Topic: Is it too late to be a noob?

[Trasd]

I bought Starfleet Command ten years ago.  I've installed it many, many times on two or three different computers, but never really played beyond a certain point.  I've taken the tutorials many times and even ran a few missions.  Believe it or not, I even ordered additional missions from Interplay back when they were selling them (if memory serves).  I never played SFB - though I have played many board-type games.

I recently installed SFC 1 again and really want to play.  I don't like FPS and have only ever played two MMOs; DDO and LotRO.  I play DDO all the time, but only play LotRO once a month or so.  Sometimes I just want to play a good strategy game, not necessarily fast moving, but requiring me to use my brain.

Two of the main issues I've run into that stopped me from playing are; I could never win a battle (except the tutorials, and even these took me a long time); I simply can't get my marines to deploy in the tutorial.  I realize - by the number of dedicated people - this must be a good game, so I really want to give it a chance.

Any help and advice would be appreciated.  If I can wrap my head around SFC 1 and enjoy it and the community, I will buy the latest incarnation.

With all this in mind, I would like to ask some questions:

• Is SFC 1 still active (multiplayer)?
• Is SFC 3 the latest version and is it still active (multiplayer too)?
• Is this a good strategy game?
• Any suggestions on how I can win a simple battle (if someone still has SFC 1 installed and can run a simple skirmish, record it, and send it to me, that may help - I'm open to other suggestions too)?
• How do I deploy my marines in the tutorial (same thing with the recording, if tutorials can be recorded)?
• Hints, tips, suggestions, etc.?

If you've read this far, I thank you.  After ten years of owning the game, I really want to play this time.

[Roychipoqua_Mace]

Welcome Trasd and glad to hear the interest in SFC!

I hold SFC as my favorite game because of the depth that you can have in a battle between two even players. There's nothing better than the multiplayer matches that last for an hour or more and are tense for every minute of it.


1. SFC1 is not as active as the others, unfortunately, but I do recall reading here about some players who did use it for multiplayer. The most-played version is SFC2:Orion Pirates, probably because it had the most potential to be modded. I don't have much Dynaverse experience, but I *think* there are at least a couple servers for campaing-based multiplayer games. SFC2:OP has the most players for standard multiplayer games on Gamespy Arcade and GameRanger (standard multiplayer can be as small as a duel or as large as a 3v3).

2. I still think SFC3 has some Dynaverse and Gamespy activity, but not as much as SFC2:OP, since it is a much different game from SFC1.

3. YEAH! 

4. The tutorials are good, but there is no harm in messing around with simple skirmishes -- if you need to, you can give yourself a bigger ship and eventually give the enemy an equal ship as you get the hang of things. Do you know of a race that you have an inclination with? The Federation is the "standard" to start, but is in many ways more complicated than other races (the Gorn might be a good starter).

5. Marines can be tricky (the interface seems a little buggy sometimes), but it be sure to make sure that the facing enemy shield is down before sending marines, and that you are within range 5.


There has been some nice news about SFC2:Empires at War and SFC2:OP being sold here at Dynaverse, so there is no problem in getting a copy of OP if you are interested in playing OP online (OP is the stand-alone expansion and doesn't need EAW or SFC1 to run). SFC1 is very similar to OP, so I would recommend playing SFC1 for a while and see how it goes.

As a final thing, the SFC series isn't great with the newest versions of Windows. The online Dynaverse in SFC2 has trouble with Vista and Win7, but some experienced D2 players would know more about it. But since you're playing SFC1 and it's working, SFC2 should work (and standard multiplayer is more forgiving with Vista).

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

[knightstorm]

EAW and OP are both based upon the same source material as SFC 1, so you shouldn't have that much of a problem adopting.  SFC 3 is a completely different game based more on canon trek.  It lacks the micromanagement features that imho made the franchise unique.  Its also horrendously expensive because Activision terminated its licensing agreement with paramount before the market was saturated.  As Roy pointed out both EAW and OP are available for legal download here at a low price.  A word of warning for you, multiplayer SFC tends to be very brutal on noobs.  Mainly because the AI is stupid, and does a poor job of preparing you to fight human players.  Also, the tactics which take out the AI the fastest tend to be suicidal against humans.  So when you do start logging on, expect to suffer humiliating defeats at first, but don't get discouraged.

