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Empires in Arms is the computer version of Australian Design Group classic board game. Empires in Arms is a seven player game of grand strategy set during the Napoleonic period of 1805-1815. The unit scale is corps level with full diplomatic options

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Le Tondu
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Location: Seattle, WA

TCP/IP and not PBEM

Post by Le Tondu »

If EiA was not made for PBEM, but rather for TCP/IP play, then I bet every EiA fan will find the time to play on a weekend or whenever. Yes, even 7 players if they are dedicated.

TCP/IP play with the ability to send dispatches to any particular player for the diplomatic side of things will make gameplay a hundred times faster and better than PBEM, IMO. This problem of the double movement thingee will simply not exist.

PBEM is the problem because this game was never designed for it. It was designed for folks to play when they're all assembled at the same time. For players in different locations, TCP/IP play facilitates this completely.
Vive l'Empereur!
John Umber
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Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2003 8:17 pm
Location: Sweden

Post by John Umber »

TCP/IP

This should remove the double movement problem, but then there is created another problem. What happens if the players are NOT from the same time zone? As it is plain to see in this forum, players are spread across the entire globe. I would like to be able to play versus people in Australia, but not spending the night just to "be there".

If possible, can there be a "PBEM" version and a "Hotseat/TCP/IP" version? As mention before options are added to the game for enhancement. This could be an option?

Don't dismiss the impulse idea, it has several advantages...

Thank you
John Umber
Forward_March
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Post by Forward_March »

Thanks for not forgetting us people in Australia, John:)
Supervisor
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Post by Supervisor »

I don't mind the impulse idea, I just think it should be an option maybe. Like many other people here, I don't care how long the game takes to come out, as long as it comes out, and when it does it is good. Playing real time TCP/IP and against the comps I would prefer non-simul movement, but simul movement with PBEM would speed the game up dramatically.
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Le Tondu
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Location: Seattle, WA

I'm glad you asked that.

Post by Le Tondu »

Originally posted by John Umber
TCP/IP

............... What happens if the players are NOT from the same time zone? ...................


Well, that really isn't a problem at all.

Just about every Sunday morning at 0700, I play Combat Mission via TCP/IP with my best friend who lives in Mannheim, Germany. I know that he is nine hours ahead of me since I'm in California, but we are able to get in 4 to 5 hours great of wargaming without any problem.

How long does a game of EiA take to play if everyone is there at the same location? Playing via TCP/IP would be the same if everyone had the time. (I'd be willing to be that it isn't as long as a PBEM game.)

Yes, there are limits to just about everything and time zones can be a problem. Oh by the way, there wasn't have any problem wargaming with my friend when he lived in Seoul, South Korea for two years either. Yet, Germany to South Korea might be a kittle bit of a stretch. :)

You just have to set aside the time to wargame -period. Granted, with seven all living in widely different time zones it might get a little trying, but I'd be willing to be that there might be a whole lot more wargamers that are closer to you than you think.

I know some like PBEM and won't change no matter how good TCP/IP can be and that is ok with me.

I just wish the PBEM crowd wouldn't limit the rest of us by needing such an unreal rule as double movement.
Vive l'Empereur!
Forward_March
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Joined: Thu Jun 26, 2003 5:40 am

Post by Forward_March »

Apparently not many of you fellow's wives have complained about being "digitally divorced". LOL
Chiteng
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Joined: Tue Feb 20, 2001 10:00 am
Location: Raleigh,nc,usa

Post by Chiteng »

I think we should all bear in mind that there is a TREMENDOUS
interest in the Matrix developement of this game.

It is a topic on every game forum I read.

The Hardcore wargammers are hoping for a REAL wargame out of us. let us not drop the ball here
“It is clear that the individual who persecutes a man, his brother, because he is not of the same opinion, is a monster.”

Voltaire

'For those with faith, no proof is needed. For those without faith, no proof is enough'

French Priest

"Statistic
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Le Tondu
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Location: Seattle, WA

Good one

Post by Le Tondu »

Originally posted by Forward_March
Apparently not many of you fellow's wives have complained about being "digitally divorced". LOL


My wife of sixteen years thinks that wargaming is a little strange, but she tolerates it just fine. Now really, once a week isn't all that bad.

The one thing that is VERY important is to remember to take off your "game face" after a wargame. That and remembering to have a fair amount of quality time with her throughout the week.
Vive l'Empereur!
StCyr
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Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2003 2:27 pm

Post by StCyr »

(Navy)
Impulse 1: Cav (Navy)
Impulse 2: Cav, Inf (Navy)
Impulse 3: Cav, Inf (Navy)
Impulse 4: Cav, Inf (Navy)
Impulse 5: Cav (Navy)
(Navy)

It would need 7 Impulse, of course ships and men move at the same time. You could add an extra impulse that is just optional reserved for the British Navy, while one (land)impulse may be reserved for french Inf.


Another option would be like this:

Impulse 1: Cav, Inf, Navy
Impulse 2: Cav, Inf, Navy
Impulse 3: Cav, Inf, Navy
Impulse 4: Cav, Inf, Navy
Impulse 5: Cav, Inf, Navy
Impulse 6: Cav, Inf, Navy
Impulse 7: Cav, Inf, Navy

Only french Inf. is allowed to move in 2 adjected Impulse, other nations may only do so if they use force marching. Its up to every player which impule he uses for his allowed movement points: Still 7 for ships, 5 for Cav and 3 for Land (France 4) plus one optinal Inf forcemarching. French Inf can move in 3 adjected Phases only by force marching.
The British navy always moves first, and if it enters an area with enemy ships these ships may not leave... (Perhapse anybody finds a better solution for getting the Brits a benefit like the French would get).

I think Impulse would be a good OPTION.

uli
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