Random Game settings for pbem games

[jreid]

When people play each other in Random Games, what settings are typically used?

I ask because I'd like to practice a bit before playing PBEM.

thanks

[Matto]

Best way is mirrored map, shroud and shroud peak ...

[seille]

BLOCKED CENTER is also very important in a PBEM.
I would not play a game here without blocked center and mirror map enabled.

[jreid]

Thanks.  What about map size and the number of cities, rivers, forests, etc.?

[Veldor]

I tested a couple of combinations in the generator and these are the settings I've used:

40x40
2 Player
Land 75%
Rivers 15x
Forests Level 30
Mountains Level 25
Towns 30x
Roads Level 3
CitySize 3
Research Mod 100%
Swamp Level 10
Fog On
Anti-Supply On
Shroud On
Anti-Cheat On
Password On
Mirror Map On
BlockCenter OFF
Shroud Peak OFF

30x30 Version Same as above except:
Land 90%
Forests Level 35
Mountains Level 35
Towns 20x
BlockCenter ON

I haven't been using shroud peak but maybe I'll try that in the next game. Also as the map gets bigger BlockCenter being on seems to get less important.

[PDiFolco]

Bah, each his preferences, I play pbem in a random non-mirrored non-blockedcentre scenario, it's fun too.ou have to make more "realisitic" choices -ie are you a continental or maritime power ? Play aggressive or underdog ?
It's not balanced but when playing with more than 2 players it's not a that big deal (unless really unbalanced). You can also declare alliances and use diplomacy...Much more lifelike.
In fact I don't like those perfectly balanced, perfectly unrealistic maps !

[Veldor]

ORIGINAL: PDiFolco

Bah, each his preferences, I play pbem in a random non-mirrored non-blockedcentre scenario, it's fun too.ou have to make more "realisitic" choices -ie are you a continental or maritime power ? Play aggressive or underdog ?
It's not balanced but when playing with more than 2 players it's not a that big deal (unless really unbalanced). You can also declare alliances and use diplomacy...Much more lifelike.
In fact I don't like those perfectly balanced, perfectly unrealistic maps !

Thats a really funny statement seeing as you can't even select mirror map if your playing with more than 2 players. [:-]

But I still get your point. It's not a ladder game or anything so who cares if one player may or may not have a slight advantage due to the initial map layout? Personally I'd play either way.

[Vic]

I think it is a good idea if you play multiple AIs to mix their economic bonus... so add a few AIs, a few AI+ and a few AI++.
 
That way some AIs will expand quicker then others and present you with more challenge.
 
I noticed that in a lot of AI games with multiple AIs the AIs expand a lot of energy on eachother. The alternative is playing allied AIs of course, but that might feel a bit unfair.
 
kind regards,
Vic

[PDiFolco]

Duh, in fact I've never tried mirror map ! I thought it was only mirrored "once" but that you could put several players per side. [8|]
But I like the uncertainties and the asymetrical challenge you face in real random maps.. [:'(]