[762_XC]

First, welcome to the rich and rewarding experience that is Starfleet Command.

Second, if you are new to the game I would recommend jumping right to SFC2:OP (Dnet sells it for 6 bucks). It is a more mature game than SFC1 by far, not just so far as additional content (which it has a ton of) but also some questionable gameplay features from SFC1 which have been corrected. It has also been patched a lot more, and had a lot of additional fan-based content created for it, such as FireSoul's OP+ shiplist, which includes just about every ship ever published for Star Fleet Battles (the board game that SFC is based on). As Mace said there is also a multiplayer community still, which you are not likely to find at this point for SFC1.

SFC3 you can probably give a pass to. Even if you find it for less than an exorbitant price (I hear it can be got on eBay for $50-60) tactically it is not as deep as SFC2, since Taldren made the controversial decision to base the game on what they saw on TV and what they thought would sell well (read: Feds are overpowered), rather than on what made the rest of series so successful, namely the SFB gaming system. As a result a lot of the game mechanics are dumbed down to the point where tactically you have fewer viable choices in any given situation.

SFC is not so much a strategy game, but it is a definitive tactics game. There is a strategy component vis-a-vis the Dynaverse (the multiplayer campaign map featured in SFC2 and later) but the majority of gameplay is on the tactical level. The game is rich enough that people who have literally been playing for a decade can still learn new tactics. If you like being confronted with a difficult tactical situation and figuring out a way to beat it, SFC is a wonderful game.

(One thing I should add is that the Dynaverse will not work on Vista / Windows 7. The MP community as it exists now is mainly based on GameSpy. Dynaverse.net (which now owns the source code) is trying to patch this.)

As for tactics and advice, look around the forums here. You'll find quite a bit that has been posted over the years. If you are having problems with a specific battle, post the details (what ships, what you are trying) and someone will be sure to offer up advice.

[knightstorm]

The MP community as it exists now is mainly based on GameSpy. Dynaverse.net (which now owns the source code) is trying to patch this.)

Actually we've switched over to Gameranger since it doesn't have the port issues.

[762_XC]

What he said then. 

[Trasd]

Thanks folks!  Terrific responses.

I run XP Pro 32 bit and will as long as I can (lots of history here), so the Vista / 7 issue shouldn't be a problem.

$6 isn't a lot of money, but I will hold off a bit and make sure I can get into it and understand the basics - I have a cabinet full of games bought with the best intentions.  Some were a big let-down, two my system won't handle (but I still want to play when I get a new system), and the rest were just too simple to figure out and I quickly lost interest.  That's the biggest problem I have with computer games (and I bet a lot of you feel the same), they're just too easy to figure out and instead of fun it becomes redundant.

I hope SFC can fill that gap.  When was SFC 2 released?

BTW - do the three post verifications ever ease up - I have a lot of trouble with the "picture letters"?

EDITED
P.S. SFC 2 EAW is the base game with OP as an expansion (but can run standalone); is this correct?  If I decide to get these, should I get both?  And, is there a list of recommended mods (I will look around, but this site is big)?

[knightstorm]

The only feature of EAW which is not in OP out of the box is the storyline campaign which can be added to it.  So if you want to play now get OP.  However, the community has the EAW source code, so in the future, EAW may be patched to work with Vista/7.  As for mods, the standard mod everyone uses is OP+ 4.0.

[762_XC]

I run XP Pro 32 bit and will as long as I can (lots of history here), so the Vista / 7 issue shouldn't be a problem.

Only inasmuch as before Vista there was still an active Dynaverse-based MP community. Vista sort of killed that (and it is what we are hoping to resurrect).

As for release dates, EAW came out in 1999 (I think) and OP in 2001.

[Trasd]

The only feature of EAW which is not in OP out of the box is the storyline campaign which can be added to it.  So if you want to play now get OP.  However, the community has the EAW source code, so in the future, EAW may be patched to work with Vista/7.  As for mods, the standard mod everyone uses is OP+ 4.0.

