Re: ME-PBM Late Joiners (and 2950 vs 1650)

From: Patrick F. McGehearty <patrick@convex.COM>

Date: Fri, 30 Jun 1995 00:00:00 +0000

In article <3suk6n$80l@kodak.rdcs.Kodak.COM>,
Dennis DeYoung <dcd@nasa.kodak.com> wrote:
>In article i0k@post.gsfc.nasa.gov, Kevin McGee <kdmcgee@aol.com> writes:
>>desj@ccr-p.ida.org (David desJardins) wrote:
>>>Kevin McGee <kdmcgee@aol.com> writes:
>>>> As it turns out, all the neutrals either joined our team (1), or perished
>>>> (3).  Except the Corsairs.  Now it is down to my team against one
>>>> opposing player and guess what?  The Corsairs are suddenly on our side
>>>> and in first place.
>>>
>>>Sounds like they outplayed you.  I guess you should play better next time.
>>>
>>>                                        David desJardins
>>
>>Outplayed?!?  Hardly.
>>
>>Kevin McGee
>

I would say that the Corsair did "play", in that he maximized his economy
while convincing his neighbors to leave him alone.  In a non-grudge team
game, that is the ideal tactic for neutrals.  He used deception about his
motives, which also is a tactic the game encourages.  I consider the "sit
and grow" strategy a bit boring, and one of the reasons I have not played a
neutral yet.

In addition, the game is not quite over, so it yet to be determined if the
Corsairs have "won" or not.  He has to survive a ten nation agent/emissary
onslaught until the game ends (or maybe the remaining DS will find the One
Ring?).  We also are pumping up some of our nations at the expense of others
to try to prevent his win.  If the game continues more than a few turns longer,
he won't be the VP leader.  He may even fall out of the lead next turn.
Even if he does get the individual nation win, I will consider us to have
"won" the game as a team, which is what I care about.

-------
On a new topic:

Now that people have had more extensive experience with 2950, what is
the collective opinion?

Personally, I like the extended strategic buildup phase of the game,
but fear that too many games fall apart due to player dropout before turns
20+ where the early game development really starts to pay off.  I might try
another 2950 game as an individual sometime, but for a grudge game, I would
only be interested if both sides seemed committed to extended play.

Other aspects of 2950 are that with smaller economies and armies, character
play and artifacts should take a much bigger role in battles.  Does anyone
see that effect, or am I guilty of wishful thinking?

-------

- Patrick McGehearty
  patrick@convex.com

References

Re: ME-PBM Late Joiners
dcd@nasa.kodak.com (Dennis DeYoung)
Thu, 29 Jun 1995 00:00:00 +0000
Re: ME-PBM Late Joiners
Kevin McGee <kdmcgee@aol.com>
Thu, 29 Jun 1995 00:00:00 +0000

Referenced By

Re: ME-PBM Late Joiners
dcd@nasa.kodak.com (Dennis DeYoung)
Thu, 29 Jun 1995 00:00:00 +0000
Re: ME-PBM Late Joiners
Kevin McGee <kdmcgee@aol.com>
Thu, 29 Jun 1995 00:00:00 +0000