Place with High Level Game Saves?

[LANCE1313]

Hello. Recently took up Civ 4. I've been reading strategy etc. and trying to improve my play. I wondered if there is a place that has high level game saves. As an example I thought if I could get some save games of the people winning GOTM here on the forum that would likely give me a lot of information such as how they set up cities, proportions of production vs GP farms vs financial cities. I realize I could watch streaming videos (i hear AbsoluteZero has some very good stuff) but wanted to avoid 20 hours of stream and then I can only see what they show on screen instead of assessing everything at my leisure.

Hope that makes sense

 

[lymond]

Honestly, just looking at end game saves is not going to be of much benefit. I can’t make assumptions as to your level, but I will mention that many newer or less experienced players tend to ignore the importance of the early game - the vital importance. Your focus and attention should be there. Everything builds on that foundation.

Point is that you do not need to watch 20 hours of video. Just focus on the early parts for now as you grasp basic mechanics and concepts and nuances of this complex game.

Lain has a treasure trove of videos here (and still active):
https://forums.civfanatics.com/threads/post-a-tough-deity-map-for-me-to-play.620140/

Start saves for all his games can be found there.

Go to Strategy & Tips forum with further questions and advice.

GOTM site is linked in my sig. On right side is Results link where you can find all submitted games. Again I don’t think this is of much use to you at this point.

 

[LANCE1313]

Thank you for the reply. I see your point about the limitations of the saves. I'd looked at that sight but until you had me go back i didn't realize that the save links were embedded in the results screen.

I'll check out Lain's resources and keep at the forums.

Maybe I'll give this GOTM a try. I don't expect very good results but it seems like an interesting challenge

Thanks.

 

[lymond]

Maybe I'll give this GOTM a try. I don't expect very good results but it seems like an interesting challenge

Thanks.

GOTM's are fun and can be a learning experience as you compare your results and discuss them. The level of competition varies greatly.

Over in S&T, the Nobles Club games are always good. You can also just post of your own shadow/learner game ...great way to pick up basics quickly.

If not already aware, I encourage you to install BUG/BULL and BAT, found here (as well as Blue Marble):

https://forums.civfanatics.com/forums/civ4-bts-unaltered-gameplay-bug-bat-and-bull.268/'

Install BUG/BULL in Custom Assets (SP Mode) for forum games. BAT is standalone, but Noble Club's game always provide a wordbuilder save that can be used with mods.

 

[LANCE1313]

Thanks for the advice on MODs. With my limited knowledge it appears BUG and BULL are included in BUFFY which as you've seen from my other post I'm trying to install. It doesn't look like it includes BAT. Can I run all of these at once or do I need to pick. If I'm trying to partake in the GOTM I believe I wouldn't be able to use BAT. Is that correct?

 

[lymond]

Is that correct?

BAT and BUFFY are similar in some ways as they are "standalone" mods that both contain BUG/BULL. The difference is that BAT is a casual mod by that mod team that also includes graphical enhancements ( I use this mod most myself). While BUFFY is an official CFC mod that also includes the HOF mod for GOTM/HOF vetting. Some folks do use BUFFY casually as well.

BUG/BULL can be installed "standalone", but the better approach is to install in Custom Assets (SP mode) for forum games since it does not require actually loading of a mod and anyone can open the generated saves - mod or no mod.

You can install all this stuff. Standalone mods do not conflict with anything - they have their own assets which are only used when that mod is loaded.

Only issue with BUFFY is if the BULL DLL is active when trying to open BOTM saves as the "Locked Modified Assets" option - used by all gotm games - requires matching assets. BULL DLL can be switch to the vanilla DLL in the Assets folder simply by renaming the extension (which you must do to the vanilla dll when bull is active...never delete vanilla assets)

 

[LANCE1313]

you mention installing the mas Custom Assets. I see a custom asset folder in my BtS folder but don't really understand how to install them differently. Is there some source that outlines this process.

My issue is likely an improper install but currently I can't run both. I load the MOD in game and I can have BAT running. Clicking "About this build" confirms it's running. If I then go to load BUFFY, CIV IV resets and then clicking "About this build" confirms BUFFY is running but BAT no longer is.

 

[lymond]

haha...you don't run these mods together. You can only run one standalone mod at a time.

The BUG executable will automatically install in Custom Assets when you select the right option (it is very clear). BULL is a zip file that includes a text file with instructions on where to copy the files. (again..don't overwrite the vanilla dll).

Just for clarification, BUG and BULL are synergistic mods that work together. BULL is like an enhancement mod to BUG.

BAT and BUFFY both contain BUG/BULL.

Blue Marble is just terrain/water graphics. You can also change the color of the UI. (It conflicts with nothing...install once and voila)

 

[LANCE1313]

Ok, my inexperience is clearly showing. I apologize for this but I've been trying to give myself a crash course in all these MODS today and I'm clearly still struggling a bit.

I think I understand what you've been saying now though. Let me try to clarify.


BAT - a good "Standalone" MOD with a combination of BUG/BULL/blue marble and more. This works well but a drawback is that any save file I post to the forum is only compatible with someone else who runs the BAT MOD.

