MultiPlayer made easy!

[FreekS]

Harpoon ANW Multi-Player Made Easy!

The biggest improvement of Harpoon ANW over Harpoon 3.6.x is undoubtedly the Multi-Player Capability. I am hosting a Multi-Player Server (on an 'appointment-only basis' and using the PlayersDB database and scenarios). This allows players to play against each other, which is a very different experience than playing against the pre-programmed missions of the AO (artificial opponent).

Harpoon ANW server can host games with up to 6 players (and scenarios exists for 1,2,3, or 4 players). Instead of playing, a person can be an Observer (and be able to see all players' units).
Gameplay is pretty much identical to 'Solitaire' play with a few notable exceptions; such as time compression always being the slowest of the 'requested' time compressions by the players. There is also a chat function for players to use during playing.

To make Multi-player easier and even more fun; the following steps have been undertaken:
- A step-by-step 'manual' on how to start games has been created (How to start Multiplayer)
- a Battleset ('Freek's MP Suggestions') has been created comprising of the best (proven) PlayersDB scenarios for Multi-Player. While all PlayersDB scenarios will remain available on the server, a selection of good MP scenarios can be loaded through this Battleset and we can add and delete scenarios as players discover the most pleasant MP scenarios.
- A scoring system will be maintained to keep track of wins and losses through a point system.

It is NOT the intention to tell player what scenarios or sides they must play; I just hope that Plyers find it entertaining to be able to see which scenarios players have played, and how good they are!

Scoring
The scoring system I've devised is this:
- 4 points for a win
- 2 point for a draw
- no points for a lost game
- 1 extra point if an AAR has been published (however short or long you want to make it)
Your overall score is the average number of points per game (need a minimum of three games played).

For scores to be counted, just send me a short mail after playing with
- what scen was played?, when?, against who?, result and location of AAR (if any).

Any comments on this are appreciated, I hope it will contribute to having fun with Harpoon.

Regards, Freek

[FransKoenz]

Thanks for the clear explanation how to start up a MP-Game.

In my opinion, 1 important thing should be mentioned as well:
It is crucial that all players/observer in a game should have about the same internet-connection.
Even that is not a guarantee.

Ed and I played a scenario yesterday [rebuild of a HC scenario: LendLease 94 for Multi Play]...
We both have a fast [cable] connection, and the server runs on a fast connection as well.
However, it took 19 [!] seconds to bridge 1 second gametime, same for 1:5 sec. etc.
It is rather frustrating to wait such a long time, especially in air-to-air combat situations.

That means that all big scenarios only can be played by Pooners with extremely fast connections and supercomputers. [:(]

I already had to put in a 1-GB memory extra in my PC to join online MP-game fun.......

That's my two cents for now.
Cheers,
Taitennek.

[FreekS]

Taitennek,
 
Thanks for mentioning that! Gamespeed is very important for the players. That is the reason why I created the separate Battleset selecting only those games in it that run reasonably quickly. Of course game speed is a function of many factors including player preference, type of Internet connection, size of map (or coastline).
Many of the scens in the Battleset have been run in MP-mode in a couple of hours!
 
Scens selected so far (no particular order):
- Dawn Patrol, Advance guard, Hemphills Ordeal, Powersweep, Pebble Island, Matrix Shield, Matrix Lance, Matrix Siege, Nordkapp, Prelude, Shadow, CarCrash.
 
Freek

[hermanhum]

Sorry that the scenario I recommended was too large.  There aren't many units in it, but the map/coastline is large.  I really thought that it would have been fine since everyone had fast connections.  Guess MP is going to remain limited to small scens.  [:(]

With regards to the ANW MP Challenge, maybe both sides of the game should be required to post a report of the match to get it counted.  That way, both victories and defeats get equal counting.

[FransKoenz]

ORIGINAL: hermanhum

With regards to the ANW MP Challenge, maybe both sides of the game should be required to post a report of the match to get it counted.  That way, both victories and defeats get equal counting.

Regarding to a AAR for Lend Lease 94: There was nothing much to report;
I just my launched a TLAM-Strike against Russian Targets according to the orders I had. Almost imediately the game crashed........ as well as my pc. I presume that Ed was doing about the same with his aircraft.

Pebbles Island:
Ed and I continue next week and will present AAR[;)]

But, I can already report that, despite the relative small operations area, It took me long time to track down the Argentinan Carrier Group. It was only possible after I discovered a helicopter [where a helicopter is active, the group can't be far away]. Anyway, next week you guys can looking forward to a AAR.

Cheers,
Frans.