Commander on the Bridge

[Redleg]

Combat Net tips and considerations.

1. This mode of play is like playing hotseat with timed turns.

2. To get started, download the Combat Net program from the Matrix site. If you are using GetRight or some other download program, close it before attempting to download.

3. Once the program is downloaded, unzip it into a "safe place". For example the folder named GamersNet.

4. To install, double-click on the exe file and accept the defaults. You can customize if you want by re-installing later since you have unzipped the exe file for future use.

5. To begin with Combat Net. Locate the shortcut icon installed on your desktop start the program.

6. Create an account. Provide your nickname and password.

7. Once the program is running, go to the SPWAW lobby and click on the configure button and be sure the program is pointing to the MECH.EXE file in the SPWAW folder.

8. To check that things are working, type a brief "hello" or similar message and see if it appears in the chat area. If no one is there, don't worry. Just wait. Leave the program running (in the background if you wish) and wait until you hear, "Commander on the Bridge". This announces the presence of someone who has logged on.

9. Before you play. Be aware that Combat net uses a security system as is in pbem mode. Therefore, you and your opponent must have the same OOBs. This is not necessarily a problem. since you can back up your altered OOB and exchange the OOBs to be used in your battle. You must also be using the same version of SPWAW.

10. Start with a small battle - perhaps less than 2000 points. A battle can last a long while. Consider playing a prepared scenario. Scenarios can be emailed and placed in unused file slots in both games. These must match. One good way is to use some number such as Scen500. Any unused number will be fine so long as the scenario is in both players' SPWAW program.

11. 3 or 4 player mode is great fun and quite challenging. Be aware that the more players, the more likely that problems will occur. Save this for after you have played several battles. A high speed ISP will greatly enhance things. Disconnects are a major headache. When I was bound to a modem and ISP that liked to disconnect, it was tough going at times.

12. For your first battle, let the other player create the room and host the battle. After you observe what it takes, it will be easy for you to replicate. Starting with a more experienced player will go a long ways toward a successful battle.

13. If the battle crashes, it is most likely that the internet connection failed. SPWAW will save at the end of each turn but if, in the heat of battle, you can remember to save the game, it will be better. Should the battle crash and you want to finish it, you and your opponent need the same save file. One player should send a copy of the save file to the other. Then play can resume at that point. It may be necessary to replay a portion of a turn depending upon when the battle was last saved.

14. The most important tip is to start with small scenarios or battles. It is difficult to be tied to the computer for several hours laboring away with a large battle. A 2000 point, 10 turn battle can be played in a relatively short time. For the first battle, do not worry about winning or losing. Focus on learning. See how the game works. If you have never played against a human, it will be a real learning experience.

15. If you start with a buddy, you can actually get on the land line and work out details. Or, the ICQ program will work well also. It works well to decide days or hours beforehand what parameters you will use for the scenario, what settings, and so forth. This means you can very quickly go to the game and get started.

16. Like playing SPWAW in general, it is good practice to shut down other programs as a way to avoid crashes.

A final note: If you try the Combat Net and have trouble, you can send me a private email or post a question on the forum and we should be able to assist you in getting past your problem(s). Posting on the forum will be most efficient since it will be read by many players.

Happy gaming,
Redleg

[Supervisor]

Thanks Red, any special settings needed to be set in the config option ????

[Redleg]

When I installed, the defaults were fine:
No Direct Play should be checked.
Path should point to the Mech.exe file.

Pretty straight-forward.

I have not explored configuring for the other games. For me, there is no other game than SPWAW until CL is released.