I'm not really worried about the $12, but if I do install both (and the "4.0" mod), I will be set, right?  Since I would have begun with EAW, will this still allow future patched code, or will installing OP "override" that particular advantage?

I notice under Server Information EAW and OP servers are listed separately - are they mutually exclusive?

Being a noob is never fun.  It seems like there is basically two ways to go with this:

• Install EAW to take advantage of Dynaverse's ownership of the code.
• Install OP with the campaign story line, but loose possible future updates.

Am I on the right track here, or highly confused?  Spending the money is not my concern, but getting this right so I have the most options (now and in the future) available.

[knightstorm]

You can have both installed they won't interfere with each other.

[marstone]

You are getting it. OP is the most played right now, EAW is where the game will go towards after the win7 fix is figured out.  But the plan is to expand EAW to make it include most of OP so knowing OP will be good for playing.

The game has held interest of us for over a decade.  IMHO it is the best space combat game.  It has many levels of learning on how to play well, that will keep you working at learning.  Heck, when I do get to play, I seem to play like a noob, but I still have fun.

[Trasd]

OK folks, I have another noob-type question:

Why can't I download from the download server?  I looked (and searched) everywhere I could think of and cannot find any information about the server being down or find any special instructions.  I tried two different browsers and turned almost all security add-ons off.  Suggestions?

I want to go ahead and order OP, but if I can't get to the download server and the Mods, I'm not sure I want to risk it.

EDITED
P.S. I tried the Anonymous ftp connection too.

[762_XC]

It just worked for me...possibly a temporary outage?

[FA Frey XC]

Where are you trying to download ?

You have to purchase the game first, then you will receive emails on how to download, and what not.

Regards,

[Trasd]

I know I have to purchase it first - I'm not trying to download OP, but patches and such not for SFC 1 at http://www.dynaverse.net/downloads.php?game=SFC%201.  I also tried FTP (ftp.dynaverse.net) with Anonymous login.  For some reason, neither of these is working for me - on any browser.

[marstone]

Hmm, went to the page you linked to.  I left clicked on a file name in the list (did weaponschart).  It went to a page that gave a discription and below that a place to click that said, download.  Clicked that, and it went straight to downloading it.

Using Flock.

[FCM_SFHQ_XC]

I know I have to purchase it first - I'm not trying to download OP, but patches and such not for SFC 1 at http://www.dynaverse.net/downloads.php?game=SFC%201.  I also tried FTP (ftp.dynaverse.net) with Anonymous login.  For some reason, neither of these is working for me - on any browser.

I was fine with getting these links to work as well however for the FTP I'd recommend a FTP client as browser clients can be a little eh at times, Filezilla is a good one to use. Just dont use any name/password when specified and that'll make the Anonymous FTP login.

[Trasd]

Hey - thanks, the problem is obviously on my end.

Since I know it works for others, I will get it working for me.  I know what the problem is - it's an ID10T error.  I recently got rid of my virus/firewall program and went with a better free one, but it's only virus protection, so I turned on my DSL firewall (which is better anyway).  I set up port forwarding for FTP but for some reason, the ports aren't opening (this is the only site I've run into any trouble and I did this months ago).  I temporarily turned off my DSL's firewall and everything worked fine.

Now that I know the problem, I should have it working soon.  Thanks for the help!

[FA Frey XC]

No worries

Regards,

[Magnum357]

I would like to respond that SFC1 is still a superb game, its just EAW and SFC: OP are basically an upgraded version of SFC1 that most people don't bother or don't know much about SFC1 and usually play OP in my experience.  I like the campaign setup in SFC1 a little more then in OP, but there are a few features in OP that make that game as close as your going to get to a computerized version of SFB (at least for now).  If you like SFB, you can choose SFC1, EAW, or OP and will not be disappointed.

