Multiplayer?

How's it going to play?

from Elemental Forums

So, despite missing the window to get in on the last beta by a few hours, I can't stop thinking about Elemental. I really can't remember the last time I was so excited for a game (ok, maybe Fallout 3, but I had played the first two years before and it had been a long time). My friends and I started playing Heroes of Might and Magic 5 multiplayer in an attempt to quell the thirst for Elemental. We've been having a blast, but then a horrible realization came upon us... waiting for your turn was boring as hell! We talked about various things that could make the wait a little more tolerable, but when you get 5 guys playing... well, that's a long time. So we got to wondering, what's Elemental's in-between turn going to feel like? Is it a simultaneous turn-based kind of thing, or a traditional. If it is traditional, will you be able to do things like set research goals, design units, set build queues for cities, or map your units' next move (and re-map it if the situation changes) for the next turn? I sure hope so. It makes the time go by faster as well as cut down on turn time for the active player, therefore moving the game along faster. I do love a traditional turn-based game, but downtime's a drag, and I've always felt that by implementing the somewhat small activities during that downtime, TBS games could be VASTLY improved for multi-player.

elemental
9,604 views 14 replies
Reply #2 from Elemental Forums Top

AOW:SM had a simultaneous turn-based option for multi-player and it worked great even in Eight player games on Large maps (the only type we ever played.)  Now I don't mind the traditional non-simultaneous turn-based option in TBS tactical ombat as long as I can watch the battles take place even if I'm not controlling any sides. 

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Reply #3 from Elemental Forums Top

The turns in Elemental are simultaneous. All the players do their stuff in the same turn. Once every player hits End Turn, the next one starts.

Reply #4 from Elemental Forums Top

The turns in Elemental are simultaneous. All the players do their stuff in the same turn. Once every player hits End Turn, the next one starts.
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that's great to hear didn't know that

Reply #5 from Elemental Forums Top

Excellent. Whichever way the devs decide to take it, I'm sure it will be great. I am glad to hear there will be a minimal of downtime though.

Reply #6 from Elemental Forums Top

Quoting Bellack, reply 2
AOW:SM had a simultaneous turn-based option for multi-player and it worked great even in Eight player games on Large maps (the only type we ever played.)  Now I don't mind the traditional non-simultaneous turn-based option in TBS tactical ombat as long as I can watch the battles take place even if I'm not controlling any sides. 
End of Bellack's quote

The other great feature of AgeofWonders:ShadowMagic was having multiple players on a single battlefield at one time.  I wish Stardock would have included this feature because it's not something which can be modded.  Perhaps an expansion will make it possible.

Reply #7 from Elemental Forums Top

That almost suggests there is no coop possibilities in random maps. I really want to be able to hook up with friends and work together against varying AI difficulty levels. Sorry but I'm just not a 'gotta kill my buddy' kind of gamer. We're all more interested in coop style.

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There's nothing forcing you to attack each other :p

Reply #8 from Elemental Forums Top

That almost suggests there is no coop possibilities in random maps. I really want to be able to hook up with friends and work together against varying AI difficulty levels. Sorry but I'm just not a 'gotta kill my buddy' kind of gamer. We're all more interested in coop style.

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In another interview (I think it was the Fragworld podcast, but don't quote me on that) Brad said there would be MP co-op.

Reply #9 from Elemental Forums Top

"Co-op" can mean a few things. It can mean you can just not attack each other, and eventually sign a treaty once the necessary techs are unlocked. It could be like Civ 4 where you can play on a team and are treated as a team for diplomacy and tech purposes. It could even be something crazy like the little known team mode in Starcraft 1 where you actually both controlled the same base/units (that was actually pretty fun, though rarely used).

Reply #10 from Elemental Forums Top

I find that rolling a joint or packing a bong is a great way to pass the time between turns :P

er...um...nm...don't do drugs mmmk. ;)

Reply #11 from Elemental Forums Top

It could even be something crazy like the little known team mode in Starcraft 1 where you actually both controlled the same base/units (that was actually pretty fun, though rarely used).
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Actually exists in SC2 as well, players can give control of units to their teammates, I've seen it in replays/casts of team games where one guy gets his base wiped out, and other players give him their units to micro so they can focus on other things. Handy feature :)

Reply #12 from Elemental Forums Top

I expect most multiplayer games will be co-op to be honest.

My son and I expect to play online just against the AI.