POLL: PBW Games That Attract

[Slynky]

For those looking to join PBW games or those looking to create attractive games for people to join.

What makes a PBW game attractive?

Click all that apply.

[Fyron]

No O racial point option? That is one of the most attractive things to me about PBW games. It forces you to actually make design choices, and makes 135% racial combat bonuses very hard to pull off while still having a competitive empire.

[Slynky]

Originally posted by Imperator Fyron:
No O racial point option? That is one of the most attractive things to me about PBW games. It forces you to actually make design choices, and makes 135% racial combat bonuses very hard to pull off while still having a competitive empire.<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Well (bows to the Imperator), I certainly see what you are talking about! I think it would be a really interesting game. Of course, I'd want to play it with 3 or more starting planets. BUT, I agree with you. I like trying different things. For some reason, I think it gives me a chance to meet someone on a turf that neither they nor I have been...with levels the ground a bit.

However, with my amateurish knowledge, I posted a poll with what I thought were the most common considerations.

I'd CERTAINLY bow to you if you wished to embellish this poll and post it afresh (by deleting mine).

No sarcasm intended at all. I was just fishing for information.

BTW, speaking of "offbeat" games...what do you think of the Adversary game starting up PBW? Seems like a nice twist.

[Fyron]

I can't delete your poll (and would not want to). http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

Stop bowing to me, or... umm... I'll call you a dog? Cause dogs go "bow-wow"? Nah... that is lame. Umm... stop bowing. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Another very off-beat game is one where you have 0 racial points, and are forced to take 2 racial tech traits. APBs, PPBs and MBs are disabled. Now that makes for some interesting SE4. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Adversary uses finite resources, which I don't like. Other than that (and the not all WPs connected; and the high number of racial points, at 3000), it looks like fairly standard fare for the Last several games I've joined/hosted. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[Slynky]

Originally posted by Imperator Fyron:
Adversary uses finite resources, which I don't like. Other than that (and the not all WPs connected; and the high number of racial points, at 3000), it looks like fairly standard fare for the Last several games I've joined/hosted. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Yes, finite resources. And "not all WPs connected" are what make it a bit unique. Which serves to prove there are people out there who like to mix s--t up a bit. I think the number of starting planets and the WP situation make for an interseting game...and will tax the people who have played the same-o same-o stuff for too long.

BUT, that's exactly why I like what you have proposed/suggested. Something different. 0 racial points sounds very interesting. (hint)

Yes, I know you can't delete my poll, BUT the intention was, since I haven't run across a poll of this type, was to let people know what people like so if they start a game they can maximize the chance for people to join. As it is going now...fast turnaround is the highest. That's good for anyone to know who wants to start a game on PBW.

I thank you for your comments...and IF you want to take this poll and "run" with it (with more choices than I have offered), then you have my blessing. After all, the intent is to learn what attracts people to a PBW game.

[Slynky]

I think this is interesting data, useful when considering what kind of game to set up. Also, I'm a bit surprised at some of the preferences.

[tesco samoa]

6 players and 36 hour turns are the idea situation, with RP'ing... 3 players who your used to playing with and 2 players who you do not really know that well...

With the game set up that you cannot just cookie cutter your way through the game ... Ie... Standard Ships with the same weapons over and over each game... gets boring quick.

It is the Role Players that make the game interesting.

The interweaving of alliances and the consequences of actions and decisions made though out the game.

And a good Game Master to run the game is vital.

I have ran some good games and some bad games. But I am learning.

Players have to be vocal about what they like and do not like.

Players have to be conserderate and let the other players know when their going to be away. As these games are very long and stuff happens.

I wish their was a pool of replacement players who would take over empires for when people have to leave for a few weeks, and then give it back... It would really stengthen the PBW community a great deal...

All in all i would put RP up their in the top 4 spots.

[Slynky]

It is the Role Players that make the game interesting.

The interweaving of alliances and the consequences of actions and decisions made though out the game.

And a good Game Master to run the game is vital.

Players have to be vocal about what they like and do not like.

Players have to be conserderate and let the other players know when their going to be away. As these games are very long and stuff happens.

I wish their was a pool of replacement players who would take over empires for when people have to leave for a few weeks, and then give it back... It would really stengthen the PBW community a great deal...

All in all i would put RP up their in the top 4 spots.[/QB]<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">You make some interesting points. As pointed out earlier, I had not placed items on the poll that should have been. I was derelect in forgetting 0 points, for example. And considering all the RP games I see posted, remiss again.

NOW, I haven't read this entire forum, so perhaps a bit of "schooling" for some of our readers (me, for example)...just how does the insertion of RP make the game interesting? And how does one go about it during the game? Do people take a Star Trek empire and play it? Or do they choose a demeanor and live up to it? And, if one DOES play a Star Trek empire (for example), doesn't everyone know how they are going to act during the game? Klingons, for example. Does RP limit one to certain types of weaponry? Do alliances automatically have to occur as in the movies? Or is it just shipsets that complete the RP aspect?

I also agree strongly with being curteous. And a good game host. I have been thinking about a "boiler plate" description to be used on new games (that I would create). One to mention:

(1) Turn responses, missing turns, extending turns.

(2) Game tactics that would be considered "cheating", like "turtling", entering under alias names (*wonders if requiring "real" email addys instead of all these Hotmail and Yahoo addys would curb it some*) in order to play two empires, pre-arranged alliances, etc.

