GOTM experience, and organisation..

[Gwil]

Well, i'm tempted to try my first GOTM of this time round (32, Aztecs) - and indeed just the other day I installed all required files (as listed in another thread): 21, 22, 23, 24, 25..

I only found this info after trawling the GOTM forum for a good few minutes - not wanting to sound like a moaner, but information is repeated, contradicted, spread out and confusing at best :/

Eventually I got the things I thought I needed, so was ready to play - BUT! there was no forewarning of the mediterranean graphics modpack (my dyes looked like Oil or something strange (??)) - so, once again it was back to the forum (why have a GOTM page when all the info is here?). That problem was soon fixed.

Ok, so I was ready to play - had a few turns up to 1000Bc, and saved cos it was tough going - it all seemed to be working!

I moved back to my other game on Regent (China I think it was), played that for about 40/50 minutes and then decided to call it a day and retire for a while - blergh :/ Pediaicons.txt errors ahoy, and in adbundance too I experimented with another "test game" and got yet again, a pediaicons.txt error on retiring

I don't recall the exact messages, sorry - but it was definately to do with the Koreans at one point, and the Spanish another time. So, uttering a deep sigh I decided I couldn't be bothered with another information trawl to find fixes (I read about similar, but not identical problems) and bit the bullet and un/reinstalled my Civ III.

All in all a very disappointing experience I am the first to admit possible laziness on my part and slight uselessness in not noting the error messages, but I had grown apathetic after the trawling to get it all underway..

Sorry if this seems a little harsh, I just feel that the GOTM setup is a great idea, and this community is fantastic - but it needs a large scale reorganisation or singular download for new players.. and a centralisation of information as well.

That was my experience, not sure about anyone else who fancies their hand at GOTM - but currently as it stands, it's more of a challenge actually getting it started and fixed than it is getting on the leaderboard

/2cents

 

[Mauer]

I for one can understand the frustation and confusion of trying to get all of the correct files found, downloaded and properly installed. Having said that, I have to say also that it only took a question to get it all figured out. The staff and members here are extremely quick in responding to problems such as this. I'm not sure if you posted your problem anywhere, and pretty sure you didn't post it in here. I know if you had posted it in the GOTM forums you would have had several people respond to your problem before you were put off by the whole process. Gotm 32 is my 4th attempt, and I really enjoy playing the game, and the entire process of spoilers and such. I would suggest that you give it one more try. If you want to try it on your own, civsteve and Alanh have a thread with more than enough information here. If you don't want to go it alone, I'm sure you'll get more responses from some of the members/moderaters who can walk you through it. Don't give up though. We need more competition for the SirPlebs and DaveMcws around here.

 

[ainwood]

We do value feedback like this.

On the actual problems you are experiencing, it sounds very much like you are playing (vanilla) civ3, rather than Play The World. Vanilla Civ3 does not have very good support for scenarios, and hence things like custom resources do cause problems. I am not trying to divorce myself from blame - some of the problems you have had are probably due to bugs in the game install packs etc. If you want to send me the details of the error messages (PM me or email to gotm@civfanatics.net), I'll see what I can do to help.

As for the information being spread around the forums rather than consolidated in a single place, the thread that Mauer linked to is a good start. We do recognise that the website is in a bit of a shoddy state, and will look to update it soon. However, we have limited time and resources, so prioritise our efforts. It will get done, it just might take a while, and Civ_Steve's thread is the interim solution.

 

[.Praetor]

I wanted to put in my own 2c (Hopefully ainwood will read this thread again). First off, to fix the problems you're having (I think) run the first installer you used to set up for GOTM - I think that's 21. There's an option to restore original graphics and text files. Pick it. I did that because I missed a few of the resources due to their spiffy camoflauge graphics and I wanted Dyes to look what I'm used to.

Anyway, I'm also on Civ3 vanilla and I've been playing new and saved games with no problems at all. In addition, Persian mercenary has only been showing up in the GOTM game and not the others with no problems so I'm pretty sure everything is working and I'm not missing anything. (Yay!)

I also wanted to comment that I've found the website\forum quite helpful, and the ease of the installers was a wonder. My one question for the admins would be if there might be a problem in future GOTMs because I restored original graphics and text files.

 

[ainwood]

Yep, I will continue to read this

Rather than run the installer again, there is actually a read-me file included on how to change the resource graphics.

I am hoping to make future GOTMs 'stand-alone'. The general gist of this is that any install packs will include any units graphics and any text files required. If we re-use old units, then returning players will have the option of downloading the update only, or the full pack.

 

[Gwil]

Cheers for all the replies guys, i'll be sure to give it another try in time for GOTM33 - missed the boat a bit now, and i'm off to the Glastonbury Festival for my annual holiday tomorrow

I'll be sure to keep you updated and post any fixes or foolproof methods I found to make sure it worked. Overall i'm glad I could air my opinions and not be bashed, you have a vibrant, intelligent and helpful (and quite large as well ) community here

Like I say though, tents to be fetched and rucksacks to be packed, so I bid you adieu for now..

Cheers,
Gwil

Edit: standalone GOTM's sounds like the best idea yet like you say, all adds to an already large workload.. take your time