Why the MV League is an interesting alternative to the MV.

Bravo! This might actually spread the name. Well done, my friend.

As for adding my reason for liking the MVL(this is just one among others):

Different style of play:
We've never once gotten the settings that we would usually play in. So, basically, it challenges you to play an unfimiliar setup and all the while compete with other players in performance on that particular setting. In fact, here you can challenge the all time #1 champion of the Metaverse: Mumblefratz(also a great benefactor to the league and the rulekeeper).

-Fire
Vice Comissioner
Senior member, Hitchhiker Empire.
#12 at the Altmeta.

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HAHA you bet, and unfortunately, the top MV player went down in a ball of flames. Sorry Mumble, Oh I'm gonna get it now. Vengence will be his.

Well written Neilo.

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good stuff from our intrepid commissioner!

i hope it's not stepping out of bounds if i add a few points not covered.

the Metaverse League ("MVL") is really about more than just playing GC2. there are some features neilo didn't touch on that i think are remarkable.

the MVL is about commaradarie. i wouldn't normally call people i meet on the internet, whose faces i've never see, friends. but i'd call my fellow MV-leaguers friends. teams throw insults at each other, but it's all in good fun. everyone gets to boast because everyone has something to be proud of. even though each round has its winning team and shinning games, i think the only losers are the ones who walk away from the league for good. completing a game on mostly random settings, with goals in mind that might not line up to a high metaverse score, is a challenge, and everyone in the league seems to recognize that. we congratulate all our players, and while there's a fair amount of friendly competition between teams, it's always more friendly than competative.

the MVL can teach you a lot about GC2. when you join an empire, you might start learning some "in house secrets" from that league's more prestigious players. in the MVL, you might find yourself playing alongside a teammate from a rival empire. you might learn a few tricks you wouldn't get if you just stick to that empire. you'll also definately play games that you'd never play otherwise. the greatest enhancement to my ability to play GC2 has come from the MVL. becuase i'm not facing the same challenge constantly, i've learned the game better than i would have. i play alongside players from all the most successful empires. i trade strategies with my team mates, and they trade back. and i think those are skills i can turn around and use on those gigantic (and now immense), all-abundant suicidal games--not that i play on suicidal much, but now that i'm learning so much, it doesn't feel so far off.

the MVL is democratic. while we might not re-invent our proverbial wheel every time a new player enters our ranks, we encourage discussion and input from all players when we make changes. it can indeed be tedious, but those are useful skills to have (...get ready for it...) for life in general. as shocking as it is, yes, this is another example of a way a video game can help you succeed in life. but that's not a big selling point. the real issue here is that you're not at the arbitrary whims of a set of developers who decided "this constitutes the most most important factor in winning." you can help make the rules in the MVL, and that's a really rewarding feeling (win or lose).

finally, you can decide how committed you will be to the MVL. if you're kind of curious and think you'd like to try a round, you're welcome to do so. if you find yourself in a period of time that won't allow you to play much GC2, that's fine! all we ask is that you remain in communication with your team, and we'll deal. some MV leaguers play several games in a round and select the best one as their official submission. many MV leaguers sit a round out here or there. the only reason to play is enjoyment of GC2 and all the variety the game can present, and the only things at stake in the MVL are bragging rights and your own potential desire to become a better player.

haunt our forums if you're still not sure. we won't hold it againt you. some of us chat up a storm, and others only stop in here and there, to post their games and check in. you don't even have to wait for a new round to start! we'll be happy to accept you mid-round, and the only truly bad time to start is in the last couple days of a round (and that's really only for your own benefit as much as anything).

so, i hope my own small contributions can help round out the picture of the MVL that neilo painted in his original post. we're a fun lot, and we'd love to have more players. after all, we've only got five teams, A through E, and there are still 21 letters left to go in the alphabet

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good stuff from our intrepid commissioner!

i hope it's not stepping out of bounds if i add a few points not covered.

the Metaverse League ("MVL") is really about more than just playing GC2. there are some features neilo didn't touch on that i think are remarkable.

the MVL is about commaradarie. i wouldn't normally call people i meet on the internet, whose faces i've never see, friends. but i'd call my fellow MV-leaguers friends. teams throw insults at each other, but it's all in good fun. everyone gets to boast because everyone has something to be proud of. even though each round has its winning team and shinning games, i think the only losers are the ones who walk away from the league for good. completing a game on mostly random settings, with goals in mind that might not line up to a high metaverse score, is a challenge, and everyone in the league seems to recognize that. we congratulate all our players, and while there's a fair amount of friendly competition between teams, it's always more friendly than competative.

