May buy, wondering what MP is like

[TheTrainee]

So I've been out of TW since R:TW, and before I buy E:TW I have a few questions that I would very much appreciate being answered in regard to multiplayer play.

1) I have a nice broadband connection. Even with that, are there lag issues?

2) How deep is the MP game? **most important**
a) When I seriously played M:TW's (the first one) multiplayer I loved how there were thousands of ways to construct a viable army with infinite ways to tweak it and a good # distinct non-lame play styles. Is E:TW similar?
b) In other TW games, there's art, inf, cav, and archery, but here it seems everything is just a variation of ranged combat (minus cav charges and bayonettes). I've looked at the balanceogram and all, but still based on the videos I've seen it seems like a good deal of play is lining up and firing without much variation. Please say there's just as deep strategy play (it's just presented differently) as in previous TW games.

3) Exploitation problems?

4) How easy is it to find games? To find games with someone of a similar skill level?

5) What's the community like? Clan community?

6) How much optimism do you have for patches?

7) Anything else that you think it would help to share with someone who has enjoyed previous TW games.


Thanks!

[Shabby_Ronin]

It's like all the others, with less maps, yet more communicative support via Jack Lusted.

Community is the usual mixed bag of nice guys, good guys, cheaters, lame campers and pretentious knobs.

The gameplay is actually really fun, and once you join a few groups finding a game is not a problem.

Patches have been crap for MP so far, besides what Lusted has been able to do for balance, but he is only one man.

Steam is the most stable servers the series has had, despite what the "dude steam sucks" crowd says, although there is no lobby...whether this is good or bad is up to the individual I suppose.

[BoatsanHoze]

1. Sometimes. Depends if you have a lagger in your game.
2. NOT deep at all (imo). Not enough MAPS and ONLY really one game type.
3. YOU bet. Cheaters and peeps who don't follow the rules. Stats can be hacked.
4. Games are hard to find. There are some though if you have time to wait.
5. I would say the same as any other MP game. There's some cool peeps but there are a lot of idiots out there.
6. VERY LITTLE. They seem to screw up things with each patch and have NOT fixed SIMPLE issues.

7. If you are buying the game for MP I would not purchase this title IMO.

CA does NOT support it's MP community. The game lacks basic fundamental MP features and they have not shown any indication that they are going to support Mp any further except to screw it up even further.

This is the SAME basic crap that they have been putting out with the other titles. Nothing really new. New graphics and units. Naval is new but its poorly done and isnt really fun imo. In some cases they have even went backwards when it comes to game play.

[Shabby_Ronin]

7. If you are buying the game for MP I would not purchase this title IMO.

CA does NOT support it's MP community. The game lacks basic fundamental MP features and they have not shown any indication that they are going to support Mp any further except to screw it up even further.

This is the SAME basic crap that they have been putting out with the other titles. Nothing really new. New graphics and units. Naval is new but its poorly done and isnt really fun imo. In some cases they have even went backwards when it comes to game play.

You're being melodramatic as usual, if your PURE hardcore, then maybe your right. The MP is damn fun if your just looking for some fights.

[Lupu]

1) I have no lag issues, my PC is medicore, the internet too, if it works fine for you, and others lag, the game should run nicely, but with large, very annoying hiccups from time to time.
2) In concept, it's deeper than M2TW and RTW MP, I don't know about earlier games.
a) It has minor unbalances, but unlike M2 and RTW, the system is fine, the rock/paper/scissor system between unit types is too harsh for you to be able to build completely outrageous armies with a chance to win(except if you want to abuse some unbalances(ask around)) also, the unit selection is pretty slim, and no unit class can really win a battle alone except heavy inf, if used right(or well known, unbalanced light inf units).
b) You must not really look at fire duels as ranged combat, it's just a second form of mellee(a problem with current mechanics is that firing is far too effective compared to mellee, so that standing and shooting, not charging is the best way to rout or do damage fast to enemy units) light infantry units are the real ranged combat units of ETW. Other than that' it's difficult to explain, it's different. I'd say campaign is more complex than previous titles, if it wouldn't be for that the AI sucks.(I do not completely agree with that balanceogram)
3) You can exploit: Overpowered units(but they will be fixed), the bouncing of cannonballs(cannons try to hit the place you select them to shoot at, the projectile will bounce further, and do damage whereever it hits, this is very deadly with shrapnel shot)
4) Difficult, most people play in weird ways, I have no Idea where they get it from, but it isn't logical, command stars are not a reliable scource, the best way is to make a good friendlist.

5) The community is good and welcoming, not more to say. I have not been very active in the clan community lately, so I can't tell.

6) ?????

7) It's a fun game, it was worth it for me, just that CA is pushing out DLC you have to pay for to complete the game(A lot of the new unique units do fill up already existing positions, and make factions what they should have been in the first place).

[Yojimbo]

Its alot of fun in acul gameplay but it needs more of everything: more maps a lobby and penalities to people who pull the plug. i only play with people i know until ca does something about plug pullers. The game itself is fun and tactical.