SFC3 is ok.  As stated above, it doesn't have near the tactical richness of SFB, but for an average Star Trek game, its ok.  In my opinion, SFC3 MUST be modded however.  The stock version of SFC3 is just plain lacking of any substance.  I remember back a few years ago, you hardly saw any Dynaverses with Stock SFC3 servers.  Almost all where modded to some degree.  One of its strong points for tactical complexity was its cloak rules.  In SFB, cloaked ships can be tracked, in SFC3 they can't.  If you cloak, you really are "hidden" but you are vulnerable to weapons fire if you get a lock on.  This was probably the best feature out of the whole game, which had a variety of different tactics compared to SFB.  One feature however that made the game kinda "cheesy" was the ability to warp during tacitcal combat.  You could use it to perform the "Picard Manuever" if you wanted, but because you loose your sheilds and you can't fire back very well, using your warp engines during tactical combat was somewhat useless.  It really was only useful to escape then an offensive tactic.  Nevertheless, many players and newbies heavily abused this feature and it was somewhat rediculas to play multiplayer games, most SFC players prefer the older SFC titles.   

One question I have though, does anyone still use Gamespy?  It looked like a gutted wreak last I checked with Windows XP.

[Trasd]

It's settled - I'm getting OP now and EAW later.  I have a friend that wants to learn it too, so we are going to learn it together (he's halfway around the world).

Thanks for all the input.

[Trasd]

Hey Folks,

Hope you don't mind if I pick your brains some more...  I've downloaded and installed OP, it actually looks a lot like SFC 1.  I do like the SFC 1 tutorials better though, because George Takei talks you through them.

Now it's time for more noob questions.

The only feature of EAW which is not in OP out of the box is the storyline campaign which can be added to it.  ...  As for mods, the standard mod everyone uses is OP+ 4.0.

Questions:

• Which files from the download list (reproduced below) constitute ALL of OP+ 4.0 and should I go for the one with models?
• Are there any other files you would recommend from the download list (I've already done the version upgrade)?
• Is the campaign knightstorm refers to (in quote above) in this list?
• Can the game be changed to different screen resolutions than what is in setup?

SFC OP download list reproduced for convenience:

• FireSouls OP+ Refit ShipList (no models)
• FireSoul's OP+ Refit ShipList/Mod Project
• XenoCorp HARDCORE OP Plus 4.0
• Dynaverse.Net Client D2 Patch Installer
• SFB OP 04
• LB5 Shiplist
• Mod Chooser
• Model Viewer
• Ship Editor
• Sector Assult
• Map Editor
• Server Kit
• 2550-2552 Patch
• 2500-2552 Patch
• EXE 2550
• Ship List 2550
• Fighter List 2550

I really appreciate everyone taking the time to help me, I could figure all this out myself eventually, but you are saving me loads of time and trouble!

[762_XC]

• FireSouls OP+ Refit ShipList (no models)

-The only reason you would go for the no models one would be to save on disk space. If this is not a concern, go ahead and get the models.

• FireSoul's OP+ Refit ShipList/Mod Project
• XenoCorp HARDCORE OP Plus 4.0

-This is an XC version of the OP+ shiplist we use for MP games. It has some of the cheesier ships (tugs, HDW's) removed.

• Dynaverse.Net Client D2 Patch Installer

-This remaps the location of the D2 directory servers. It is mandatory if you ever want to play Dynaverse.

• SFB OP 04

-This I believe is FireSoul's single internals mod?

• LB5 Shiplist

-Ignore this. It's a shiplist for an old campaign.

• Mod Chooser

-An optional but handy tool for switching between mods. You probably won't need it right away.

• Model Viewer

-Used by modelers.

• Ship Editor

-An optional but handy tool for making your own ships. Excel also works.

• Sector Assult

-A multiplayer scenario you might want to try at some point.

• Map Editor

-Self explanatory, and optional.

• Server Kit

-Only needed if you intend to host a D2 server.

• 2550-2552 Patch

-Mandatory. The most current patch.

• 2500-2552 Patch

-These can be skipped. They are backup copies of files from a patch ago.

• EXE 2550

• Ship List 2550
• Fighter List 2550

[Trasd]

Thanks 762_XC!

I also found the Campaigns in question when I used the FTP.

