PBEM is it worth it?

Atrocities · #1 April 3rd, 2001, 07:33 AM

Ok, I have never played an Email game, so I really don't know much about them. Are they a good way to play? What are the ups and downs to this type of game play?

Lucanos · #2 April 3rd, 2001, 09:47 AM

Never tried it.

What's it like?

...really?

dogscoff · #3 April 3rd, 2001, 10:19 AM

I'm currently in 2 PBEM games (although one of them is currently on turn 2) and I've found it to be a really good way to play the game.

A human vs human game is much better than an AI game, and the fact that you have to wait for your opponent to mail you back (especially if they are several time zones away) means there is room in your life for something other than SEIV. (My girlfriend and I had some major upsets over the amount of time I was spending on the game.) Or at least there's time for another PBEM game or two=-)

The mechanics are slightly different if you are playing lots of opponents and/or simultaneous mode but at it is a good way of enforcing some non- SEIV time in your life if you are seriously hooked.

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There is an exception to every rule. Including this one.

Master Belisarius · #4 April 3rd, 2001, 03:36 PM

About your question, well, I think that the answer will depend of every person... but at least in my case, I really like the PBEM games.
Yea, the games take a long time to finish, but some people (like myself), can not be 3 or 4 hours Online, but can spend 30 min. playing a PBEM turn.
Also, usually thet PBEM games are more hard than play against the AI, then, are more interesting.

[This message has been edited by Master Belisarius (edited 03 April 2001).]

Seawolf · #5 April 3rd, 2001, 04:25 PM

Best thing about PBEM is that you get to have many more human players since you don't need to be on at the same time. This also promotes getting to meet other people from different parts of the world in different time zones. I have met people from Austrailia, Germany and Canada and you get a broader view of the world.

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Seawolf on the prowl

Rich04 · #6 April 4th, 2001, 04:38 PM

I have PBEM since SE III. Human players always suprise me with thier different play styles. Best advice for playing one is deciding on the # of starting planets and/or tech level. One planet startups a very slow. with people just sending the turn around and around as the first colony ship/warship/explorer gets built then the next. Stuff that on your own or head to head rapidly gets cliked through suddenly takes days/weeks (realtime) to accomplish. On the other hand a five planet start gets things rolling right off the bat.

The more players you have the slower the turn around and more enhanced start you need. IMHO

Hope this helps
Rich