(3) Behavior, grievances, complaints, etc.

Oh well, just running my mouth...errr, fingers. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[Fyron]

Most RP is done by creating your own character, and acting on it. RPing the game consists more of saying "lets trade", building ships, and saying "lets fight". http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif It is kind of hard to explain (at least for me), so I will let someone else take up the reigns.

[tesco samoa]

RP starts out with designing your empire... and adding a history, description , etc... to it.

Then duing the game instead of using the default ai replies... Type your own... Use email etc... ANd build a character out of your empire. based on its history , description etc....

Can be quite fun. ANd it gets the other players involved as well.

[Slynky]

Well, "fast turnaround time" is leading the voting with "preferring to play with people you are familiar with" in a strong second.

Interesting.

(scratches chin in comptemplation)

[ March 16, 2003, 01:48: Message edited by: Slynky ]

[Fyron]

Playing with total strangers is very risky. There are a lot of people out there that quit games the moment things aren't going their way. There are people that just randomly flake out for no apparent reason, and do not give any notice at all. Playing with people you know are reliable mitigates this. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Grandpa Kim]

Originally posted by Imperator Fyron:
Playing with total strangers is very risky. There are a lot of people out there that quit games the moment things aren't going their way. There are people that just randomly flake out for no apparent reason, and do not give any notice at all. Playing with people you know are reliable mitigates this. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I agree 100%! But playing with the same people over and over is boring, therefore i always give a new name benefit of the doubt.

...and do not give any notice at all... And herein lies one of my biggest pet peeves. Ferchisake if you must leave, post in the game forum or send the host (or all players) an email explaining why. Otherwise I'll be looking for your obituary. Notifying the game only takes a minute. Be courteous and do it!

Kim

[tesco samoa]

NOW, I haven't read this entire forum, so perhaps a bit of "schooling" for some of our readers (me, for example)...just how does the insertion of RP make the game interesting? And how does one go about it during the game? Do people take a Star Trek empire and play it? Or do they choose a demeanor and live up to it? And, if one DOES play a Star Trek empire (for example), doesn't everyone know how they are going to act during the game? Klingons, for example. Does RP limit one to certain types of weaponry? Do alliances automatically have to occur as in the movies? Or is it just shipsets that complete the RP aspect?

RP helps out with setting the atmosphere You just add your own spin to the Messages.... Instead of A trade and research treaty would benifit us you type. Greetings Leader Asmona our Regent Tut the 3rd has decreed that I Minister Ya Ya has been granted the rights to approach your empire and seek to set up trading routes between our empires. We also have scientists who are ready to work together on joint projects. We have heard that your empire is similar to ours in my ways and seek a peaceful relationship.

Please let us know of your responce. Minister Ya Ya.

That is a start of RP. The other player will read that and reply.

For star trek games etc.... It would be up to the the agreeed upon settings of the game if the empires were to RP to their true natures. But since this is an alternate universe to the regular ST the role play would change with what occurs in the game.

[Slynky]

I guess that kind of explanation would explain some of what RP would entail. Would certainly give the opportunity to add some "color" to the game.

I can't remember now but it seems to me I once played in a game (can't remember if it was a computer game or PBM game) where players had the option to post "news" to some sort of "galactic newswire". Also, certain significant events (treaties, battles, etc.) were oft times posted in the "galactic news" (automatically by the program). Not all of them. Just some. It added an element kind of like you're saying (perhaps). I suppose it was meant to represent how news of other empires tends to make its way through the galaxy.

[capnq]

Here's what the Encyclopedia Malfadorica {link} (http://www.invirtuo.cc/phpwiki/) has to say about roleplaying {link} (http://www.invirtuo.cc/phpwiki/index.php/roleplaying).

[Slynky]

33 votes and counting. The results are starting to look firm.

[Grandpa Kim]

Although there are some winners and some losers in the poll, it looks like our tastes cover the whole gamut... and that's with only 37 voters!

One thing not in the poll that is important to me is giving games a twist. A plain vanilla SEIV game holds little interest for me. Been there, done that. Any number of things can be done to attract players like a special map, various restricted or compulsory techs, a campaign or series of games and some truly original ideas that defy categorization.

So, throw me a curve ball, I'll probably swing. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Kim

[Slynky]

Originally posted by Grandpa Kim:
One thing not in the poll that is important to me is giving games a twist. A plain vanilla SEIV game holds little interest for me. Been there, done that. Any number of things can be done to attract players like a special map, various restricted or compulsory techs, a campaign or series of games and some truly original ideas that defy categorization.

So, throw me a curve ball, I'll probably swing. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Kim<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Those are some good points, too. I'd hate to sound like one of the "heavyweights" around here so, I'll timidly suggest that it might be nice if one of them would put together a poll with more items available for choice. Obviously, I missed a few http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Then, give some good results, it might serve as a graph or piece of information to keep handy for people wanting to maximize PBW attraction.

(just a thought)

[Gandalph]

Originally posted by Grandpa Kim:

One thing not in the poll that is important to me is giving games a twist. A plain vanilla SEIV game holds little interest for me. Been there, done that. Any number of things can be done to attract players like a special map, various restricted or compulsory techs, a campaign or series of games and some truly original ideas that defy categorization.

So, throw me a curve ball, I'll probably swing. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Kim<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Then come have a look at Tug of War!!

[Grandpa Kim]

Originally posted by Gandalph:
Then come have a look at Tug of War!!<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I have and am considering. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif