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Hello all;
About a year ago I came across a RTS called Neptune's pride- it's a slow RTS set in space, and is quite simply designed. There are only three upgrades (Economy, Industrial (army), Science), and 4 techs: Range, Speed, Weapons, Scanning. You send your orders to your fleets, build up your infrastructure... then wait. This game takes weeks to play fully, since it can take a few days for ships to arrive at their destination. It's set up in a free for all, with between 3 to 12 players can play.
As such, diplomacy is key. Since your range of vision is limited, you can't see everything that's going on, and sometimes have to take things on faith. There can only be one winner, so all alliances and truces are temporary. How long will they last? Will you stab your partner in the back, or will your partner beat you to the punch? Having betrayed someone, or been betrayed, can you realign yourself with them to meet a new threat? More simply, when you agree to trade technology, will your opponent hold up their end of the bargin? (Hint: usually they will, otherwise the person who got screwed is likely to tell everyone that they got screwed............ but if someone is saying that, are they telling the truth?)
It's a simple game. And it can become obsessive.
The game itself:
http://np.ironhelmet.com/
Screenshots (official)
http://np.ironhelmet.com/screenshots?shot=1
A few links to read, of game reviewers playing:
http://www.bit-tech.net/gaming/pc/2010/08/12/the-price-of-neptune-s-pride/1
http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2012/01/02/neptunes-pride-the-complete-epic/
http://www.arcadianrhythms.com/2012/02/across-a-sea-of-stars-neptunes-pride-game-diary-1/
Now, onto the good stuff:
I am considering spending some money to buy one or more premium games, for people who actually want to play. I'm extending this invitation to all liquidians, and if I get enough people interested, I will host a few games. Please:
1) Familiarize yourself with the game, go through the tutorial at least, and know the basics.
2) Know that you want to play - I'm doing this to AVOID people that sign up then never play, resulting in boring, skewed gameplay.
3) If interested, post your name here, along with something along the lines of "I'm interested".
I will most likely be playing this at 2x speed, to get through the first week or so rather quickly. (Usually the first 3-4 days are all exploration and settling in- by doubling the speed, this should only take 1-2 days before the game really starts). I'm also likely to use a large map, for more epic fights.
Is your strategy the best? Are your diplomatic skills up to it? Do you want to be able to post a saga in TL.net the likes of which have never been seen? (I intend to write the entire game up if it goes) If so, sign up now, and show us!
Edit: THE FORUMS ARE OUTSIDE OF THE GAME. DO NOT LIE ON THE FORUMS ABOUT THE GAME.
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Sounds fun! I am on vacation for another day, but when I get home I will give it a whirl. Do you think it will last until July 12? Then I will have to leave my computer for a bit again...
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It won't last that long, since I have speed settings on - also remember, that's assuming you even survive that long!
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Just making sure, because it would seriously suck to be winning or doing well and then have to let someone else take your place for a while.
Also, I hope we don't have to roleplay like I saw in one ofthose reviews. Idk, just never really understood roleplaying.
Looking forward to playing, I've read about these games before but never played them. How
many games have you played?
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I'm interested and just registered an account. It reminds me of Phantom BGH in Brood War.
edit: Can't join. Says I need a premium account. No button whatsoever for the password.
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I have an account there still, I believe.
I however am one of those people that signs up and never plays.  But it's a really slick and fun game.
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Probably a good idea to register here and introduce myself before coming out of no where to jump into your game.
Hi. Been lurking on the site for a good year and have a long history with Blizz games from WC3(I miss the good custom games system from this one ) and D2 into BW and SC2.
Moving on I've got alot of experiance with many long term games such as Europa Universalis 3 multiplayer on the paradox forums, which usual -good- games lasted a good 2-3 months. So barring my computer dieing I hope to commit to this game as it looks really great. I say this to help ease thoughts that I wont be some random noob who'll quit after 3 days after getting bored, or quit after being backstabbed/lossing a battle a first time.
Now to get on topic, I signed up and you should be able to guess which one I am.  I just have a free/limited/basic(whatever they call it) account. 3FFA, I clicked Selkie's link in his second post and was able to put in the password and join his game without any difficulties, it now shows me as in the waiting list. Perhaps if you tried again you would be able to join?