the MVL can teach you a lot about GC2. when you join an empire, you might start learning some "in house secrets" from that league's more prestigious players. in the MVL, you might find yourself playing alongside a teammate from a rival empire. you might learn a few tricks you wouldn't get if you just stick to that empire. you'll also definately play games that you'd never play otherwise. the greatest enhancement to my ability to play GC2 has come from the MVL. becuase i'm not facing the same challenge constantly, i've learned the game better than i would have. i play alongside players from all the most successful empires. i trade strategies with my team mates, and they trade back. and i think those are skills i can turn around and use on those gigantic (and now immense), all-abundant suicidal games--not that i play on suicidal much, but now that i'm learning so much, it doesn't feel so far off.

the MVL is democratic. while we might not re-invent our proverbial wheel every time a new player enters our ranks, we encourage discussion and input from all players when we make changes. it can indeed be tedious, but those are useful skills to have (...get ready for it...) for life in general. as shocking as it is, yes, this is another example of a way a video game can help you succeed in life. but that's not a big selling point. the real issue here is that you're not at the arbitrary whims of a set of developers who decided "this constitutes the most most important factor in winning." you can help make the rules in the MVL, and that's a really rewarding feeling (win or lose).

finally, you can decide how committed you will be to the MVL. if you're kind of curious and think you'd like to try a round, you're welcome to do so. if you find yourself in a period of time that won't allow you to play much GC2, that's fine! all we ask is that you remain in communication with your team, and we'll deal. some MV leaguers play several games in a round and select the best one as their official submission. many MV leaguers sit a round out here or there. the only reason to play is enjoyment of GC2 and all the variety the game can present, and the only things at stake in the MVL are bragging rights and your own potential desire to become a better player.

haunt our forums if you're still not sure. we won't hold it againt you. some of us chat up a storm, and others only stop in here and there, to post their games and check in. you don't even have to wait for a new round to start! we'll be happy to accept you mid-round, and the only truly bad time to start is in the last couple days of a round (and that's really only for your own benefit as much as anything).

so, i hope my own small contributions can help round out the picture of the MVL that neilo painted in his original post. we're a fun lot, and we'd love to have more players. after all, we've only got five teams, A through E, and there are still 21 letters left to go in the alphabet

Well said, Dystopic.

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I'm a MVLer. I've played that last 2 rounds and it's been a blast. You certainly do pick up a lot of tips. This last round I felt the need to step up my game. With the help of my teammates I managed to get a suicidal victory. I tip my hat to Dystopic and FireBender. The MVL has certainly helped me really learn the game and step up my level of play.

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The MVL is the reason I play Metaverse games since I personally tend to like to create stories with my games so most of my sandbox games are heavily modded. The biggest selling point to me IS the camaraderie by far, it is definitely a group of amazing individuals.

I usually tell people that the most basic goals of the Metaverse League are 1) TO HAVE FUN! 2) to improve a player's gaming ability 3) TO HAVE FUN 4) to challenge a player into trying out new ideas, tactics, and styles 5) TO HAVE FUN 6) To play outside one's comfort zone and 7) to have FUN of course!!!

I've played the last two rounds, I've been on the winning team, and I've been on the losing team, but in both cases I had a heck of a good time.

The best advice I can give to those that are curious about the MVL is just ASK questions, we will be glad to include you.

It really is a fun way to play Galactic Civilizations (and for the record, to new players that are wondering, we include set up for both DL and DA, and TA once it comes out; so there is no need to feel like you have to play a certain version of the game to compete)

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Mumblefratz

Join Date 07/2006

+139

Good points all.

Although I wouldn't say that the MVL is an alternative to the MV, to me it's more of an extension of the metaverse.

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agreed, though Neilo did tell me he was pretty much asleep when he wrote this

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*applauds*

Congrats on an excellent start to the season guys, and on another excellent thread

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and on another excellent thread

now on to hurling insults!

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MottiKhan

Join Date 04/2007

+152

Well said, all.

Another aspect of the MVL that appeals to me is the real threat of a lost/incomplete game or incorrect win, which the last round hammered home nicely. It puts a different spin on the game and raises the challenge.

As far as hurling insults goes, I think we've moved beyond that. It's a simple matter of predetermination that all will bow down to Team E in this next round. (That is, unless PlayJeff has any more bribes to offer. That Rye Whiskey he found for round 4 is gone and I might need a refill. Same address.

