Column #156 CTP2 PBEM-SHOULD WE GIVE UP?

by Solver http://apolyton.net/misc/column/156_ctp2pbem.shtml

[CapTVK]

Truly amazing...

Activision releases a shoddy product, sends off a "thank you for your money and goodbye"-note to the Apolyton crowd, and you're saying we should crawl back to them!? Sorry, but that's beyond believe...

I'm reminded of a quote by Nietzsche, but I can't remember it exactly. It had something to with a servant wants to be beguiled and belittled by his master.

Please note that I have trouble with Activision's corporate policy concerning game design and support, not with the actual programming team who did CTP2 (although they probably also deserve some part of the blame).

And yes, the fact that CtP is playable is thanks to he MOD community, which means the Apolyton community. I wish them good luck and godspeed in trying to make something of CtP2 because you won't have to expect much from Activision.

[Bluevoss]

Well, I figure that if CTP3 comes, I will NOT buy it until a week or two has gone by (I can wait). That way, if glaring errors are uncovered, I can just save my money and time.

However, if CTP3 is the gem that CTP2 should have been, I'm not going to sit in the dark and say "nope, nope, its a boycott".

I wont forget activision for the crap they pulled on CTP2. But I wont let that stop me from buying another product. But thats only AFTER getting player feedback.

Frankly, I wouldn't trust activision further than I could spit a dead rat.



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Bluevoss-

quote: Originally posted by Bluevoss on 03-04-2001 08:18 PM Well, I figure that if CTP3 comes, I will NOT buy it until a week or two has gone by (I can wait). That way, if glaring errors are uncovered, I can just save my money and time. However, if CTP3 is the gem that CTP2 should have been, I'm not going to sit in the dark and say "nope, nope, its a boycott".

1 to 2 weeks might not be enough. In the first few weeks, most people were still saying positive things about CtP2 (except those who had decided to boycott Activision already). I bought my copy something like 3 weeks later, when the negative comments were only just beginning to emerge.

If CtP3 is made, I'll wait a couple of months before I gert my copy.

But back to the main topic, I think that Solver's article is well-written.

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phoenixcager of the Civgaming Network.
Visit the CGN forums.

[Solver]

I hate the boycott idea. They have done it very badly, not to give us PBEM, but that's not a reason for not buying CtP III, if that proves to be great.

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Solver - http://www.aok.20m.com

[Solver]

You see, it's also that I respect Activision, really. They have given me hours and hours of joy by releasing CtP, and that isn't a reason to boycott them, though. I hate lack of PBEM, but hey, there's still CtP I for that, with all of ratings system, tournaments and others.

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Solver - http://www.aok.20m.com

I still say - "Don't hold your breath on Activision releasing CTP3"

IMHO, I got the impression after Activision's press release concerning CTP2, that they basically gave up on CTP2 and (I say again - my impression)have given up on any future CTP releases - be that patches for CTP2 or a new CTP3. Granted, Activision did not state this, but this was the general feeling I got after reading Activision's statement.

As for as Apolyton continuing work on the PBEM, why not? If there's a chance it can be done, then go for it Who knows, maybe the fix for the PBEM will eventually lead to a fix for the multiplay option (constant resyncs)

[Solver]

Good point. Apolyton has many good minds, and clever heads, so if we could really work on this all together, it would give excellent results. Actually, here are enough people with phantasy and programmers to make a patch that would make PBEM 100% working, IMO.

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Solver - http://www.aok.20m.com

[Grandpa Troll]

U mean there is a chance for PBEM?...


(Flashing ahead 6 Months)

^%$#@ darn Blasted PBEM keeps giving Fatal errors wont work Piece of CR$*oola from Activision..they really SU&K and..well...

I dont see it happening..But there is that one fella setting up an Ice Creaam Stand just outside of Hells gates................




I would love it..but dont see it..good luck though!

Troll

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Hebrews 11:1

Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for and things unseen

[Locutus]

Anyone interested in fixing at least some of the PBEM/Hotseat related problems (i.e. Human-Human Diplomacy) might want to check out my thread in the Multiplayer forum.

[MidKnight Lament]

CTP3 won't happen. They've bailed on CTP2 and it's not going to make the money for them that CTP did. It's over.

Incidently, I stopped playing CTP2 as soon as I realised there was no easy way to get around the crap messaging system. I've barely been in here recently, so forgive my asking, but have the mod makers found a way to make simply playing a turn less painful?

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- MKL ... "And a sun that doesn't set but settles" - Augie March
Shameless Plug: http://www.poetic-license.org ............. All welcome.

[TheBirdMan]

But the CTP-PBEM is very much alive!

And we need replacements on a regulary basis - also in "old" games.

Fx.

For Aaginor in Do Some PBEM (turn 50)
For St. Jon in Lung fast (turn 133)
For St. Jon and Slamp in some of Keygens new games.

Pls pay a visit.


TheBirdMan