[blonkers1234]

Its alot of fun in acul gameplay but it needs more of everything: more maps a lobby and penalities to people who pull the plug. i only play with people i know until ca does something about plug pullers. The game itself is fun and tactical.

but thenn honest people who get desynchs and such would be penalized for something not there fault

[dmcheatw]

if u get it for 30 USD or less, i'd say buy. it has finally been patched to "completed" status IMO. that said, the game is still TW. what does this mean u ask? buggy, poor siege battles, stupid AI (the latter two can be avoided by playing 1 v 1 land battles). Unit variety seems less varied than in the rome world.

if u switch download regions, it is pretty easy to find a game, impossible to find a partner for a game, and impossible to find any variety. there are 1 4v4 map, 2 2v2 maps, and about 10 singleplayer maps, 8 of which convey clear advantages to one side or another from the outset (not an exaggeration, and not disputed by anyone either). seriously, making a map is something CA should have learned how to do by now considering how many of these type games they have put out.

ranked system is totally broken and utterly useless either for your internet ego or for judging enemy (and potential ally) skill

yes there are exploit problems but they are not as bad as most FPS these days. (there are no aimbots in etw hehe, but of course glitches remain)

i'm not confident in their dedication to support the MP community. there are no official editing tools, and the latest patch actually inhibits 3rd party multiplayer content. Ca hasn't hosted any torunaments, or offered to mail prizes to the winners of community sponsored events. they have shown no propensity to expand the multiplayer experience with any significant additions or improvements (14 new units that fill the same roles, but look slightly different and have the same stats or slightly different ones is only a minor improvment to MP, and 1/2 of that cost money. a major improvement such as lobby, new game type, fixed rank system, free for alls, almost certainly wont happen unless via the expansion.)

all in all the MP is not team oriented, with a lack of team maps, no gametypes to encourage cooperative play (capture the flag for instance), and a lack of communication features such as pregame team chat.

all in all the game is good, but WILL get stale if u buy it for MP. and of course if u are a good TW player then the vanilla campaign and battle AI will suck in SP as well

[senor_paul]

1) I have a nice broadband connection. Even with that, are there lag issues?

It sounds unlikely your setup will cause lag. There are some issues with lag from other players. A lot of 4v4 games tend to be unplayable due to one or more persons with lag issues.

2) How deep is the MP game? **most important**

a) Although I have a 'default' army setup, I'm constantly evolving it. Every faction has strengths/weaknesses which different players use in different ways. There really isn't a 'killer' set up that will defeat all others. The only issue is that a lot of the maps seem to be set up to encourage camping.

b) Well, 18th Century warfare was all about ranged shooting so there's naturally a strong emphasis on it. Having said that, its not all about just lining up and shooting. Tactics such as flanking, feint attacks, good use of terrain and tactical withdrawals all have their place in a winning strategy.

3) Exploitation problems?

I've not seen any evidence of unit stat hacking although there are always rumours. Exploits such as camping and spamming a single unit type do exist although competent players with a balanced army shouldn't find tactics such as these to be too much of a problem. I would suggest avoiding games where all artillery has been banned as these tend to be the domain of the camper/rifle spammers.

4) How easy is it to find games? To find games with someone of a similar skill level?

There are not a huge number of games out there. There's almost always some games open but you may have to wait 5/10mins for a game of the type you want to play. Finding people with similar skill levels is quite difficult. The only way to do this is to friend good players, the 'star' rating system is completely broken.

5) What's the community like? Clan community?

Personally, I would say the community is small but friendly as it usually is with any strategy game. There seem to be quite a few active and recruiting clans.

6) How much optimism do you have for patches?

Well, any fan will feel their favourite game needs *just one more patch*. The game was very buggy on initial release but 3 major patches so far have fixed a lot of the problems although many more still exist. Most of the problems with multiplayer are sorted though and the guy from CA who deals with unit stat balance (the main issue which can effect multiplayer) is very active on the forums. There is at least one more major patch in the pipeline.

7) Anything else that you think it would help to share with someone who has enjoyed previous TW games.

I think most people would agree that the poor quantity and quality of maps is the main issue affecting MP at the moment. Having said that, for me it is not a game breaker and I'm still really enjoying the MP game. Having been playing online since the game came out, I still have games against good opponents who have come up with fresh tactics and with with every victory or defeat there is always something to be learnt.

[FearofNC]

1) I have a nice broadband connection. Even with that, are there lag issues?
about the same as mtw... some games have it some dont... the separated servers tend to make it a bit less though..

2) How deep is the MP game? **most important**
a) When I seriously played M:TW's (the first one) multiplayer I loved how there were thousands of ways to construct a viable army with infinite ways to tweak it and a good # distinct non-lame play styles. Is E:TW similar?

there are not as many army combinations as mtw... but there is plenty of play styles that can win.. you had line up and shoot it out players in mtw just like etw... they win just about as often

b) In other TW games, there's art, inf, cav, and archery, but here it seems everything is just a variation of ranged combat (minus cav charges and bayonettes). I've looked at the balanceogram and all, but still based on the videos I've seen it seems like a good deal of play is lining up and firing without much variation. Please say there's just as deep strategy play (it's just presented differently) as in previous TW games.

no where near as much hand to hand fighting as mtw.. its more of a blend of rtw and stw.. think of rome with the javalin and stw with the uber muskets..

