Graphics downloads. Why?

[Ankka]

I don't really like the direction into where we are going in changing graphics in GOTM's. I also think they should be played on a little easier level... like Monarch, for a change.

But at least the graphics changes should be left away... they take some time anyway to dl, and the changing between games and graphics settings suonds difficult... At least, I've got more than one player playing on the same computer, so it's a bit tough sometimes... Actually I haven't tested these new graphics, but that's cause I think it'd be quite a mess, changing settings etc.

Wizard

 

[Darkness]

I'm afraid I'm going to have to disagree with you on both counts.

1- levels. For every 6 GOTM's played there's 1 regent, 2 monarch, 2 emperor and 1 deity game. I think this is a nice variation that gives both easy and difficult games that really help more inexperienced players improve while still challenging the top players like Moonsinger, SirPleb, DaveMcW and Bamspeedy for example....

2- Graphics. Unfortunately it has become neccessary to play with these graphics because in previous GOTM's resource mods were used that allowed the spotting of resources under the edge of the fog. To prevent this and to make the visibilty restrictions the same for every player (thus evening up the playing field) these graphics settings have been introduced to the GOTM.
I usually played with just standard graphics and I also thought these smilies on the map would be messy, but that's not the case at all. I actually like this better than just the standard settings...

 

[alamo]

Other people were complaining about configuration management. I'm not exactly sure why, since the add-ons should not interfere with ordinary gameplay.

My suggestion then was to simply make a new install specifically for GOTM. I guess I should try it myself to see if it works.

Most people are happy with the new features. It adds some variety to the gameplay.

I am also stuggling with the difficulty, but I think it is a good thing in the long run. It forces me to confront the difficult issues that are holding my game back, like tech trading, reputation, staying aware of the political and economic environments, and the whole quick start thing.

Anyway, you can pick and choose the GOTM's you wish to play. You don't have to play to follow along. In fact, in some ways it's harder to both play and keep track of the discussions.

 

[MadScot]

Alamo

I agree with you 100% on the difficulty issue.

By providing an Emperor game in #19, configured such that it was nontheless a forgiving game, several things are achieved:

1. People are given confidence to attempt higher difficulties than they might otherwise.
2. People are placed in a position where their usual, and perhaps sub-optimal, gameplay are exposed. Personally I was happily playing at regent a few months ago. I *thought* I was being adequately challenged. I now realise, through playing the escalating GOTMs culminating in this month's Deity game, that I was using a very restricted subset of game skills to compensate for otherwise poor play. I am now forced to confront these issues, which must improve my play.

Suppose, however, I were happy with my play. Then I might have chosen the handicapped start of the conquest game this month. For some people that might be a more satisfying, or fun, game.

(Conversely the more skilled, or plain masochistic, play Predator)

I think this month's similar, but different, games is a great solution to the skill/level conflict that must exist.

 

[pman67]

Originally posted by MadScot
Suppose, however, I were happy with my play. Then I might have chosen the handicapped start of the conquest game this month. For some people that might be a more satisfying, or fun, game.

For those of us who have only submitted 1 or 2 GOTM's, and never won a diety game before, those handicaps are the reasons we even try this months game.

I think this month's similar, but different, games is a great solution to the skill/level conflict that must exist.

I totally agree. I think it is the new features like this that have led to the record breaking number of submissions these last few months.

 

[MadScot]

I've never won a deity game, ever. I lost GOTM14 in spectacular style (although I sure wasn't alone there, that was tough!) and got walloped on the few training games I played prior to this month's game. I was lucky if I made it to the QSC-equivalent point in some cases. Those barbs are fierce.

I guess I trusted cracker not to place us on a one tile tundra island

 

[pman67]

I have no doubt that Cracker's setup + conquest is the only reason I am able to submit a win this month.


Thanks, Cracker!!

 

[Sailorstick]

I agree with you on the graphics mods. Not really necessary if you just insist that people use standard civ resources. If I want to play a standard game now, I have to copy the standard resource files each time I want to play.

 

[Green Light]

Originally posted by Sailorstick
I agree with you on the graphics mods. Not really necessary if you just insist that people use standard civ resources. If I want to play a standard game now, I have to copy the standard resource files each time I want to play.

Then you must have not followed the instructions in readme file.
The GotM20 resources normally dont affect any other game besides GotM20, since they are located in /gotm20 scenario folder.

As for the graphics downloads : i love them Keep them coming, its very refreshing to see some new graphics from time to time

 

[AlanH]

Originally posted by Green Light


Then you must have not followed the instructions in readme file.
The GotM20 resources normally dont affect any other game besides GotM20, since they are located in /gotm20 scenario folder.

That only applies to PTW players. Those of us who don't or can't play PTW have to swap the files manually as vanilla Civ3 doesn't know about scenario folders.

Alternatively, and this is my approach, I've set up two separate copies of the Civ3 installation, as suggested by alamo. I don't know if this is easy on Windows, but it's trivial on my Mac.