Here's a thread to discuss the startup options for the upcoming game:


world size
game speed
terrain, climate
map script & options
etc.


A separate thread will be opened for what civ to play and opponents.

World Size: Standard
Game Speed: Epic
Terrain, Climate: Temperate
Map Script: Continents

I would prefer the normal gamespeed because epic adds a lot of redundant turns. I also prefer a large world.

world size Standard or smaller
game speed Normal
Difficulty level Prince
terrain, climate Random
map script & options Pangaea, no cheating/lock modified assets, normal barbs

Cheating off.

world size Standard
game speed Normal
terrain, climate Random
map script & options Pangaea, no cheating/lock modified assets, normal barbs

so for the most part, what dutchfire said...

world size Standard
game speed Normal
terrain, climate Random
map script & options Pangaea, no cheating/lock modified assets, normal barbs

Also think a slower game speed will present the same problems it did in DG1

I agree on game speed. We need something quick enough to grab attention and keep our focus on the game itself. If it didn't skew things so much, I'd suggest quick speed to blaze through one and get a trophy up on the wall, to grow support.

Based of previous demogames, I feel like ~ 5-6 months is a good target for a demogame length.

This is why we should stick with Normal... previous demogame was Epic I think, and it lasted 11-12 months and I think only got about half way through the game.

Epic speed was not the only thing to blame for it, but it was a major contributor.

We need a steady pace to keep things going so we're not spending weeks to research a single tech and such.

I am echoing dutchfire, Falcon, and ice2k4. There's no way we can go longer than Normal or bigger than Standard, respectively.

What's the map size that's just smaller than standard? Small? If so, that's the one we should go for to keep the game at a bearable length. And, given our less-than-stellar first outing in Civ4, we shouldn't be too embarrassed to tone the difficulty down a notch.

Which difficulty level was used in DG1? Prince? I think Prince is easily win-able without getting boring. Monarch could get us into a losing situation easily, Noble would be a walk-over.

Definetly, I believe Monarch starts where the AI starts off with two settlers, probablly the first level where the AI gains a real advantage. Don't quote me on this though, as I don't remember what each level brings.

Link (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=158130)

On monarch they start with a worker, archery and an archer.
On prince they start with a scout.

Lets go for teh hardest setting possible...

There is never any problem in winning( except last game) so why not challenege ourselves. More people would come to watch a diety level game in the hopes of improving their own game.

On Diety, more people might watch, but I feel less people will participate.

"Who am I to voice my opinion on a diety level game when I'm still Monarch myself"

Though we have done high level difficulties in Civ III DG's before I think... I was absent for them though, so if anyone who was present would like to let us know how that game went.....

There's no way we're playing a Deity game...

We need it hard enough to get people to be interested, easy enough that we have a shot at winning and can still have fun in the process, and I feel Prince is the right level for that.

I'm pretty sure the highest level we played on [civ3] was Emperor.

I wouldn't expect a majority to vote for anything above Monarch unless we somehow attract the top 20 or so GOTM players. Prince sounds right to me, I at least have a better chance of winning than a snowball in Tucson has of lasting a day. ;)

I normally play on Noble (I have tests and scholarships to study for!), but we have better players than me here.

I vote for Prince.

Personally, I've found Monarch easy. Then again, I'm one of the few that got an almost 2 year head start.

Medium (any larger, and people with slower PCs might not be able to play)
Normal (epic is just too slow, obviously, since it would take a month to research just one tech)
Tropical
Fractal map (I like fractals better than the continents/pangaea scripts, although it's more of a wildcard, which is nice, too).

What about # of civs? Normal? 11 civs?

Prince....

Standard
Normal
Temparate
Terra

The arguements for normal speed and standard size have convinced me to support those options. I'm hesitant to play on too difficult a level given the fact that we didn't do so well in our first attempt at a [civ4] DG. What level was that game at? I suggest we not try anything harder than that one was!

The arguements for normal speed and standard size have convinced me to support those options. I'm hesitant to play on too difficult a level given the fact that we didn't do so well in our first attempt at a [civ4] DG. What level was that game at? I suggest we not try anything harder than that one was!

It was either Prince or Monarch.

May I suggest Noble? ;)

Another argument for keeping the difficulty down, it allows us to keep the game fairly casual. This way, we can make some decisions purely for role playing purposes, without endangering our victory.

Noble on Vanilla is definetly too low.
I think Prince is best.

I think this is looking like we need:

Poll for map script
Poll for difficulty level (Noble, Prince, Monarch, higher)
Y/N approval for size=standard, speed=normal
multi-choice for other options

gotta run. feel free to add stuff to the list, and to go ahead and poll stuff. :)

Random/Shortlist/Chosen Leader
Random/Shortlist/Chosen AI

world size: large
game speed: normal
climate: rocky
map: continents
etc. raging barbarians!!!!!! :)

The following mock polls are presented for your review.

In all cases, 4 days, public, highest count wins.
Do we really need other and abstain? Some have suggested not, so they're not included here.
Post any questions / concerns about the mock polls within the next 3-6 hours please. :)

Which map script should we use?

Continents
Terra
Fractal
Pangaea


Which world size should we use?

Large (8 opponents)
Standard (6 opponents)
Small (4 opponents)

Which game speed should we use?

Normal
Quick


Which difficulty should we play?

Noble
Prince
Monarch


What climate should our world have?

Temperate
Tropical
Arid
Random


What should the sea level be?

