Help with PBEM

[Turbogoat]

I need someone to type out blow by blow directions on how to play PBEM with NCP. The game directions leave many holes and questions.

[Heldenkaiser]

It's really quite simple once you get used to the thought that in "we go" all the files need to be on the host computer in order to run the turn properly.

There are four relevant files in the subfolder for the game: Two .trn (turn) files and two .ord (order) files. One each for each side. I don't have the game here, but I believe they have an "F" for French and a "C" for coalition in the name.

When you first create a new game, you give it a name, the software automatically creates a subfolder in "Saves" that has this name, and then creates a .trn file for each side.

You as the host have all the files you need to do your turn. So you give your orders, and save, thus creating an .ord file for your side.

Your opponent however needs the .trn file for his side to have the proper information and give his orders. So that is what you send to him.

Your opponent can then open the game and give his orders. He saves the file and thus creates an .ord file for his side. This file he returns to you. You save (or unzip) that file into the proper subfolder in "Saves".

Once you have both .ord files in there, you can open the game and resolve the turn ("next turn", I think the button is called). The action takes place, and again, two .trn files are created, one for each side. You send your opponent the one for his side, he returns an .ord file for his side, repeat.

Short version:
1. Host creates game.
2. Host sends .trn file for opponent side to opponent.
3. Opponent sends .ord file for opponent side to host.
4. Host resolves turn.
5. Repeat from step 2.

Questions?

[Turbogoat]

The directions help re-inforce what I understood to be the process...and I was successful...however this email process is so confusing that the game designers need to provide much more detailed instructions and better signage in the game in regards to file naming and such.

[Heldenkaiser]

Glad you could figure it out.

I think the game already provides significant help compared to other PBEM games. For instance I do like the automatic backup / cleanup of the subfolder after a turn is run.

I believe an obstacle to more automatic functions is that the game basically does not differentiate between PBEM and solo play. The setup is quite the same. The turn resolution uses whatever opponent .ord file it gets - whether it's provided by the opponent or by the AI does not matter. Actually this is quite simple and elegant IMHO.

I do suppose that the game software could say "if this is a PBEM, do now send the <filename>.trn file to your opponent". But since this is actually all there is to it, from the host side, I am not sure this would be much help?

For the opponent (non-host), it could probably say after each saving "if your orders are complete, send the <filename>.ord file to the host". But that would probably get annoying soon ...

So in fact I am unsure how additional help could look like. But I am certain that, if you have a particular suggestion, the designers would consider it.

[Turbogoat]

I appreciate your help and your suggestions on the dialog are exactly what I was thinking...they need to do some more hand-holding...

I was able to accomplish a few turns...this game needs to cut down on the trial and error...and you are right it goes smoothly afterwards...

[Turbogoat]

I appreciate your assistance, I was in the process of writing a review for this game and assessing the multiplayer aspects was part of it. You can read what my take on the game here.

http://generationgamerz.com/v2/game-reviews/napoleans-campaigns-battles-to-a-draw-review.php

[bbriley]

I appreciate your assistance, I was in the process of writing a review for this game and assessing the multiplayer aspects was part of it. You can read what my take on the game here.

http://generationgamerz.com/v2/game-reviews/napoleans-campaigns-battles-to-a-draw-review.php

I thought your review was excellent and fair (albeit giving a lower rating than I might have). I do wish to point out to you, however, that the game manual (.pdf file, which I have had printed and bound at a copy shop) has been available for download on the site for months. At the same time, I agree that the description for pbem play in the manual is a bit confusing and I think may have errors (I am still checking that out). Heldenkaiser's concise description is, I think, clearer - but it, too, needs fleshing out. For example, when the host of the game sends the .trn file for the opponent to him, does the opponent unzip it into the main saves folder or a pbem game subfolder? When "load game" is used by the opponent the first time, I don't think the game can "look" into a separate subfolder the first time he plays his move. I will post more on that here in another day, after I find out how my friend did with the first .trn file I sent to him.

[Heldenkaiser]

That's correct, for my understanding the opponent needs to create a subfolder with the exact file name. At least I did, the only time I didn't host.

[bbriley]

That's correct, for my understanding the opponent needs to create a subfolder with the exact file name. At least I did, the only time I didn't host.

To go back to an earlier posting:
I need someone to type out blow by blow directions on how to play PBEM with NCP. The game directions leave many holes and questions.

Dale Henken and I are, for the first time, starting a PBEM match in NCP 1.03c. I believe your posting about the process is a little clearer than the one in the manual (which implies that the save by the host is done and the .trn file of the opponent is sent to him (her...) before the host issues his orders and does another save. However, even if only judging by the flurry of postings on this topic, I believe the PBEM writeup still needs to be improved if we are to attract people to use the game for PBEM matches. I plan to work on this, unless Pocus or someone would prefer that I not do it. Anything we can do to make the game more user-friendly would be, I think, worth doing.

Thanks for your input so far, "Former commander of L'Ecole de Mars," Marechal Walter.

[Heldenkaiser]

Anything we can do to make the game more user-friendly would be, I think, worth doing.

Hear hear! I agree completely. PBEM is where these games shine, and it should be as easy as possible to get into it, to avoid frustration.

[bbriley]

I am starting a revision of the PBEM rules for your consideration, before I forward it to Pocus for review. I am working from the latest Instruction Manual (Version 6.2 for NCP 1.03). [color="red"]Right now, I am looking at the basic sequence only[/color] (not fully entering the text of each step yet). My goal in all this is to make it easier for new players to quickly learn the PBEM sequence without being confused by it.

2.5 Play By Email (PBEM) (starting on page 10 of the manual)

2.5.1 The host creates a game

This describes the host choosing a campaign or scenario, choosing a side and opening it, then saving it in a name of his choice - but not ending the turn.

The manual then jumps to this topic:
2.5.2. Host Sends TRN file to Opponent

[color="Red"]In contrast to the latter[/color], I propose that the opening and saving of the new game by the host also include the host issuing his (her?) orders (after the initial save which establishes the game's saved title) before saving the game and exiting.

The sections would then be titled:

2.5.1 The host creates the game and saves it, naming the saved game.

2.5.2 The host issues his own orders and again saves the game, then exits.

2.5.3 The host sends the opponent's TRN file to him as an email attachment.

2.5.4 The opponent saves his incoming TRN file (attachment) and then opens the game.

I have not played as the "opponent" yet, but must ask a question here: [color="red"]If the opponent creates a subfolder of his own name choice under the main Saves folder (as the existing game manual proposes), will the opponent's "Load game" window allow him to find this TRN file in that newly-created subfolder?[/color]

2.5.5 The opponent issues his orders, saves the game and exits, then sends his ORD file to the host (as an attachment, as usual).

2.5.6 The host adds the opponent's ORD file to the game subfolder, ends the turn (whereupon the game engine resolves the turn's outcome), then issues any new orders and saves the game and exits.

2.5.7 The host sends the opponent's TRN file to him (continuing the sequence just as in 2.5.3).

**************

I will be adding the necessary narrative under the above headers but does that sequence of headers make it easier for a new player to quickly learn the sequence? What do you think?

Thank you for any feedback.

BobR