Anonymous Steel - Mid February 2015

[Drogo]

I would like more options for diplomatic communication within the game as contact by email really allows kingdoms to coordinate at too great a level in my opinion. It changes the game a bit from skill-based as players who are able to really coordinate (share resources and information and even turns) will have such a great advantage over those who do not. And the problem is it takes a lot of time and energy to coordinate at that level and some players won't be into that so they will be a great disadvantage in my opinion in a full diplomacy game. I think more 'in-game' diplomacy options could be a nice middle ground. No email, phone, texting, snapchatting, vining or tweeting!

[Drogo]

I also have to remind everyone (again) this was ONE game? There may need to be some tweaks needed down the road but we really don't have a great sample size to throw the baby out with the bathwater on the SVC issue.

[HeadHoncho]

I don't see the Underworld, or Sorcerer, or Warlock, or even the Ancient Ones, Demon Princes, or perhaps other kingdoms, winning by controlling 4 regions.  They need another way to proceed.

Imagine a game of Diplomacy with, well, no diplomacy.  Such is Anonymous, in my opinion, to Alamaze.  I am not a great diplomat as a player, and so I guess my personal preference is the middle ground of Magic Anonymous, meaning just coordinating with your two other teammates.  But the game was designed as a full diplomacy game.

These portions are exactly right, IMO.  Rex only basically makes it difficult or impossible for some Kingdoms to win.

As for Diplomacy, it is a great game, and the non-communication variant is called Gunboat.  Which is a fine exercise, but it really does lack the elegance of the full game.  Again, IMO.  It isn't a precise comparison because Alamaze is much more complex and has many more varied options available to each player.

[Drogo]

Has anyone ever done anything with the SO or WA in an Anon game? I am really asking. I think it would be super hard for these kingdoms in Anon with Rex only.

Perfect example of why you need the SVC for some kingdoms.

[Lord Thanatos]

Has anyone ever done anything with the SO or WA in an Anon game?  I am really asking.  I think it would be super hard for these kingdoms in Anon with Rex only.

Perfect example of why you need the SVC for some kingdoms.

I finished an anonymous contest in 2nd as the GN.  JumpingFist won that contest as the WA.

[Drogo]

Good to hear!

[Lord Thanatos]

Good to hear!

Just a quick look at Valhalla discloses that AN, BL, EL, and DW are only kingdoms without a first place finish.

And, for what little it is worth, I have won at least one Warlord contest with AN, EL, and DW . . .

They have all placed on the podium though!

[Airborne Ranger]

I believe there has been only one game that's ended with the new SVC, yes?  I'm certainly willing to give it a chance.

I also think JF was pretty clever and really snuck up on some players (especially me who came in second and I would argue was in a very strong position to finish well) with a SVC condition that allowed him to set up the win without making much noise (he only controlled 1 region).  Meaning some of us in other corners of the map had no idea he was that close to the win.  I think we'll all be more aware in future games.

I will reconsider and join. If the other few who were waiting do the same I think we have a game (12), I do not want to see others waiting too long for a new game, REX will come soon enough, just have to hammer others and win my other games to open up new REX! I'm in.

So now there is a REX game sign up by RyVor for those of us who did not like SVC,,,,,,I feel like a hanging chad. Are those that said they would play this all moving to REX, or are they still in this? I have only 1 spot available for my level, if the originals stay I will also and give this a try.... if this folds then REX it is!

[twhitewolf10]

I believe there has been only one game that's ended with the new SVC, yes?  I'm certainly willing to give it a chance.

I also think JF was pretty clever and really snuck up on some players (especially me who came in second and I would argue was in a very strong position to finish well) with a SVC condition that allowed him to set up the win without making much noise (he only controlled 1 region).  Meaning some of us in other corners of the map had no idea he was that close to the win.  I think we'll all be more aware in future games.

I will reconsider and join. If the other few who were waiting do the same I think we have a game (12), I do not want to see others waiting too long for a new game, REX will come soon enough, just have to hammer others and win my other games to open up new REX! I'm in.

So now there is a REX game sign up by RyVor for those of us who did not like SVC,,,,,,I feel like a hanging chad. Are those that said they would play this all moving to REX, or are they still in this? I have only 1 spot available for my level, if the originals stay I will also and give this a try.... if this folds then REX it is!

 Airborne, I think I am going to stay in this game and give it a try. If it ends quick there is always the next game. but at least I tried it.  Just hope it does not go down like spinach (grin) 

[unclemike]

About SVC, I actually like being able to customize my kingdom in that respect. I think it makes the game more fun than otherwise and I can play the same kingdom several times with different strategies depending upon the SVC that I chose for that game.

However, if people feel that SVC is too easy to accomplish (and ends the game too quickly) then just make the various options tougher to achieve. I wouldn't throw out the SVC concept but just make the conditions tougher so the game lasts longer.

Game 300 was actually the first game that offered the new SVC model and it's still running along (turn 21 is coming up). I don't think anyone is even close to achieving their SVC in that game. Not me and I have the most status points than anyone...