Solo or MP?

[jomni]

Depends on the game.

Wargames = MP.  Outsmarting people is more satisfying than outsmarting AI.  But the game should be short.
Wargames that take a long time to finish = solo
Action / Shooters = MP.  These games become really scripted when playing solo.
Simulation = Solo.  I do not want some random people spoiling the simulation world because of their inconsiderate behavior.
RPG = I don't play.

[MetalDog]

I have to say, I am surprised at the responses.  While it's true, I love to win and play games for just such a reason, I would never think of cheating or doing something hinky to gain the upper hand.  And if playing a game is what you enjoy, then why play for any reason other than to win?  Try different strategies?  Absolutely!  But that doesn't preclude winning.  To leisurely while away some time?  Sure.  Games can be relaxing and enjoyable, but they all have rules and some sort of endgame that could be considered winning.  So why not try to win?  And a drive to win doesn't automatically make you a hard driving alpha or an insufferable a-hole who has to tell you how bad you lost. 

It's joy of playing and competing against like minded people that brings me to these games.  A desire to show your knowledge and acumen in knowing the rules of the game, and warfare, to achieve your objective(s) and come out the winner.  And as good friends will often do, razz each other for unfavorable outcomes or boneheaded ploys that didn't work.

So, while I see all of your reasons for enjoying solo over mp, I guess I don't understand why it's preferable to play solo rather than against an opponent.  Anybody else feeling me?

[Silent Disapproval Robot]

I feel like you're trying to win this thread.

[Grim.Reaper]

I feel like you're trying to win this thread.

I was going to say the same:)  Either way, I think it is fine that some folks enjoy MP while others do not.  That is why all the good games have both modes:)  I don't see my viewpoint ever changing, just in my blood to play only single player.

[MetalDog]

I feel like you're trying to win this thread.

I was going to say the same:)  Either way, I think it is fine that some folks enjoy MP while others do not.  That is why all the good games have both modes:)  I don't see my viewpoint ever changing, just in my blood to play only single player.

No.  Not trying to win.  I'm really not trying to change anyones mind.  I am really trying to understand why some people perfer solo and some mp.  :-)

[mikeck]

I think its been explained Metal Dog. Some of us like to play at our own pace, pause when we want to get another beer,put the kids to bed, watch a bit of tv with the wife....whatever....then come back to it.  Some of us also game to get immersed in an era and just enjoy simulating a war in that period. I dont have to prove anything....if anyone thinks any of these wargames are close enough to real life that you could step into napoleons shoes or something, your crazy. So if some guy proves that he is better at building a civilozation than me, I don't care. I just like to have fun.

Lastly, I deal with people all.day long. My gaming time is solo. I get to think and relax by myself and i dont want to spend that time beibg forced into chat conversations with other players.

PBEM is good, but there are times when I can't get time to game for a week.

[MetalDog]

I understand.  I just didn't think I was in the minority of how and why people played these games.

[W8taminute]

When I was a young lad back in the days of board wargaming I sought someone other than my brother to play desperately.  Most of my friends were not into boardgaming and I had zero interest in playing sports with them.  Thus I was alone.  By the time computer multiplay came along I had no time to devote to daily multiplay but plenty of people out there want to play.  Oh the irony of life.

These days I spend about 10% of my time fragging people and getting fragged in shooters for no more than 25 minutes at a sitting.  I have two PBEM games going on now and I find that PBEM play is a good compromise between time and playing other humans in a strategy game. 

[Bison]

I don't think you are a minority in terms of playing MP.  The reality is that most of the games with MP have communities setup specifically for the purpose of MP gameplay.  I used to be pretty active over at theblitz.org to get PBEMs for my Tiller titles.  I haven't done it in awhile, because of time and it started to become a chore rather than a pleasure to process a turn and send it out.

I think there is opportunity here for some MP action, but you'd need to setup dates and times and get folks to commit to the games.  I've setup the Steam home group so that anyone can use the schedule calender to arrange MP games.  I think Huw used it once, but otherwise it's basically gone unused.

[MetalDog]

I've setup the Steam home group so that anyone can use the schedule calender to arrange MP games.  I think Huw used it once, but otherwise it's basically gone unused.

Soon as I get home, I think I will.  CKII MP anyone?

[TheCommandTent]

I don't have much to add that hasn't already been voiced by the others here in terms of playing more SP then MP.  However, I have to agree with MetalDog's surprise that more of the members of GrogHeads aren't doing more MP.

[Arctic Blast]

Depends on the type of game for me. I definitely go multi player with shooters. Not so much with RTS games, mainly because I'm not all that great at them. I've actually never played a big strategy game MP.

[Sir Slash]

Working evening shift for many years, I only had the am's to get on the computer when there was nobody online anyway so I always only played solo. Going back to my Amiga days that was the only choice you had and so it feels more natural to me. For comraderie and smack-talk I have Grog-Heads.

[Father Ted]

For me playing against the computer is a poor substitute for playing against a person or people.  It's not so much the competitive urge (which is just as well coz I usually lose), though I am competitive by nature.  It's more to do with the variety you get and the social side of things.  I mostly play a couple of online FPSs and combat flightsims - and I usually only play those when someone I know is online.  I also sometimes get a buzz out of venturing into the unfriendly skies on my own - knowing that what I do, whether it be good or bad, will be seen by other people.

I can get by playing wargames against the PC as the fog of war can compensate for the AI not being interesting, plus I tend to view wargaming as a solo activity.  I would actually like to play CMBN or a Total War game (or a "proper" wargame) against a real person in real time, not PBEM, but that would eat into family time too much.  Plus I worry that I'm too much of a noob at them (as my son would have it) and haven't the time/inclination to properly learn.

As others have pointed out, there is a problem with scheduling.  I do fly IL2 with a squad regularly, but it's a very relaxed atmosphere and we all understand that real life can get in the way.  Squad nights are like meeting up for poker or pool or five-a-side footy - the chat is almost as important as the game.

[JudgeDredd]

I have to say, I am surprised at the responses.  While it's true, I love to win and play games for just such a reason, I would never think of cheating or doing something hinky to gain the upper hand.  And if playing a game is what you enjoy, then why play for any reason other than to win?  Try different strategies?  Absolutely!  But that doesn't preclude winning.  To leisurely while away some time?  Sure.  Games can be relaxing and enjoyable, but they all have rules and some sort of endgame that could be considered winning.  So why not try to win?  And a drive to win doesn't automatically make you a hard driving alpha or an insufferable a-hole who has to tell you how bad you lost. 

It's joy of playing and competing against like minded people that brings me to these games.  A desire to show your knowledge and acumen in knowing the rules of the game, and warfare, to achieve your objective(s) and come out the winner.  And as good friends will often do, razz each other for unfavorable outcomes or boneheaded ploys that didn't work.

So, while I see all of your reasons for enjoying solo over mp, I guess I don't understand why it's preferable to play solo rather than against an opponent.  Anybody else feeling me?

LOL - I knew my post would be taken like that.

I'm not talking down about people having a desire to win. Not at all. I'm talking about people who will reload and reload and reload a level in order to get the result they want.

Look at the hacks out there for Battlefield 3 and all the other online games...there are cheats about - and I have no desire to help make them feel big and clever.

And I didn't say you were like that or that it ever crossed your mind. I'm just saying I'm not willing to massage a cheats ego - and as I have no idea who is cheating and who isn't - and game developers (for the most part) seem to steer clear of closing cheats and hacks - I just don't partake in it.

Like I said - being so bad at these games I often get a decent game from the AI