XenoCorp HARDCORE OP Plus 4.0 - do I install this on top of the ship list of the OP+ 4.0 package, or is this the package?  I do apologize for the OP+ 4.0 questions, but this is the only part I'm not sure about - about exactly which files are needed.

One last question for now: for the Mod Chooser, you say I won't need it right away, but I notice the author recommends this be installed BEFORE any mods (or, as he puts it, he recommends a clean install).  Even though I won't need it right away, wouldn't it make sense to install it now (I only have OP and the latest patch installed, no Mods yet, unless some come with the patch)?


I really appreciate the help, the time, and the effort everyone is giving me.

[ShadowDiver]

Hi,

Glad to see your asking so many questions!!! it never hurts to learn a new gaming system

To add to all of the other guys, LISTEN to them their the hardcore guys who created this site and they KNOW brother...

now for your question, no one really plays the Hardcore version, so I would shy away from it for now till you learn a little more.. .
the Mod chooser is for flipping back and forth between different Mods, again just stick with Firesouls OP+ 4.0 for now, that's the one almost everyone is playing now.

as I stated in another post this is what you need to do to play on gameranger at (http://www.gameranger.com/)

I would like to invite you to try gameranger at (http://www.gameranger.com/) it is a small download and install about 112kb.

Spider or myself would be happy to show you the ropes SCF-OP is very much alive and active...
there are a few thing you need to do to your game to get it to run...

in this order please.

1. Install SFC-OP fresh, (ie.. no mods, upgrades or changes to the game format.)

2. Install the patch that is correct for you. ((either 2550-2552 or the 2500-2552 patch, your version can be found on the lower right hand corner on the main start up screen. in either case those patch's can be found here at (http://www.dynaverse.net/downloads.php?game=SFC2%20OP))

3. you will need to install a mod to the game called Firesouls OP+4.0 refit..this is basically a list that has all of the original SFB ships in it and everyone is using it. that download can be found in the same location, (http://www.dynaverse.net/downloads.php?game=SFC2%20OP). you can use either models or no-models, but the new ships look killer.

4. Another download you will need later on will be Sector Assault 1.1, it has a bunch of new maps and allows for a new playing style. also from the same location.

5. Add to that is a download called Coop-Ace 4.0, it is located here (ftp://xenocorp.net/game_files/Star_Trek/starfleet_command/Starfleet_Command_OP/Scripts/). it allows for large scale combat utilizing team structure and strategic planing. allowing you to learn how to fly in formation with team-mates.

6. Download setup-EzINI, located here (ftp://xenocorp.net/game_files/Star_Trek/starfleet_command/) it is a small program that allows you to modify you resolution and hides you information in a multiplayer game.

7. if your planing on ever playing on the dynavers, well thats a new set of downloads to...download I will talk about that later.

next,  if you will just look at (http://www.google.com/talk/) and download the talk app on the right and sign up it will help let us know when your on-line and ready to play, plus we can chat and call each other for free..

there is also team speak 3 and team speak 2 both are VoIP interfaces...

good luck and I will be killing you soon!   

[FCM_SFHQ_XC]

Those of us in XC will play with the XC Hardcore a lot, but you can get it, as its switchable with the OP+4 as needed, so doesnt hurt to have.

[ShadowDiver]

ok....what he said.. 

[Trasd]

OK, now it begins to make sense.

Remember, I am not just new to SFC, but to multiplayer games in general.  Also, I never played SFB.  This is what I understand:

• Different groups play on different servers, like persistent worlds - each has it's own standards of basic required mods and such (this is more or less what the Mod Chooser is for - to switch between different servers)
• Dynaverse is the/a hardcore group, folks that don't like the bull and gets down to brass tacks
• I can go ahead and load OP+ 4.0 (HARDCORE), play on Dynaverse, and basically get my butt kicked - on a regular basis
• I can load the required files for both gameranger and Dynaverse and use Mod Chooser to play both (not at the same time, of course)

If my logic is sound:

I think I need to learn the basics before I even think of trying the hardcore approach, especially since I haven't played the game much in the ten years I've owned it (see my opening post).  I don't want to get discouraged - if the AI in SFC I kicked my butt, I know the hardcore group certainly will.

