So I was gonna play SINS online...

from Sins Forums

Because it seemed like a really good idea. Days long single player games were getting old and I need a bit of a challenge. I actually came to the forums to find out of there was some way I could get the CD key off my computer (to save me having to search for the box) and I find this:

"The technical issues killed online?  Trinity killed online because new players can't see Entrenchment games?  They didn't help, but if the community is awesome people will put up with bugs and imbalance.  ICO is dying because new players take one look at the community and want no part of it.  Deny it all you want, but ICO didn't have a large base even when the minidumps didn't occur every other game."

Amoung stuff about "flavor of the month imba" and "7 smurf accounts." I don't think my problem with what I was reading wasnt the issues, but that everyone seemed so negative.

So... Anyone got anything positive to say about ICO? ^^

multiplayer
4,763 views 3 replies
Reply #1 from Sins Forums Top

Sure, Play with a group of people you kinda know. The Distant Stars mod has had some get togethers on ICO and its been really enjoyable.

There are a few MP topics that are promotings online get togethers and groups. I say that your best bet. :)

Reply #2 from Sins Forums Top

Online is always more fun for me personally because its more challenging.  The AI is stupid and predictable.  Online definitely has its problems but it is better than playing against an AI.  Minidumps have improved significantly.  There are balance issues and you are going to have some griefers and smurfs but it isn't quite as bad as it was before.  The lobby split problem is still there.  You may have to wait a little while to get a game because numbers have dropped since diplomacy.  If you like the game, it is worth a shot and if you don't like it then all you have lost is a little of your time.  Be prepared to lose a few games before you get good enough to stand your ground.

 

[_]-Greyfox

Multiplicity - Control multiple PCs using one keyboard and mouse
Reply #3 from Sins Forums Top

Naxil,

You bought the game, so you owe it to yourself to log on and find out what's going on, first-hand.

I agree with Greyfox that this game is much better in online multiplayer against real human opponents who are capable of strategy.  The AI is retarded in comparison to the kind of strategic challenge that a human opponent presents.

Most of the technical issues seem to have been solved, especially with the last patch.  You shouldn't let whatever problems remain get in the way of your enjoying this great game.

The biggest problem is that the player counts are low.  The game was doing alright back in December and early January, but after Dipomacy came out, the player counts dropped precipitously.  It may be that Diplomacy split up the community, making it harder to find games, creating a vicious circle.  I highly doubt that smurfing is what chased the experienced players away; it doesn't make any logical sense.  Rather, I think it was the splitting of the pro community caused by the expansion.  The good news for new players is that the exodus of many of the pros increases the ratio of new players to experienced players.