BUFFY - a good Standalone" MOD with BUG/BULL and the AntiCheating stuff that I will need to use if I want to play GOTM. Buffy does not include any graphical improvements. There's no way around using this for GOTM since the preposted game files are only compatible with BUFFY 3.19.005. I've tried to load some GOTM files and I need the MOD installed to load them. I've got it installed now but I'm having some compatibility issues - That's my other ongoing thread. Long story short -> must be used standalone.

Better way -> You are suggesteding to install BUG/BULL/Bluemarble etc each independently. Their normal install programs will have an option to install in Custom Assets. By doing things this way I'll get access to the functionality without having to "Load a MOD" each time. Also, if I post a save file it won't require the other people to have those BAT or BUFFY running to view.

Hopefully I've got it straight now.

 

[lymond]

Better way for forum games -> You are suggesting to install BUG/BULL together in custom assets. Their BUG install program will have an option to install in Custom Assets. By doing things this way I'll get access to the functionality without having to "Load a MOD" each time. Also, if I post a save file it will be as if the save was not generated by a mod

First two blurbs seem spot on. Edit last one in bold above.

As for Blue Marble think of it as something different. Install it and forget it. Only time you ever need to reinstall is if you delete your custom assets folder ( which not harmful) or reinstall the game.

 

[LANCE1313]

When you say forum game what do you mean?

 

[lymond]

When you say forum game what do you mean?

Just regular games in S&T. Like shadow games or games folks like to share ( unless they say they’ve used some mod)

You will see what I mean once you invest yourself in S&T.....and GOTMS, or even some HOF.
No need to overthink this stuff.

FYI - Personally all the examples I mentioned above I have installed, including standalone BUG//BULL, though that is rarely ever used

 

[LANCE1313]

You've been exceptionally helpful.
Thank you

 

[Fine_Distinction]

Hello. Recently took up Civ 4. I've been reading strategy etc. and trying to improve my play. I wondered if there is a place that has high level game saves. As an example I thought if I could get some save games of the people winning GOTM here on the forum that would likely give me a lot of information such as how they set up cities, proportions of production vs GP farms vs financial cities. I realize I could watch streaming videos (i hear AbsoluteZero has some very good stuff) but wanted to avoid 20 hours of stream and then I can only see what they show on screen instead of assessing everything at my leisure.

Hope that makes sense

Hi LANCE1313, I saw you played a GOTM, I found GOTM replay tool - and also spoiler threads - the best way to learn. If you submit an entry to a GOTM - does not even have too be a finished game, if you do not have time, retired saves also qualify - you can then replay what you did against any player! It is amazing, you can see their tech path, city numbers, (approximate) city placements, speed of conquests, etc.

And advance and very friendly and helpful players (like Lymond here ) are a great asset of this site, if you have a specific question to ask, post it in a general or strategy forum or a spoiler thread for a specific GOTM you are playing. GOTMs are the best in my experience, strategy articles are also great, but GOTM is more a hands-on experience, allowing you to see how well you execute certain ideas/concepts that you generally know.

 

[LANCE1313]

Hi LANCE1313, I saw you played a GOTM, I found GOTM replay tool - and also spoiler threads - the best way to learn. If you submit an entry to a GOTM - does not even have too be a finished game, if you do not have time, retired saves also qualify - you can then replay what you did against any player! It is amazing, you can see their tech path, city numbers, (approximate) city placements, speed of conquests, etc.

And advance and very friendly and helpful players (like Lymond here ) are a great asset of this site, if you have a specific question to ask, post it in a general or strategy forum or a spoiler thread for a specific GOTM you are playing. GOTMs are the best in my experience, strategy articles are also great, but GOTM is more a hands-on experience, allowing you to see how well you execute certain ideas/concepts that you generally know.

Thanks a lot for the reply. I'm looking at the replay tool and comparing the GOTM i played. Looks like a useful tool for sure. I've really enjoyed GOTM so far and sounds like the COVID themed one starting tomorrow will be fun.

 

[LANCE1313]

you can then replay what you did against any player! It is amazing, you can see their tech path, city numbers, (approximate) city placements, speed of conquests, etc.

As I'm looking through the replay I see the event log unfolding from turn to turn. This and the above picture are how you're assessing your progress right? You'd mentioned their tech path. There isn't a way to pull specific info such as only seeing their tech path is there?

This is really good though. I've done a long post assessing what I thought were my short comings from this game and had looked for some advice. Now I've compared myself to the top contenders and can see that I was correct about most of them. Particularly that I expanded way to fast and bankrupted myself. This is great info to see.

 

[Fine_Distinction]

As I'm looking through the replay I see the event log unfolding from turn to turn. This and the above picture are how you're assessing your progress right? You'd mentioned their tech path. There isn't a way to pull specific info such as only seeing their tech path is there?

This is really good though. I've done a long post assessing what I thought were my short comings from this game and had looked for some advice. Now I've compared myself to the top contenders and can see that I was correct about most of them. Particularly that I expanded way to fast and bankrupted myself. This is great info to see.

Yeah, you have to do some manual work, you can get their tech path from their logs ("You discovered Bronze Working at 2900BC"). You can stop replays at any time and you can make them slower, I find it best for game comparisons. City placement is only approximate, but normally you know what a logical place to settle was in that area. Of course, would be even better to have a youtube-style video, but this is a very useful tool anyway.