Planning for the future, I will load the Mod Chooser before I think about loading anything else, for now I will not load the XC Hardcore.  I want to start slow and learn the game.

ShadowDiver - I will take you up on your offer, thank you.  Give me a little while to run through the tutorials and learn the basics of the system.  I will contact you when I am ready.

I'm looking forward to being a hardcore SFCer in ten years time!  LOL

[FCM_SFHQ_XC]

OK, now it begins to make sense.

Remember, I am not just new to SFC, but to multiplayer games in general.  Also, I never played SFB.  This is what I understand:

• Different groups play on different servers, like persistent worlds - each has it's own standards of basic required mods and such (this is more or less what the Mod Chooser is for - to switch between different servers)
• Dynaverse is the/a hardcore group, folks that don't like the bull and gets down to brass tacks
• I can go ahead and load OP+ 4.0 (HARDCORE), play on Dynaverse, and basically get my butt kicked - on a regular basis
• I can load the required files for both gameranger and Dynaverse and use Mod Chooser to play both (not at the same time, of course)

If my logic is sound:

I think I need to learn the basics before I even think of trying the hardcore approach, especially since I haven't played the game much in the ten years I've owned it (see my opening post).  I don't want to get discouraged - if the AI in SFC I kicked my butt, I know the hardcore group certainly will.

Planning for the future, I will load the Mod Chooser before I think about loading anything else, for now I will not load the XC Hardcore.  I want to start slow and learn the game.

ShadowDiver - I will take you up on your offer, thank you.  Give me a little while to run through the tutorials and learn the basics of the system.  I will contact you when I am ready.

I'm looking forward to being a hardcore SFCer in ten years time!  LOL

Mostly, you'll find most perfer sep. installs which is perfectly fine as well
Dynaverse MP each is separate per server so each will have their own 'custom' shiplist, such as SlaveGirl server to a LB server, nearly all have the basics up to OP+4 always though
Majority playing on dynaverse will be more expert yea, but of course new players are welcomed! In intense servers if your not cozy with Player vs. Player risk, then just you'd just stay out of the front line battle hexes, but can easily help by reinforcing sectors behind them or provide support some other way equally as important. ATM only the Forge and Strayys tavern are up which are lower-activity servers so you'd need not worry, definetly recommend IP games in between to help learn new stuff!

[762_XC]

A brief history of the Dynaverse. Dynaverse is more or less inactive at this point, mainly due to the Vista issue.

When SFC2 was first released (or I should say when the D2 was finally patched in), there were any number of persistent servers out there, some with a healthy population, others less so. The problem with out-of-the-box D2 was that it was mainly a single player-game...you could run co-op missions or run PvP missions, but these did not significantly impact the campaign, at least any more than running solo missions did. In the early days of D2 it was actually a prudent strategy to avoid PvP and co-op, as it was less efficient in "hex flipping" (changing the map to your color) than solo missions were.

In later years, as the population dwindled and the casual players moved on, the campaigns began to take on a different color and shape. People lost interest in the persistent servers, so certain enterprising folks instead started hosting limited campaigns, with specific rules and objectives, and often custom shiplists (e.g. the LitterBox 5 shiplist you saw on the download list). These would run typically 2-4 weeks (I think the longest was 6) and would have rules that encouraged PvP and other fun stuff.

This style of campaign proved very popular with those who remained (who were generally the more dedicated players). Many folks' fondest memories of SFC gaming come from some of the epic D2 campaigns - like Storm Season 2, The General War series, the Slave Girls series, Litterbox, Attack of the Kitties, and others.

Unfortunately the Vista issue proved a fatal one. Anyone not running XP or a dual-boot config cannot play Dynaverse - at least for now.

Throughout all this, match-style games remained popular - originally done on MPlayer, then GameSpy, and now I guess Gameranger. IP direct-connect games also work.

[FireSoul]

I'm soo glad to see there's still new users coming in to visit from time to time.

