COTM 13 Pre-game Thread

[Renata]

DocT, I'm sure you could get a top-25 finish playing with one hand tied behind your back and your eyes closed, if you so chose. You just choose not to go for the land grab, from what I've seen.

Long story short, if you play Conquest, I might have to hurt you.

But seriously, that's why no one is forced to play Conquest. People should play the version they think they'd be happiest playing, with the sole exception that people who have already placed in the top 50% of scores in any game are presumed to have what it takes to at least give it a go at all levels, even up.

Renata

 

[A'AbarachAmadan]

maybe a dumb question, but what level do I start since I am planning to take part for the first time. the standard setting, not predator I guess.

I say it depends upon how well you play. When I started I did OPEN and haven't changed. If you can handle Emperor without much problem or already play at Diety level then I suggest OPEN. If you have problems on Monarchy then I suggest Conquest.

 

[AlanH]

I've released the saves here.

 

[LKendter]

maybe a dumb question, but what level do I start since I am planning to take part for the first time. the standard setting, not predator I guess.

With some of the SGs I have seen you play it - Open at least.

 

[ThERat]

With some of the SGs I have seen you play it - Open at least

actually if there is a bonus in the scoring system, I would play predator...having no GA would make things more difficult obviously. Or does Renata actually expect us to pull wonders at deity level to trigger the GA.

 

[ainwood]

actually if there is a bonus in the scoring system, I would play predator...having no GA would make things more difficult obviously. Or does Renata actually expect us to pull wonders at deity level to trigger the GA.

You can always capture them.

 

[DJMGator13]

You can always capture them.

Capture 2 that satisfy the trait requirements and then build any Wonder.

Bonus scoring is only a penalty to the Conquest class. Open and Pred games score the same.

 

[socralynnek]

Well, I've looked at your scores, and I think you're just as capable as any other open player at tackling Deity (eg. your COTM 12 victory was comfortably in the top 1/2!)

Conquest class is really about giving inexperienced players a step-up - you really can't class yourself as an inexperienced player - give 'open' a go!

COTM12 went really smooth...
Thanks for the encouragement, I will go for open...
The game start seems very hard, but let's take it as an adventure...
The positive side might be, that I am losing fast, so I can concentrate on other things then ;-)

 

[Megalou]

The predator handicaps have really gotten ingenious, and this one sounds simply brilliant. A slight help in choosing tactics, too - usually a problem for me.

I wouldn't mind if the predator handicaps were really beefed up on the lower level xOTMs so as to offer big challenges. But I realize the scoring issue might be a problem if you are forced to keep a small territory longer than Open players, for example.

Great job!

 

[PoorAxl]

And that is exactly why a slingshot is possible. No unlucky GH pops to Philosophy after the AI gets Writing.

Hi,
I am not sure I understand the "slingshot" here. What do you mean by that?

Thanks

 

[Renata]

It means researching (alphabet)-writing-code of laws-philosophy (while managing to get to Philosophy before anyone else), then choosing Republic as your free tech -- typically as early as the 1200s BC. A very unlikely accomplishment on Deity, even starting with alphabet, but we'll see.

Renata

 

[azzaman333]

my first real COTM, and it looks really hard. ive never won above regent, and havent tried above emperor. oh well... ill just die a very painful death.

 

[Own]

I'd say settle on the hill, you'll get the gold, plus it is mountanous terrain and you'll want all the food you can get, don't waste a plains.

 

[Markus5]

"Go with throttle-up."
"Roger that, go with throttle-up."

 

[Renata]

*scratches head* Wasn't that the last transmission from Challenger?

Renata

 

[Markus5]

Got it in one.

 

[the Wastelander]

I have been away for some time. Life and work get in the way. This CGOM has my interest and if I get the chance will play it for score. If not I will just play it later in the summer. I tend to struggle at Diety level, but hey this is lucky 13. And France is one of the nations I play well.

I wonder if there are bonus terrain just out of sight to keep the pregame discussions on opening plays down. Could our GM be that cunning?

Kevin.

 

[PoorAxl]

Do you think it is even possible to play peacefully in the Deity game? I mean to build military just for defence and to not aquire a single city by force? I like this style of play, but I am not sure it can be played on Deity, I have never try that.

 

[Renata]

It's possible, if you can expand fast enough peacefully to get a decent number of cities, but it's often harder. If you're open to phony wars -- signing up several civs to take on a big civ, then just sitting back and getting on with your own building -- that makes it easier. Anything to hobble the AIs a bit.

Renata

 

[PoorAxl]

I think I will give it a try - builder and cultural game on Deity. Let's see what happens.
BTW - starting location does not look bad at all. No resources, but 2 BGs on the river, starting on gold hill with a lot of commerce, we can get a lot of money out of that.
Axl