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Joining in because it feels like tribal wars. :D
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Whoo! I'll admit, I got nervous after the first day or so thinking that this thread and game would die on me XD. Good to see it isn't!
I'll roleplay for fun, but it rarely happens. Even then, I usually roleplay when writing up reports, and not actually communicating.
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Hi, I'm a friend of Mayi who's been a long victim of his predations in said long term games. I've also had a half interest in the game since the last time it popped up on TL a little ways back.
Going to be joining with the same name I use here. GL HF.
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Hey, i joined as dendacle. Played a few rounds a few years ago, fun game but gets boring because there just aren't enough decent players
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Wow I haven't played this since the beta many moons ago. I was drawn in by the RPS article you linked 
I may join you in one of your games! Will see how my contracts line up over the coming weeks first.
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Arioch, considering you only need a few minutes a day to play, you should signup!
I am considering force-starting this. It's up to the players, if 5/7 want to force-start, we will.
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Wait until tomorrow at least, that's when I get home and will signup.
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I'd say give it another day too, the hardest part of this is getting the intial couple of players. Maybe a couple more will straggle in as we got a good base.
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I wouldn't mind one bit waiting a couple days if it can potentialy get us up to 10/12 players. Its deffinatly worth it to wait a little while for a more robust player base for a game that should last several weeks.
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We currently have 8 players signed up, with room for 4 more. I'll wait 3 days then launch it (assuming it doesn't launch earlier!)
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I've never played this before but it seems interesting... should I sign up for the TL game or would I just get destroyed?
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Hey, I have never played this game before but I signed up an account to join your game Selkie, going through the tutorial and etc. to prepare myself, just don't kill me too quickly in the game plz =D
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I signed up. I actually played a couple games awhile back but due to other stuff it sort of fell off my radar. For some reason I think it might have been a TL member who introduced me last time as well.
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Kane, this will be my first time playing. I think that a couple of others are first time players as well. The game itself is simple, but the fun and thrill and difficulties seems like it comes from the diplomacy between the people to make up any deals they can imagine, and get the other guy to agree too. If you can quickly understand the mechanincs and make an effort with diplomacy to make some friends you've got as good a shot as anyone to survive.
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Okay, I decided just to signup. That leave 1 more spot I think! Excited to start playing.
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WOW. Given how many people decided to show up so fast, I might open a second game if there's interest expressed.
I *might* start it with 11 people so that the timers aren't at awkward hours.
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Joined up and now the game has started.
My first time playing, GL everyone!
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Dammit I didn't get in
Good luck to all and please do write ups!
If anyone needs to stop playing for a while or just doesn't like the game, please let me take over.
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Killa_robot is KillaRobot - White
Zhang Mayi is Mayi - Cyan
Selkie is Selkie - Red
trainriderJ isTrainrider3 - Pink
3FFA is 3FFA - Green
DrovX is Dendacle - Maroon
KaneDeth is KaneDeth - Brown
Pandepic is Pandepic - Dark Green
KtheZ is KtheZ - yellow
I am looking for who, HaruRH is, and Loving Memory.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/DLkb7.png) ![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/IB8WQ.png)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/Gz5IT.png)
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I still don't get it, is it like a Master of Orion browsergame? (if yes, im so on :D)
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Roughly, yes, greatly simplified. There's no actual field battles, battles are simple math.
Imagine if both sides only had vikings, and just sent them at each other in an a-move manner. It's a bit like that for combat.
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It's like i micro too sadly :/
Anyway, i found more info about this game and will give it a try.
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Just put in my initial orders, looking forward to a fun game!
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More people need to join game2, it's so wonewy Only two of us out of 12
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Maaaaaaaan, best spawn all years. T-T
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I feel so stupid. Even though I got like an 8 hour lead on everyone, it was meaningless since I wasted my starting money on uping my damn home planet. Now even though I'm second for planets, I'm like last in every other comparison.
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Going to read through the tutorial tomorrow evening when I have a free minute, and then sign up for a game if there are still any pending! Looks like good fun with TL!