High
Medium
Low
Random


Lock Modified Assets is the only "extra" option with enough support to even be polled, so let's assume it is on and anyone who disagrees can come forward asking for a poll (or posting it themselves).

I believe we should discuss it for a few days before polling. Otherwise players will make decisions prior to hearing everyone's opinions.

For instance, I've played a lot of SG and SGOTM games and have learned that when games are played with team discussion (like this one) difficulty levels are much easier than playing a solo game. In my opinion, anything less than prince would be way too easy, especially with as many players as we have.

Second, I believe abstain should be left in (though remove other), as some players may wish to vote, but have no preference. A player should still be allowed to vote no matter what their choices. Just because someone doesn't like any of the choices doesn't mean they should be left out.

I also believe you should add a poll for whether we use the HoF mod. Too many people have brought it up to not acknowledge it.

I think abstain can be just to dont vote, and others to be in...

Abstanation should be in... In case a large group disgree with the options presented to them... (In the map script one, for example, there are bound to be people who want none of those... And their voices deservve to be heard!)

Personally, I'm in favour of a standard size map (So as to allow as many people as possible to be DP's and/or to view the saves)

A normal speed game also seems a good idea... Because this is going to take a long time regardless... Is there any reason for choosingn quick instead, though?

For map script I enjoy 'Terra,' because it's fun...

I'm in favour of a Prince or Noble level game... I've never even played monarch level in Civ IV, and I don't believe I've won Prince, but I understand that the multiple people-ness makes the game easier....

A Temperate climate minimalises the likelyhood of starting in the middle of a desert or jungle and medium or low sea level gives us more room...

hesitant to play on too difficult a level given the fact that we didn't do so well in our first attempt at a [civ4] DG. What level was that game at? I suggest we not try anything harder than that one was!

It was either Prince or Monarch.

I just checked the last save and it was on Prince. I'd suggest either Prince or Monarch.

Terra would probably be best, that or continents. Just curious, does anyone know if shuffle actually randomizes the map?

Shuffle does indeed randomize the type of map, though I've yet to determine what set it randomizes from.

Which world size should we use?
Large (8 opponents)
Standard (6 opponents)
Small (4 opponents)

Objection! You can chose any number of opponents on any map-size. Theoretically it's possible to have 15 civs on a duel map, or 2 on a huge map.
I think that number of opponents and size both deserve a poll on their own.

If we stumbled last time on Prince difficulty, I don't think we should attempt a monarch game this time... Anyway, now seems as good a time as any for someone to open the relevant polls...

Objection! You can chose any number of opponents on any map-size. Theoretically it's possible to have 15 civs on a duel map, or 2 on a huge map.
I think that number of opponents and size both deserve a poll on their own.

OK, maybe the map size poll should say "standard (Normally 8 opponents)" to give an idea of how much room there will be while leaving the actual number open to being changed.

I don't think it's possible to make a fair selection for number of opponents without first knowing the map size and sea level. I suggest a poll running concurrently with the other map settings polls.

How many opponents?

Normal for map size
Customize later in another poll

All random except game speed at normal and map as continents

All random except game speed at normal and map as continents

Even size? Or are you only suggesting random for the climate type stuff? ;)

Well maybe not size.

:bump:

Still looking for a volunteer to post these polls.

If you don't step up, you can't complain if the trigger-happy fanatic does it a way you don't like. :mischief:

May I suggest noble?

standard
continents
Temperate
normal barbs
normal speed
medium sea level
ancient era
lock modified assets

Edit: no mods

Polls posted.

Shuffle does indeed randomize the type of map, though I've yet to determine what set it randomizes from.

IIRC, it selects from continents, pangea, and archipelago type maps.

world size Standard or smaller
game speed Normal
Difficulty level Prince
terrain, climate Random
map script & options Pangaea, no cheating/lock modified assets, normal barbs

Although we might consider playing on continents, since, i think, it is the map that looks closer to what humanity has faced and because dinosaurs :eek: were on a Pangaea world.

i would rather play on continents than on pangea.. it kinda makes a navy useless unless you need to get past someone who you dont have open borders with..

raging barbs in normal would be fun:D

raging barbarians is awesome!

A poll on raging barbs is still possible.

Should the raging barbs option be on?
Yes
No
Abstain

A poll on raging barbs is still possible.

Should the raging barbs option be on?
Yes
No
Abstain

I'd adjust that poll to ask...

Should we use:
Raging Barbarians
Normal Barbarians
No Barbarians
Abstain

There's too many choices on barbs to limit the poll to only the raging aspect.

I prefer Methos' proposal... I'd prefer to do one poll for barbarians if possible... Asking successive polls (Raging Y or N? Normal Y or N?) excourages people to vote for the first one just to 'get things over with'

For the information of all, the poll has been posted in the Polls Section.

Vote raging barbs or else:satan:

I suggest we get the game started pronto. Let the mods decide on the game options and get it over with. Interest is waning and this constant debating will delay the DG. Let's not let this DG end up like the last one:)

We have all of the game options settled, short of any (unnecessary) repolls.

The only things it is currently waiting on are passage of some initiatives to lay down simple ground rules, and elections.

well stop the repolling ;)

Speaking of starting... when we have the first gamesave, we should stick to the naming convention: C4DG2_BC/AD####_description

i.e. C4DG2_BC4000_Start, C4DG2_BC3500_Turn10 (or whatever it is on normal now).