What's the multiplayer like?

[Seanirl]

I never would have thought that multiplayer civ would ever work, but since now PTW is released (and has been for AAAGGEEESSSS... I just stopped playing civ3 ages ago), I'm wondering what it's like.

How exactly do you play it? how long do games take?

 

[Seanirl]

and is it fun?

 

[Sirp]

Seanirl: It's LOTS of fun, if you can play good consistent games with people of similiar skill levels. This is a huge if. Playing over the 'net isn't much of an option unless you have a group of 'net friends' who you know reasonably well, and who you can get good ping with.

If you know people in r/l who are into it, and can set up a LAN game, and you have lots of time when you could play, then it's *really* great. I do know people in r/l and can play with them, but unfortunately my skill level is much greater than there's (not being arrogant, it seriously is; I can beat Deity, they struggle on Monarch).

-Sirp.

 

[Beeblbrox]

It's fine if you like maps of 5 x 5 and dont mind waiting hours for every move. Larger than that and you'd better start making plans for your pension before seeing the end of a game.

In a word I'd say it blows.

Oh and yes I can beat Deity too - in Civ2 as well as Civ1/Civnet as I have played the series since 1993. I am blowing my trumpet because I don't want you thinking that I am a Civ n00b - I am a Civ veteran that thinks PTW is the biggest mistake Sid ever made.

 

[GeniX]

Having just played my first games of PTW this weekend, I can say that inspite of the troubles, it is a lot of fun. I enjoy the setting up, empire building when competing with other humans. Its not nearly as fun with the AI as far as Im concerned.

But, the game does try its hardest to put you off Civ. Given its only got to transmit unit movements which shouldnt generate much traffic or be ping dependant, it somehow finds means to make 6 player games really laggy. Even in a turn-based play mode, there are really unusual things that it seems to confirm with the server before letting you do them.

And trying to get into a game sees one spending a good hour or so. I have just tried 5 or 6 potential startups, of which I crashed once, the host crashed once, 2 other hosts didnt realize they couldnt host games due to firewall issues, and the others saw me and some connect but due to not having the full compliment of players connected, other players left.

It is quite trying.