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There's a game currently open, with "better" settings. I've learned from my mistakes setting up last time.
Here's the current map:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/nSEfs.png)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/yJJij.png)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/VTIH2.png)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/OnfQm.png)
And loving, I almost wish I was in your shoes instead of mine.
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Is there a way to make a circular map with open stars in the middle? I feel like some spawns are way easier than others on our map. I admit my spawn is one of the best/easiest.
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Nope, randomly generated.
There are some maps, but they have settings I can't change.
If you want, I can host one of those.
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Maybe after this first one finishes 
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Yup!
It is now, as someone said, a game of thrones: We are all playing.
One will become king, the rest will die.
Trust NOBODY.
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On June 13 2012 11:24 Selkie wrote:
Yup!
It is now, as someone said, a game of thrones: We are all playing.
One will become king, the rest will die.
Trust NOBODY.
Okay so...
[✔] Do not trust Selkie
Got it!
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Pretty much. Such a shame that I'm right next to him. D:
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............. oh god I quoted littlefingers by mistake.
In all seriousness - that person next to you? You have an agreement to attack black?
yaaaaaa, look out, that fleet that's going to attack black, is, more than half the time, going to invade you the moment he sees your fleets leave, because it's easier to attack someone that has their armies sent into another army than it is to break a defensive line.
Edit: if you all do decide to kill me, please leave me one planet for me to live in "exile", so I can keep updating the thread and take pictures for an eventual write-up
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On June 13 2012 23:05 Selkie wrote:
............. oh god I quoted littlefingers by mistake.
In all seriousness - that person next to you? You have an agreement to attack black?
yaaaaaa, look out, that fleet that's going to attack black, is, more than half the time, going to invade you the moment he sees your fleets leave, because it's easier to attack someone that has their armies sent into another army than it is to break a defensive line.
Edit: if you all do decide to kill me, please leave me one planet for me to live in "exile", so I can keep updating the thread and take pictures for an eventual write-up
All I read from this is "leave me one planet so I can plot my reconquest of the galaxy and strike when all your backs are turned..."
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Yeah this game is awesome, I've been playing for a few weeks now.
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Haha, pan, all you have to do is make sure that the planet has no economy built on it... then I can plot and plan all I like, I can't DO anything.
Like a prisoner in a jail.
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On June 10 2012 00:44 Selkie wrote:http://np.ironhelmet.com/detail?game=37026692 - I have created a game, the password is Liquid . Feel free to join! The first game has launched, the game in the link is a 2nd one, since some people expressed interest that didn't make it into the first. I'll launch this one once we have at least 7 players- 12 is a bit much looking at how things are falling out in the fist game.
Gah, wait for me! I have a game where I have 1 Star left, should be over pretty soon; once it is I won't be at my 3 game limit.
You do get to leave the game when you are eliminated yes?
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On June 14 2012 05:39 CrazyF1r3f0x wrote:Show nested quote +On June 10 2012 00:44 Selkie wrote:http://np.ironhelmet.com/detail?game=37026692 - I have created a game, the password is Liquid . Feel free to join! The first game has launched, the game in the link is a 2nd one, since some people expressed interest that didn't make it into the first. I'll launch this one once we have at least 7 players- 12 is a bit much looking at how things are falling out in the fist game. Gah, wait for me! I have a game where I have 1 Star left, should be over pretty soon; once it is I won't be at my 3 game limit. You do get to leave the game when you are eliminated yes?
It's filling up extremely slowly, feel free to take your time.
Well we have 4 out of 7.. game's been open for a couple of days
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I have a 6 resource planet that's just perfect for an intergalactic prison! :D
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Darn it, I've lost some days due to no internet... Now i have to rush to catch up!
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Haru, in all honesty, I'd just join the 2nd game.
I don't think it's possible for you to catch up since we've been on double speed :S
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Wait what? We still can join the 2nd game? Wouldn't it be playing at a huge disadvantage?