-- FS

[ShadowDiver]

See... I told ya' these are a great bunch of guys....and a mountain of information to boot!

when ya get it installed and have 2/3 hours to blow away....fire off an e-mail to me to let me know your ready..
I STRONGLY recomend that you us some form of VoIP (voice over internet protocol) I use all 3 myself - Teamspeas3, Teamspeak2 and Google Talk....

Google Talk is the easyest to start off with, so I would recommend that....please just remember I'm just trying to make this as simple as I can because not to long from now your going to be in the thick of it  .. and trust me it can get as complicated as you want it to be!

your new and so was I at one point, so I have no problem holding your hand thru these first few steps...come play and enjoy. 

[Lono]

This is a good refresh for me as well - thx everybody!

I had to wipe my last install - so I look forward to getting this running again this weekend!

 

[Trasd]

I STRONGLY recomend that you us some form of VoIP (voice over internet protocol) I use all 3 myself - Teamspeas3, Teamspeak2 and Google Talk....

Don't worry, my typing is so bad I wouldn't think of playing a game without it.

Oh, and BTW, I finally got my marines over to the Klingon ship and successfully captured it!  I realize this is no big deal to most of you, but hey, I'm happy about it - it's a major milestone for me.

[Age]

No because I am still new at it compared to these Veterans.They don't give you any breaks on the Dyna even with big boats.

[Nemesis]

No because I am still new at it compared to these Veterans.They don't give you any breaks on the Dyna even with big boats.

Some of us don't use the "Big Boats" so if you have one by choice against my CA/CL/DD/FF you already have a "break". 

[Czar Mohab]

No because I am still new at it compared to these Veterans.They don't give you any breaks on the Dyna even with big boats.

Some of us don't use the "Big Boats" so if you have one by choice against my CA/CL/DD/FF you already have a "break". 

... a break in the hull (they just don't know you did it right yet)!

But in all seriousness:

I don't play on any of the MP servers, have not in ages; when I did MP it was either with close friends on a specific mission, or when "randomly matched" my opponent(s) would quit out of sheer frustration... because of this, and the later Vista/7 issues, I never went back.

Anyway:

When you finally get into SFC 1's single player campaigns, let us know; I've recently been rediscovering those myself. 11+ years ago I considered myself a master of the SP campaigns, and while I sometimes can't find my keys 30 seconds after I set them down, I do remember what to do (or where to find on the internet what to do that I had written 10-11 years ago) for a majority of the SP campaign missions... Like was described before, just let us know where you are stumped and we will try to accomodate you as best as we can.

In SFC 2:EAW and :OP I am less proficient in SP than many others here, but again when you get to a stump point (you will at least once, we all have!) just let us know and we'll walk you through.

10 years ago you made a very wise investment.

And to answer the question on release dates:
SFC1: 31 Jul 99
SFC2:EAW: 20 Dec 00
SFC2:OP: 01 Jul 01
SFC3: 2002

[Roychipoqua_Mace]

When you finally get into SFC 1's single player campaigns, let us know; I've recently been rediscovering those myself. 11+ years ago I considered myself a master of the SP campaigns, and while I sometimes can't find my keys 30 seconds after I set them down, I do remember what to do (or where to find on the internet what to do that I had written 10-11 years ago) for a majority of the SP campaign missions... Like was described before, just let us know where you are stumped and we will try to accomodate you as best as we can.

This makes me want to play SFC1 again. I loved the SP campaign missions so much but never played much beyond the Klink and Romulan ones (as awesome as the SFC1 campaigns are, they can be *tricky*). Do you have a favorite empire campaign for SFC1?

[L0vetobowl]

I was always partial to the Federation campaign. The mission Playing... er, Dancing With Myself was quite tricky.

[Trasd]

Display abnormality - SFC OP with the latest patch (did the same thing before the patch as well):

When I "View Ships" in the "Vessel Library", the ships are centered in the screen, but there are a bunch of icons (weapons, engines, etc.) displayed up and to the left of the ship.  I searched the forums, but didn't find anything on this.

