Looking for a game

[Saint_Dude]

Does anyone know of any new games starting up? I have recently discovered, and am happily playing, a couple of little blitzes hosted by Gandalf. However, I would very much like to join a larger scenario.

[Rathar]

Heh heh the great Saint Dude himself! (long complicated story there nod nod)

If ya find one I would love to join in as well.

Rathar

[Hellboy]

Saint_Dude,

This started out as reply to your PM, but as I was writing up your reply, it got long enough that I thought it might be better as a public post. So, here it is:

You're at least in the right place to find games! But it does sometimes take a while. One thing I've been noticing is that lately there seems to be a increased number of smaller starts (especially those running on Gandalf's server), and a decreased number of starts with a larger number of players.

Your first choice will be to go for a PBEM game or TCP/IP game. It's definitely more convenient for everyone involved to play TCP/IP, but that requires that the host makes a machine available as a server. In my case, I have a second machine that I've made available to serve the two games I'm hosting. It's certainly possible to host games on your primary machine, but I would hesitate to do so. You would also need an "always on" broadband Internet connection to host a game.

Playing PBEM is a bit more of a hassle (especially for the host), but it's still quite doable and fun, and definitely worth the effort. I've played in a couple of PBEM games and enjoyed them thoroughly. Whether you're talking about TCP/IP or PBEM the manual does have detailed instructions both for playing and hosting.

If you're interested in finding a game sooner or later you'll find something suitable starting up here in the forum. If you want a particular type of game (and from your PM it sounds like you were looking for a bigger, long term game), you can consider hosting a game. Hosting PBEM involves a bit of legwork, but has low learning curve to get started. If you've got the hardware to host TCP/IP that's more convenient, and the learning curve really isn't that harsh.

[Saint_Dude]

Hellboy,

Thank you for the thoughtful reply.

I am well acquainted with PBEM. I have designed and hosted several PBEM scenarios. Unfortunately, PBEM games involving even a handful of players are slow moving and hosting is often analogous to herding cats. I don't mind compiling the turns, but it is a real drag to track down players that are late with their turns. I suppose one could enforce hard fast deadlines, but something about the personal aspect of EM makes such measures seem a bit harsh.

As you say, TCP/IP games are much more convenient (and I would think they tend to move at a much more reliable pace). However, I don't have a machine to dedicate as a server.

I was hoping to find a suitable game in the forum. But as you indicate, there appear to be a relatively small number of games advertised and running at any particular time (especially involving larger scenarios). I will keep my eyes open and hope something pops up.

Ultimately, I have played a lot of games vs. the AI and vs. my friends. I am looking for am now really looking for some fresh blood, new challenges, and new frontiers.

Saint_Dude

[Gandalf Parker]

Did you try the dominions IRC channel?

[Saint_Dude]

I am not sure what the IRC channel is exactly. . . so no I haven't given it a try. Is it some sort of chat forum?

[Shovah32]

Sort of. If you've never even been on an IRC channel then i suggest you go to www.gamesurge.net/chat(its (http://www.gamesurge.net/chat(its) just the one i use which is why i suggested it) and, when it loads simply type in /join #dominions and you should be on our channel, ready to chat.

[Saint_Dude]

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif This looks to be a grand place to pick some gaming action.

[PashaDawg]

It is! I recommend checking with the IRC channel on the weekends. There are usually more folk there looking for a blitz.