Re: Middle Earth-new player-me

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

Date: Wed, 31 Aug 1994 14:46:56 +0000

In article <1994Aug30.232557.15641@leo.vsla.edu>,
Carol Callahan <ccallaha@leo.vsla.edu> wrote:
>Just sent in my money to enroll in a Middle Earth game..With
>the reviews I read..I'll take the leap
>  A few questions
>
>a..  Do new players get creamed?  I do play other PBM
If you don't get a database of the standard starting positions and
some data on reasonable strategies, you are at a serious disadvantage.
With the data, how you do will depend on your skill and that of your
nearby allies.

>b.   What are people's experience with 2 or 3 week turns
2 week turns work within the USA, especially if you have fax access for when
you don't get your turn ready promptly.  I would find 3 weeks a long time to
wait for my next turn (2 weeks is bad enough)

>c.  Be interested in the pro/con of the three different types
>of players
I assume you mean dark side, neutrals, and free peoples.
I'll leave this discussion for others, except see g below.

>d.  When players drop out does the computer play a desent game
When players drop, the position goes into standby mode, and withers away.
Some positions are picked up by other new players.  I have heard of cases
where the new pickup does great, and others where the position is so
hopeless as to be a waste of time.

>e.   What is the est. rate of those dropping out.
Anyone have data?  I've heard some horror stories, but my game has had
no drops after 6 months of play (but it is a "grudge match").

>f.  Do players find that they talk to others via telephone or
>computer
If you both have email access, it is a great way to communicate.

>g.  how long does one wait to begin (I know it depends)
If you are willing to play a neutral, the waiting time is much shorter.
It seems there is always a shortage of people wanting to play neutrals.
I would think playing a neutral could be lots of fun if you like to
negoitate.  As a neutral, you usually have a few turns to get your
production going and see how competent the two sides are before making
your choice.

>
>thanks
>StewCall@AOL.com

References

Middle Earth-new player-me
ccallaha@leo.vsla.edu (Carol Callahan)
Tue, 30 Aug 1994 23:25:57 +0000