Civ4 Dial-up players.....

[Phoenix_56721]

Well I know that I'm not alone in this situation, Dial up (56k modem) is my only option for INTERNET in my area. And its been my experience in other MP games that 56k users are not welcome to play on some servers, because of the lag we generate. Now its been said that you can play Civ4 over a dial up connection, but still we don't know how well.

So I started this thread so people could meet other 56k users and maybe setup their own games if they are having trouble finding a server to play on. I don't believe lag will be that much of a problem in Civ4 since its a TBS game and not nearly as demanding as say AOM3 online, but there still might be some lag.

This is just a FYI on things you can do to improve your 56k MP experience for those of you new to online play.

• Make sure you don't have any other program running in the background when playing online (including messenger services and webpages)!
• Turn off you're screen saver. (not sure why but it helps me)
• Defrag you're hard drive and run you're spyware often. (twice a month)
• Disable you're Virus-scan during MP games. (Remember this is totally up to you)
• Turn off you're Windows Auto update!
• Turn off you're Anti-Virus Auto update!
• Lower graphic settings under "options" (in Civ4) to speed up the game.
• Make sure in the options (in Civ4) under connection type you choose "56k modem" (if there is one?)
• Choose servers with fewer people (4-5 players not 12-18 players) and play on smaller maps!
• Don't use VOIP (Voice over IP) for MP games.

*I am not a expert in computers and these are just some things that I do to improve my MP experience. If you have anything else that you recommend that I didn't list please post them, if you see something that I have wrong please post that too! Thanks and have fun playing!!...

 

[MikeLynch]

I'll be keeping an eye on this too. Assuming Civ 4 doesn't totally suck.

Just thought I'd reply to let you know you're not alone, Phoenix. I think my dialup is even less than 56k, but it's 100% free, so I generally don't knock it.

 

[Phoenix_56721]

I'll be keeping an eye on this too. Assuming Civ 4 doesn't totally suck.

Just thought I'd reply to let you know you're not alone, Phoenix. I think my dialup is even less than 56k, but it's 100% free, so I generally don't knock it.

Yeah mine is free too through a local university, only problem is that they only give you a (2-hour connection) after that I have to dial up again. But if I could get some kind of affordable high speed INTERNET it would gladly pay for it! But the only thing I can find is satellite at about $70-$90 a month depending on whether you pay for the $600 worth of equipment up front or not. I just cant justify that kind of cost for gaming...

 

[Tubby Rower]

FYI, I got a 256Kbps cable internet connection from my cable provider for $25/month. They didn't mention it and tried to steer me to the higher priced 4Mbps and 6Mbps for $45 & $65 resectively. But coming from a dialup connection a 25Kbps SCREAMS. I'd recommend checking into it. Especially if you are paying > $14/month for dailup. the $10 extra bucks is well worth it.

 

[Phoenix_56721]

FYI, I got a 256Kbps cable internet connection from my cable provider for $25/month. They didn't mention it and tried to steer me to the higher priced 4Mbps and 6Mbps for $45 & $65 resectively. But coming from a dialup connection a 25Kbps SCREAMS. I'd recommend checking into it. Especially if you are paying > $14/month for dailup. the $10 extra bucks is well worth it.

I wish I could get cable or dsl, there just not offered in my rural area, only if I move into town will I be able to get it. And Satellite is just way too expensive. Although a Dish Network guy told my that they will be offering Affordable high speed INTERNET soon, I have my television through them now so I have been keeping my fingers crossed that they will be starting it up soon and that it will be affordable!