeper into your side of the map if I had sent all my ships in that direction only, but I had no idea you weren't right above or berlow me at the time.

As far as game settings for the rematch, I think no mines, no stellar manip and no Talisman would make a good game. Would make for some good long campaigns and should keep either of us from running away with it. Maybe 2000 racial points instead of 3000? And if you don't want intel I am fine without it. We both had enough just to prevent the other guy from trying anything in the Last game, so it's really a non-issue. I like the 3 good planets. That gets things going good early.

I set the he game up. Slynky v Geo, Part Deux (http://seiv.pbw.cc/text/index.jsp?menu=gamemenu.jsp%3fgame=17t3e44&body=gamebody.jsp%3fgame=17t3e44)
You can be player 1 this time.

[ October 05, 2003, 00:40: Message edited by: geoschmo ]

[Slynky]

OK, same kind of map, 2,000 points, no intel, no mines, 3 good planets, no "Stellar" and no Religion.

I'm ready to work on my race, then.

Let's have some fun!

[Slynky]

Originally posted by geoschmo:
Actually I think I expanded at pretty near breakneck speed. My homesystems were almost on the right hand edge so we really were about as far from each other as we could be in this game. I ended up with 30+ planets and 10-20 colony ships enroute by turn 20 and had used up almost all the rock planets on my side of the quadrant by turn 50 and had to research gas giants. I might have gotten another couple systems deeper into your side of the map if I had sent all my ships in that direction only, but I had no idea you weren't right above or berlow me at the time.
<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">I'll have to call you on this one a bit. From my nearest homeworld to where we first me, Detran, it Detran was my 8th jump (not using the new warplines I made). Detran was your 3rd jump from your nearest homeworld. We finally settle with you getting Fezzran (which was the 4th jump from your nearest homeworld and 7 jumps for me). So, at my best shipyards, the homeworlds, I had 6 jumps to make it to the front (and worse considering 2 of my homeworlds were one jump further back while your 2-homeworld system was nearest). Soooo.... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[geoschmo]

Well, it felt damn fast to me. I see what you are saying though. I did have about the same number of planets at the point we met, I just hadn't spread out as far from my home systems. I guess I have more improvement to make in that area yet. I have a few ideas that might help me in that area for this time around.

[parabolize]

primitives challenge 2: turn 69

primitive just wasted 90 BBs and 60 base ships with 100 DN and 100 base ships (i got about 90 of his ships first shot)

i think its safe to say he wins.

that had to be the funist pbw game i have ever played http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[parabolize]

bump
slynky update my Ratings agian

[primitive]

Thanks to Parabolize for a great game.

It seems like we both enjoyed it http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

I would recomend trying this setup to anyone. If anybody is interrested I can host the game.

Full tech, 5 planet start on this map:

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/newuploads/1064142026.jpg

It would work great on Low tech games also http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[Slynky]

(bump)...and

Game update: Geoschmo vs Slynky: Challenge Part Deux 2406.3.

Geo controls a slightly bigger part of the galaxy than I do (though I don't know how many are "worthless"). With no mines in the game and no stellar manip, it's very important to control vital points http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif . I've been pushing him back in a few places but it's scary. There are 4 defensive/offensive areas of much importance on the map.

I've nearly reached the "two" stage of the game: Nearly 2 million points, over 200,000 research, and over 200 ships.

[parabolize]

primitive or anyone else: could you please make a map like the one below with 1 good home world for my koth game (i dont want to take ancient) http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[primitive]

Originally posted by parabolize:
primitive or anyone else: could you please make a map like the one below with 1 good home world for my koth game (i dont want to take ancient) http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif <font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">No problem, It's time for bed now, but I can do it tomorrow.
Same number of systems or a bit smaller ?
What about a third "back door" ?

[parabolize]

the size was good
but make sure both can make it to the middle
a 3rd back door is cool
send the map to asmala

[ October 14, 2003, 04:20: Message edited by: parabolize ]

[deccan]

Slynky,

I have started a new rated game, running Devnull mod against Alneyan. We'll be running this on our own until PBW comes back.

[Slynky]

Originally posted by deccan:
Slynky,

I have started a new rated game, running Devnull mod against Alneyan. We'll be running this on our own until PBW comes back. <font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">That sounds fine. What I wanted to avoid was people reporting a game that they had done by PBEM that “never really happened” if you know what I mean. When it’s on PBW, I can check them out to see if they are really being played. I do spot checks sometimes. Not usually for KOTH games or multi-player games but some of the others (what I call "pick up" games).

Good luck!

[Alneyan]

I see Slynky, I didn't think of such a possibility, but it does make sense. And yes, I agree for this game to be rated.

[Slynky]

Originally posted by Slynky:
(bump)...and

Game update: Geoschmo vs Slynky: Challenge Part Deux 2406.3.

Geo controls a slightly bigger part of the galaxy than I do (though I don't know how many are "worthless"). With no mines in the game and no stellar manip, it's very important to control vital points http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif . I've been pushing him back in a few places but it's scary. There are 4 defensive/offensive areas of much importance on the map.
<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">2408.3 - Geo Surrenders.

Looking hard to find this thread ( http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif )...

After years of training and preparation, I decided to move on the offensive on 3 of the 4 fronts I mentioned above. Killing a few "watcher" ships here and there as I approached, I received the surrender notice. I was surprised as the fleets I had enroute were somewhat outdated ships (though fully trained 20/20). My plan was to "test the waters" with these 3 fleets of around 30 ships (or so) each. My REAL fleets were to follow behind...my biggest push to be in the center and try to join 2 of my fleets. In the background (the follow-along fleets) were 3 almost totally battleship (fully trained 20/20) fleets (around 100 battleships total).

After looking over the surrender...I think one of the statements I made above came out much in my favor and not at all in Geo's favor...about how he controlled over half the system but not knowing how many were worthless ones. Well, he got his share (and part of my share ) of "dead" systems. In a little less than half the systems in the galaxy, I had 7 worthless systems...he had 13.

Though his surrender was a surprise, I suppose it was called for as these were some pertinent figures (as best I can tell from the surrender totals...me in the first column):

Score - 3.2 - 2.1
Resources - 1.0 - 0.6
Colonies - 200+ - 150+
Ships - 320+ - 180+ (over half of mine were battleships)
Research - 310+ - 180+

So, I guess he had a feel for the way things were going. What surprises me is that he hadn't used all the colony types. We both had mineral problems...he was pulling around 75K from remote mining and I was pulling around 110K from remote mining.

But it was a big map and a long game (separated by PBW downtime) and there are other fish to fry, right, Geo?

Thanks for the game...you pulled some surprises in that one, too, if I didn't mention it. Your position sucked a bit, though... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

PS: Posted this to summarize the game, give you some info, Geo, and bump this thread to the top again...as I had a new player ask how he should go about getting into rated games. You started this thread with that purpose...as an avenue for rated games.