Too bad the AI in Civ4 sucks compared to GalCiv2.

Some stuff around here's almost tempted me to try Civ4, but I can too easily believe this is too true, and when you put it together with the well-known resource hog problems that game has, well, thanks for the memories, Sid...

The "AI cheating" thing might turn out to be my biggest block against stepping up from Tough. I've never had to work so hard to beat a game AI, but I kind of worry about whether my affection might fade once I start letting the AI handicap me.

I got almost sour on MoO2 at the end, once I'd played enough max-diff games to have a good idea just how much that AI was pulling ships out of stinky nether dimensions.

I agree with DethAdder on this. It helps a lot that the AI is just getting straight up bonuses versus free stuff appearing out of nowhere. It's at least predictable and something you can plan around.

I played a fair amount of Civ III. But I was perhaps exaggerating a tad in my scoff of Civ IV. I'll almost certainly play it some in a year or three when the necessary hardware is cheap and the game box is on the discount shelf.

On the other hand, I've almost had to stop looking at screen caps of GCII b/c I fear an impulse hardware buy...

The Metaverse needs more people. period. Even if they dont submit scores doesnt mean they should be kept out of that part of the community. The Metaverse is being utillised for its scores and its empires. Its so much more, and has the potential to being so. Those people who dont submit scores might still be in game veterans that could help out the common noob, or the decent person who gets stuck. Just because you dont post scores doesnt mean you dont have an opinion. So i support anyone joining an empire, or starting there own no matter how much they really play the game, or even post game scores.

There is no secret "hidden" forum or Metaverse comm channel although each empire usually does have it's own web site. So unless you regularly vist these sites there is some level of in-empire conversation that you miss. But definitely the bulk of communication occurs in the GC2 forums for all to read and contribute.

I'm currently trying to set up a representative metaverse council to help increase interest and participation in the metaverse. One of the goals is to make the metaverse more interesting and competitive for those that want to play games other than gigantic suicidal military victories. This would certainly include people whose primary motivation isn't points.

Check out the discussion on the Is anyone else out there thread.

Actually, although I do recommend participation in an empire, there is certainly room and welcome in the metaverse for those that just play for themselves. One of the things I'm trying to ensure in the proposed metaverse council is that unaligned players will be represented as well as those in empire's.

OK, I decided to take a beta break and start my first Metaverse game. I've read CariElf's Metaverse sticky, but I'm guessing that's just the tip of the iceberg & I need some advice on where to read further so I understand how playing a Metaverse game works across GCII sessions.

I played some last night and things seemed "normal" enough except for the odd regular appearance (e.g. whenever I researched a new tech) of a Stardock splash screen.

I shut down the game before bed b/c I was supposed to get up and work this morning. Instead, I started GCII DL and loaded my last save game. I'd done a turn or two before I realized the game hadn't asked permission to hit the net, so I went to the main menu and clicked Metaverse.

That got me connected, but the UI seemed to want me to start a new game. I loaded my last save again and kept on playing a bit. But no splash screens showed when I thought they "should" and the game locked up when I tried to quit.

Some guidance, or even constructive mockery, would be much appreciated.

The only thing you have to do is sign in before and after the game.

Thanks muchly. I hope the new manual includes a phrase like this