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Just joined the 2nd game. Will be looking forward to it. ;D
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Well then, I would like to join game 2 as well. Selkie, can you send me the pw? ^^
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Joined the second game as well - looks fun
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On June 14 2012 22:34 gTank wrote:
Well then, I would like to join game 2 as well. Selkie, can you send me the pw? ^^
pw = Liquid
joined second game as well with the name Ajunta. So beware, I'm n00b.
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Same here, I am looking forward to it as well
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I'm getting my face rocked off
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I am a noob as well and I mostly play it because of fun ^^
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Haha, there's a 2nd game because some people wanted to join the first game, but it got full.
I'm perfectly able to keep track of multiple games at once, some of the newer players feel that's sort of @_@
(For the record, I'm currently in 5 games - the liquid game, (which I'm not doing well in), a keyholders game, in which I'm allies with 2 other people are we're currently on the warpath (Although, I've just received a "present" of 200 ships... beating the invading force will be interesting >_>), and 3 free games, one I'm dead in, one I'm part of an alliance and doing well, and one that's completely stagnated.
Best part is, 5 minutes a day works for all but the liquid game ^_^
For game 2, I'm force-starting it in 6 hours, give or take
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Damnit Selkie T_T
My I have one star left, and suicided all of my ships, now my opponent just has to move their ships to my Star and I'm out.
Though it might be longer than 6 hours T_T
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You can be in more than one game at once.
I'll wait for you to join fox, then launch
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I'm already in three, and I don't have cash for a premium account.
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I'll look into this. Seems interesting.
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Yes, happy birthday, and THANK YOU for hosting these games. You're a good man, Charlie Brown.
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Haha, thanks, it's my 21st- TO THE BARS! Then drunk starcraft.
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I can't seem to load up the TL game; the two free games that I'm in are working fine, but the TL one just sticks me on an endless loading screen. Any advice?
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So far I'm really enjoying the game, hopefully I won't lose to quickly thanks to my not-so-fortunate starting position.
and btw, happy birthday Selkie!
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Game #3 is up incase there are more people who want to join.
It helps that I've died in game 2 due to vile treachery....!
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? You still look alive to me in game 2. You actually have more ships than navy does.
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I'm not quite so dead anymore. Was sure I was in for it.
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screw this game. I'm already in it so I'll see it through, but screw this game. It doesn't take just 5m a day. You have to be pro-active and seek alliances. You have to stay in tuned with fleet travels, pay times, and production. It's emotionally draining and you got to set alarms to important events so you can attend to them. This is not a casual game. I feel like a prisoner until it's over (and I refuse to just quit). It's an experience that I wouldnt' necessarily call fun.
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Really?
I check it lackadaisically like twice a day--and the first game I finished I placed second.
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On June 17 2012 08:05 hammeronetime wrote:
screw this game. I'm already in it so I'll see it through, but screw this game. It doesn't take just 5m a day. You have to be pro-active and seek alliances. You have to stay in tuned with fleet travels, pay times, and production. It's emotionally draining and you got to set alarms to important events so you can attend to them. This is not a casual game. I feel like a prisoner until it's over (and I refuse to just quit). It's an experience that I wouldnt' necessarily call fun.
... I did mention it could become obsessive.
Try a normal game if this isn't your thing. The settings are sped up because I was afraid some people would see the slow pace of the game and get scared off.
Edit: if you're in game 2 I understand what you mean. I screwed up the settings really hard in that game. I accidentally set the map to tiny, instead of large.
Large game maps are 4x the size of the map we're playing on. It's like a TvT in game 1, while game 2 feels like a zvz where both players went one base all in aggro. Sorry.
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Well I also feel like this game is too time consuming and feel the same kind of stress as I did back in my dark "ogame" days.
It is especially hard since there are timezones between the players.
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I'd prefer a long ass game, where little day-to-day commitment is required.
I played erepublik and what made that game great was the diplomacy and political manuvering. The game required only 2m most days, and longer on election days or battle days. It's just too bad that game never got real traction and is easily exploitable through bots.
I really enjoy this game, it adds the tactical/military aspect with the political/diplomacy aspect. I just feel to play optimally, I need to be awake at 4am (i am in game2) and spend my money to get a jump on my opponents. I also see the need to consitently check (when enemy fleets can get at you in 3 hours), to see what my opponent's fleets movements are.