3) Exploitation problems?
thin line toops no longer get the swipe bonus.. but these have been traded for a host of artillery exploits.. which look to be getting resolved in the 4th major patch due sometime soon.

4) How easy is it to find games? To find games with someone of a similar skill level?
easy... if your looking to rejoin the top level of players... most are very familiar with who the competition is and host pw protected invite only games..... previous skill in rtw and mtw will fast tract you to the top in etw.... most of the same battlefield strats still work... if your more of an average player there are thousands of them playing online.

5) What's the community like? Clan community?
limited... and separated by regions.. the days of having clans with players in all time zones are a thing of the past... fear for example can only be found on the usa servers... celti on the euro servers..

6) How much optimism do you have for patches?
automatic patching by steam is a vast improvement.. and 1.3 is far more polished than 1.0... so far were averaging about a patch every 1-2 months... not bad considering the past.

7) Anything else that you think it would help to share with someone who has enjoyed previous TW games.
the lack of multiplayer maps and hosting options will drive you crazy! fix this and empire could possibly be the best in the series since mtw:vi


.....

what name/clan did you play with in mtw/rtw?

[Stymie Jackson]

Make friends in steam with anyone who is fun to play against. Best advice I can give you.

[schnipsy2]

I don't seem to be plagued with all the issues others seem to be. I am still convinced that +75% of problems are people's computers and connections. That said, it is very fun MP especially when you play with someone you know. Even better, someone you know personally. Patches are coming out fairly frequently and IMO addressing prominent issues. Jack Lusted does a great job, but five or six of him would make MP as near to perfect as possible.

[NathanielGreene]

I would say no, this comes from an avid strategy gamers and fan of the TW series. MP is very lacking. The ranking system is no good, no leagues and ladders as promised, very few maps, lot's of cheaters, rule breakers and just some nasty people.

Also been seeing quite a few people still having crashing problems after the last patch, this game has a ways to go before it's finished and I just don't think it'd be worth spending your money on.

[schnipsy2]

I would say no, this comes from an avid strategy gamers and fan of the TW series. MP is very lacking. The ranking system is no good, no leagues and ladders as promised, very few maps, lot's of cheaters, rule breakers and just some nasty people.

I have to agree wholeheartedly here. I forgot to mention the worst part of Multiplayer... the other players

[dmcheatw]

having played the game since literally the minute it came out, and being well versed in the campaign of the series since RTW and the MP scene in ETW, i have serious reservations about senor_paul's post, and possibly schnipsy's first post as well.

the MP scene wont get stronger as the game goes on as it does with truly well done MP games in the immediate years post release, rather it will dwindle. there is no replayability in the multiplayer. you'll see what I'm talking about in time, all of you will. Of all the friends i buddied exclusivly in Empire, I used to look and see 95-99% of them playing ETW, now only 50% are playing etw. Currently, the number of people I see de facto quitting exceedes the number of new faces I see online.

most all the clans that i have been playing with the past 5 months have already seen many of their members go inactive.

pretty sure that schnipsy and senor paul haven't played enough hours yet to realize the repition in the game. (the problem with MP has more to do with map design, and lack of gametypes than with the individuals themselves)

all that said, 1.3 for 30 bucks would be a great value compared to 1.0 for 50-60 bucks (me). if ur spending more than 30, i wouldn't get the game. and don't buy SF either

[Varus12]

Buying ETW is making a bet. If you buy it and CA releases new maps you win, if not you lose.

[Von Kickyourass]

1.3 for 30 bucks would be a great value compared to 1.0 for 50-60 bucks (me). if ur spending more than 30, i wouldn't get the game. and don't buy SF either

I bought it for $96 dollars australian.

[Karlsson87]

To be honest the multiplayer is extremely shallow if you compare to any other strategy game. The game was rushed at release and they are playing catch up while ignoring the main problems that killed the game for any serious gamers.

[blank]

To be honest the multiplayer is extremely shallow if you compare to any other strategy game

I disagree on that. You can't claim that typical RTS games are any more "complex" as far as gameplay is concerned, rather the other way around. Regarding gameplay modes and maps however, ETW is a bottom feeder.

[Shabby_Ronin]

It's really "complex" once everyone hits start, but like you said its pretty sparse on modes and maps.

I buy games all the time, half of them I don't even bother playing for more than an hour and they just sit on a shelf. I at least get some life out of this title. If your short on cash or a younger kid without a job and only buy AAA MP titles you might look elsewhere. It's a good SP game, the MP battles are a blast, but fighting on the same two maps for a 2 vs 2 can get very old very fast.

I'd recommend it, but with the warning it can get old if your desiring tons of variety. The core gameplay is fantastic.