)

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Well said, all.

Another aspect of the MVL that appeals to me is the real threat of a lost/incomplete game or incorrect win, which the last round hammered home nicely. It puts a different spin on the game and raises the challenge.

As far as hurling insults goes, I think we've moved beyond that. It's a simple matter of predetermination that all will bow down to Team E in this next round. (That is, unless PlayJeff has any more bribes to offer. That Rye Whiskey he found for round 4 is gone and I might need a refill. Same address.

)

I guess Mumble got his as well

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Our most recent round for instance, Metaverse League Round 4 had one very interesting outcome along these very lines that prompted me to write this. Notwithstanding being a really fun and rewarding round, the team with the highest score, did not win!!

In fact, the team with the lowest average score took the win for Round 4. We discussed, strategized, and worked together as a team to devise a new path to victory. Our diabolical cunning trumped the brute strength of mega-scores, and the Domination of Death sits at the top of the league...for now.

The MVL is definitely an interesting and fun alternative to the Metaverse rankings.

Sentient species taste better...

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Neilo

Join Date 04/2006

+128

Good points all.

Although I wouldn't say that the MVL is an alternative to the MV, to me it's more of an extension of the metaverse.

Indeed, and Kzinti just put it a little better, Alternative Metaverse rankings, describes my thoughts a little better.

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Taken from the current MVL Round 5 thread

Reply • Quote
(Diplomat)Iztok Bitenc
December 13, 2007 05:15:19
Reply #76
Hi!
We are after an Influence Victory in a Tiny Galaxy with 4 Opponents.

Settings are,
Habitable planets - Abundant
...
Allow Surrenders

Some random thoughts.

Pitty the "judge/jury" can't create a game, post it on the net, and let others battle it out. Or maybe he coud? But then he'd need to manually check each of those 20+ finished games. Too much of work?

Why there's no difficulty level specified? When the prime source of points is a victory/defeat type, then playing suicidal doesn't make sense. Why don't you assign more points for the difficulty: like 1 for maso, 2 for obscene, 3 for suicidal (-1 for cakewalk?)

There's no scores for game version. To my experience DA is significantly harder than DL. You may consider giving some revard for winning a DA game.

Winning with some races is significantly easier than with others. Maybe add a rule no race can be used twice in a team, or a revard for playing "underdogs" like Iconian.

BR, Iztok
[Fleet Captain] [5 Game Winner] [20 Game Winner] [Thalan] [Over 15 Battles] [Chaotic Evil] [Masochistic]

We've had already many responses that answer Iztok's questions and ruminations. But I thought this thread may be a good place to add something to that.

Mumblefratz said it when he responded that we didn't want to be an "experts" only club. I've always kinda looked at the MVL as a neighborhood game of baseball, we're not the pros or anything, just a random group of people that are having fun together for the love of a game.

I want the MVL to be there and a completely new person to the game to come in, and say "hey, this looks like it could be fun" and join in; and not have them intimidated by feeling they can't accomplish or compete with the others.

And I'm glad that we give out rewards for various accomplishments. I know that while I can manage ok scores in my games I can't compete, score-wise, with some of the other players. I can however win my games very fast and still manage to get a good score.

I like how we make people think outside the box so to speak; its not all about conquest on these gigantic maps to see who can get the highest score. Its more nuanced, score is a part of it but just having high scores will not guarantee you or your team a win; actually in the last round the team with the LOWEST average score actually took first place.

I really really suggest that anyone that is even thinking or has thought about trying out a MVL game to stop by and do it. Talk to us, let us know what your thinking, that maybe the MVL is or isn't for you so you just want to try it out for one round; and hey, thats cool, we can work something out for you.

We are extremely lucky to have individuals that are very knowledgeable and helpful, and also considerate, honorable, and open to new things.

I guess all I can say, again, is that anyone that's ever thought about trying out one of our League games to just stop by, drop us a note, and get in for the action; EVEN if its only for that one round. We are here not only for our own enjoyment but to give others another possibly way to enjoy an already very enjoyable game.

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Pitty the "judge/jury" can't create a game, post it on the net, and let others battle it out. Or maybe he coud? But then he'd need to manually check each of those 20+ finished games. Too much of work?

you know, i think some of this is going to be made possible in TA without manual checking. i don't have a link handy, and i'm heading out the door right after i shave (really, i swear, i'm going). will check back tomorrow.

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Why the MV League is an interesting alternative to the MV.

Why the MV League is an interesting alternative to the MV.

And it's high score big, long games...