I really enjoy the game though. It's [strike]fun[/strike]interesting, just demands more attention than I had initially anticipated.
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Again, if you're in the 2nd game, I screwed up the initial settings badly. It's not at all how the game is normally played - I had some settings on to make the early game go a little bit faster (otherwise you spend up to 5 real days to just explore local space) - but then I screwed up and made the map small.
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@_@ and the 1st game has finally erupted into all-out war. Everyone seems to be in an alliance or another, and everyone is on a 2-front war.
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I hate you. I hate you ALL. I get obsessed by these types of games, and I do NOT need this at the moment.
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woo! Joined game 3 of liquids pride.
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Any open games atm? I'm interested in joining one or creating a new one for future players
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@selkie, perhaps you should edit the OP with links to each game.
@hapahauli yup, game 3 should still be open ... don't know the link though
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The link is here. I'm currently considering joining. I've started a free game, and if I like what I see in that I'll join the Liquid one.
http://np.ironhelmet.com/detail?game=37113041
EDIT: I love it. It's very intuitive and easy to learn, and yet within the first hour of gameplay I came up with a strategy to get a jump on my nearby opponents. I've signed up for the Liquid game, which I assume will be a world apart Or a galaxy.
Second edit: I've also arranged a tech trade with my most distant neighbour, since I'm literally as far south as possible and he as far north. I think I'm in good shape. I like this game.
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I've joined game 3 as well. I'm rather new to this game but I'll try my best!
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I'm new too, don't worry. I'm sure a couple of us are, and many of those that aren't will only have a few weeks experience under their belt, which is like, one full game. More if you play several at once though. From what I've gathered, the game itself is very simple and easy to understand, so it's not like you'll be too outmatched in terms of builds. The diplomacy and overall strategy is the meat of the game: In a way, it feels like Neptune's Pride is almost a backdrop to gamify the strategic and diplomatic elements which is what it's about. And you don't need to be experienced at this particular game to do well at those
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It's so simple, in theory... anyone in game 1 can tell you that it's become a mess. There are almost 30 fleets within "my" star system, or immediately near it. I can't keep track of everything at once, I'm forced to say "this is sector 1, this is sector 2, etc", then manage each sector on its own, while keeping the flow of reinforcements to each section... while playing diplomancy games with 4 other people.
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So I'm "eliminated" in game 2, having no stars remaining. How do I get out of it so I can join game 3?
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You can't you have to wait for someone to win the game for it to be considered "completed"
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Wow, that kind of sucks :/ Especially considering how long a game could last. I'm definitely keeping my last slot open. (Mind you, two games is plenty for me. I tend to get kind of obsessed by these games.)
Also, in case some people in the game don't know: Game 3's started. (Yeah, I'm hurting myself here, but I'd rather a more epic game with more participants than maximising my chance of winning)
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I've just signed for new game there! Anyone can tell me how simillar it is to ol' Stars! ? I was looking for this kind of multi player turn based game for ages (I even tried to make website featuring a way to automatize Stars! multiplayer, but it seems noone is playing it anymore).
And, if someone will make new game, count me in;)
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Singed for game 3 as Intact. First game be gentle haha
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Playing my first game and I already love it haha, the intrigue is building fast.
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Playing this game further, I really do appreciate it's genius. The game is literally just complicated enough to provide you with meaningful decisions on where to allocate your resources, and provide you with a forum with which to add diplomacy. Naturally, these two work well together, since one affects the other. This is also AWESOME for beginners. If we were playing, say, Master of Orion or Civilisation, I'd fall behind really quickly just from sucking at the game. In Neptune's Pride, I can make reasonable decisions: As a Starcraft player, I already know 75% of what I need to know in terms of strategy, leaving me free to compete in the diplomatic portions of the game.
EDIT: That being said, I've already figured out ways to improve my strategy next game, so it's not like it's a no-brainer. Experienced players will have an advantage. It's just: No Bronze, no matter how skilled diplomatically, can win an FFA with a bunch of Platinums. In Neptune's Pride, he can. It's just harder.
