First impressions of Multiplayer

[pakfront]

This thread discusses the content article: First impressions of Multiplayer

Thanks for the write-up. Looking forward to hearing more details on player to player interaction and communication.

If a player drops out do their troops disappear or does the AI take over? Can they join in again?

[norb]

The AI takes over and their control will revert to another player if there is one in the chain of command. You cannot join a game in progress.

[Shirkon]

Looking forward to hearing more details on player to player interaction and communication

We were chatting with each other using a different piece of software, mostly discussing the lack of any real lag and other technical aspects of the game. Occasionally one of us would make a comment on tactics or our flanks. More then anything else we used the courier system to call for help or offer it. I know I asked using the courier system for support on my left flank in both games when the brigades on that side both collapsed.

One thing I didn't actually make clear in the AAR is that the particular scenario we played second was the one that consistantly crashed before last night. I know that Norb was pleasantly surprized it ran as long as it did.

[BOSTON]

Shirkon wrote:

Looking forward to hearing more details on player to player interaction and communication

We were chatting with each other using a different piece of software, mostly discussing the lack of any real lag and other technical aspects of the game. Occasionally one of us would make a comment on tactics or our flanks. More then anything else we used the courier system to call for help or offer it. I know I asked using the courier system for support on my left flank in both games when the brigades on that side both collapsed.

One thing I didn't actually make clear in the AAR is that the particular scenario we played second was the one that consistantly crashed before last night. I know that Norb was pleasantly surprized it ran as long as it did.

The scenarios you played, did they crash in SP?

[Shirkon]

BOSTON wrote:

Shirkon wrote:

Looking forward to hearing more details on player to player interaction and communication

We were chatting with each other using a different piece of software, mostly discussing the lack of any real lag and other technical aspects of the game. Occasionally one of us would make a comment on tactics or our flanks. More then anything else we used the courier system to call for help or offer it. I know I asked using the courier system for support on my left flank in both games when the brigades on that side both collapsed.

One thing I didn't actually make clear in the AAR is that the particular scenario we played second was the one that consistantly crashed before last night. I know that Norb was pleasantly surprized it ran as long as it did.

The scenarios you played, did they crash in SP?

They were both MP scenario's, but if you lose connection they then default to SP mode so if you don't notice that everyone else is gone you can continue with the scenario.

[Hancock the Superb]

Norb:

What are the chances that we could get a jump-in MP thing if a battle is already going for the 1st Patch?

[norb]

Minimal

[pakfront]

If you don't mind answering a few more questions:
What do the play-testers feel is the optimal command level for multiplayer? My guess would be human division, corps and army commanders; brigade and below left to AI.

Do you notice a huge difference in play between AI and human players? For instance, if you have a friendly human lead division on your left and an AI lead division on your right, are you more concerned about your right (assuming human is a decent player)?

Have you tried on-on-one play? If so, what command level seems to work well? Corps vs Corps?

Have you tried a co-op game vs the AI? For example, 2 human players on one side vs all AI on the other. Was it challenging?

[Shirkon]

pakfront wrote:

If you don't mind answering a few more questions:
What do the play-testers feel is the optimal command level for multiplayer? My guess would be human division, corps and army commanders; brigade and below left to AI.

Do you notice a huge difference in play between AI and human players? For instance, if you have a friendly human lead division on your left and an AI lead division on your right, are you more concerned about your right (assuming human is a decent player)?

Have you tried on-on-one play? If so, what command level seems to work well? Corps vs Corps?

Have you tried a co-op game vs the AI? For example, 2 human players on one side vs all AI on the other. Was it challenging?

I can only answer for myself here, but playing the brigade level is very enjoyable. I personally haven't played a game at a hight command level yet.

Can't reaaly tell you if there is a difference between a AI or human commanded unit since it isn't always obvious unless you click on the unit it your immediate opponent is the AI or a human. I normally watch both flanks regardless if I think it's a human or the AI in command over there, both can and will attack vigorously in most situations.

Can't answer your other questions since I haven't played any of those types of play yet.

One thing I will stress again, as things are you can get so immersed in the battle that whether or not your immediate opponent is human or AI is immaterial.

[chris merchant]

hmm.. Norb is tweeting about perfect multiplayer sessions and you're saying they eventually crash or people drop out.

Sounds like there's still some work to do in MP!

Also, does the game notify you that a player has left. Personally I'd be a bit annoyed to discover I'd been playing against AI without notice.

Anyway please keep up the good work y'all

cheers Chris