Note: I am playing on an XP Pro 32 bit 1 GB ram machine with an ATI Radeon 9700 with 128 MB ram.  The highest screen resolution I have a choice for is 1280x1024 (the EZini does nothing for me, if I choose the highest setting it offers, the program won't run), I also have to select "Primary Display Driver" to play, if I select my ATI card, the game will not run.

Any ideas?

[L0vetobowl]

They have been there for as long as I can remember. It happens when you have the game at 1280x1024, basically the highest resolution. The funny thing is you can click on them. 

[FireSoul]

Display abnormality - SFC OP with the latest patch (did the same thing before the patch as well):

When I "View Ships" in the "Vessel Library", the ships are centered in the screen, but there are a bunch of icons (weapons, engines, etc.) displayed up and to the left of the ship.  I searched the forums, but didn't find anything on this.

Note: I am playing on an XP Pro 32 bit 1 GB ram machine with an ATI Radeon 9700 with 128 MB ram.  The highest screen resolution I have a choice for is 1280x1024 (the EZini does nothing for me, if I choose the highest setting it offers, the program won't run), I also have to select "Primary Display Driver" to play, if I select my ATI card, the game will not run.

Any ideas?

(neat!)

uh.. no idea. sorry.

[ShadowDiver]

and this my friend is why you need VoiP.. 

really...you should not really go higher than 1024x768 funny things happen........ezINI is important for other reasons as I explained earlier..

[Age]

No because I am still new at it compared to these Veterans.They don't give you any breaks on the Dyna even with big boats.

Some of us don't use the "Big Boats" so if you have one by choice against my CA/CL/DD/FF you already have a "break". 

I know but you know what I mean if I was in the same class of ship as you were like an FF.

[Trasd]

Sorry Shadow,

really...you should not really go higher than 1024x768 funny things happen........ezINI is important for other reasons as I explained earlier..

I thought I read all that you posted - I must have missed that.  I know you said you can hide info from your competition, but I missed the funny-things.

I'm getting better, but it looks like a long road.  At least I'm beginning to employ strategy rather than just firing everything all the time.

[ShadowDiver]

shoot, don't sweat it....NP...

I'm on every night...EVERY night.....Just shoot spider a hello and tell me to get off my arse to play and we'll run you thru the ropes..

Spider-X maintains a constant connection as I used to, to GR so he calls me whenever someone wants to play...

all the single player games are fine, there's nothing bad I can really say about any of them, shoot there's more than enough people around here that can rip them apart for all there faults better then me so that's all I have to say about that..

but I firmly, strongly, abusively believe you need to get on-line and play a few games...the experience, helpfulness, and encouragement of some of us will be more helpful to you in the long run than you can imagine...then you will be able to come back to the SP games and just go to town and clean up...

It has been said many times and in many languages... that playing a live person is more educating and fun then playing an AI..  there is not an AI capable of teaching you, it will only respond to you and do predicable things...but in the long run we can..   

hope to see you soon..

ShadowDiver.

[Trasd]

Shadow,

It's not that I'm avoiding the MP (especially with the help I need), it's finding the time (and patients) to set my system up.  Voice, Ports, etc. - I haven't even looked into it yet.

Then, I have to work around my wife's schedule.  Are you (or Spider) on during the day at all (US time)?

[Age]

I wouldn't worry about as Lan games aren't that great but untill the Dyna is up again on OP it is the best thing going if you use gameranger.Don't be affraid to ask for help around here as you will need it if going against good pilot.

[ShadowDiver]

yes sir....yes sir....

Spider-X is on anytime after 12:00pm and currently so am I...

again like I said....Gameranger is the most user friendly app out there...please see (http://www.dynaverse.net/forum/index.php/topic,163390928.msg1123014765.html#msg1123014765) and read reply #5 and #6....

we, and I mean all of us understand the wife issue    so NP there  .....

also If you do / can find sometime to get voice connected we can walk you thru the steps and in as little as 10 min you will be in a game....and no we are not blood thirsty pilots that are flying crazy for fresh meat and want to kill you....umm...err...not right now at least.. .... we just want to make you comfortable    and show you that  everyone  will be willing to show you the ropes

but really... .......glad to have you here..