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It's official. After 2-3 days of playing the Liquid game, I can no longer bear the slow pace of the other game. I love the Liquid game though! And I'm not just saying that because I'm winning. I just can't stand the "Oh hey, now almost nothing happens for like, two days" situation I'm in in the free game. I plotted, executed, and won a full-scale WAR in two Liquid-game days, dammit! This is a great pace, though the game does encourage me to stay up too late. "But if I wait 45 more minutes, I can resend this fleet over there!"
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I enjoy the slower paced ones, just because I can lackadaisically check back in twice a day; no pressure or anything.
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Different strokes for different folks I guess. I can understand why people with less free time, or less time they want to devote, would enjoy a pace where checking in twice a day is plenty. Me, I have a lot more time to devote to the game, so I prefer a faster pace.
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On June 19 2012 05:04 Selkie wrote:
It's so simple, in theory... anyone in game 1 can tell you that it's become a mess. There are almost 30 fleets within "my" star system, or immediately near it. I can't keep track of everything at once, I'm forced to say "this is sector 1, this is sector 2, etc", then manage each sector on its own, while keeping the flow of reinforcements to each section... while playing diplomancy games with 4 other people.
You never really did all the updates you said you would. Do you have your write up ready for when the game ends?
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I have most of it. At this point I'm waiting to see who wins
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On June 24 2012 02:50 Selkie wrote:
I have most of it. At this point I'm waiting to see who wins
I'm winning in the next 10 minutes, so feel free to post it lol.
EDIT:
+ Show Spoiler +
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YES I out lived Selkie and Mayi =D Victory is mine.
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Game Over
Game 37026692: Liquids Pride 2 is over.
Congratulations to everybody who participated and thanks for playing Neptune's Pride. Sign up for a new game now!
First Place
Amornthep
Victory!
Second Place
Ajunta
Second Place.
Third Place
SteelNutz
Third Place.
so ... what now ? Where's game 4 ?
P.S. yes ..I'm Ajunta, from near defeat (hi phyre ) I managed to crawl to a second place .. ohhh yeah!
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Game 3 is such a pain. T_T
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On June 25 2012 05:35 locJ wrote:Game Over Game 37026692: Liquids Pride 2 is over. Congratulations to everybody who participated and thanks for playing Neptune's Pride. Sign up for a new game now! First Place Amornthep Victory! Second Place Ajunta Second Place. Third Place SteelNutz Third Place. so ... what now ? Where's game 4 ? P.S. yes ..I'm Ajunta, from near defeat (hi phyre ) I managed to crawl to a second place .. ohhh yeah!
...sigh. I should have won that game. If I hadn't ragequitted near the end I might have been able to salvage a victory.
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I can't believe my alliance held. :D Especially considering I was so useless later on.
Anyways, can't wait for game 4. :D
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On June 25 2012 11:59 Loving Memory wrote:
I can't believe my alliance held. :D Especially considering I was so useless later on.
Anyways, can't wait for game 4. :D
You were a good buffer between me and teal/red, you gave me free stuff, and in the end there really wasn't a need to betray you in order to win, so I didn't lol.
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Am I already late for sign ups? If not, please tell me how I can find this game. I have no idea where to search, I can only see normal free ones.
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We don't have a game in signup stage at the moment, but one just ended, and I'm about to win the other one in about an hour bar some divine intervention, so watch this space!
EDIT: Game 3's done. Maybe you should PM Selkie to see if he/she is setting up another one if you'd like to know.
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Bump!
I'm all into it;) Thanks;)
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Are people still playing this game? I'd like to get in a game or two if you all still are.
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I just got into a game, but waiting for players. Never played this!
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At the moment there is premium game posted for everyone (free, you just need account). At the moment it's half full, so if anyone is interested in playing, feel free to join (but please, don't stop playing after two days). I don't know anyone signed, but most of them have at least one win on account, so we can expect some serious epickness there;)
Link to signups (alternatively you can find it on the bottom of all avaible games, name is "The Game"):
http://np.ironhelmet.com/detail?game=44349921
Gods speed!
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EPT![[image loading]](http://s18.postimage.org/46kxwkqk8/Game_Over.jpg)
