Replay analysis!

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

I just had an idea. How about, people post replays of their battles, and experienced and skilled players watch them and tell them where there going wrong? I'd like to state at this point that I don't mean me-I am not especially good-but maybe some of the godlike players could lend a hand? I'll even post a couple of mine up and get torn to shreds for my poor tactics to get the ball rolling, if people express an interest

[Mummer]

That might be a good idea. Of course, you would have people who think they are skilled players, but aren't, (Like myself.) who would be giving advice, such as... "You should have charged the Swiss Armored Pikemen HEAD ON, that's what high valor King units are for"

[Aelwyn]

Well posts like that can be ignored of course. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif It might even get more people to play online if people start posting MP games. Hmm....let me see if I can find some good replays.

[frogbeastegg]

I think this sounds interesting - it has the potential to be both educational and amusing. I have 2 questions, 1)what about people with nowhere to host replay for download? and 2)define godlike player.

[Dillinger]

A 'godlike' player is someone who can consistently win, without too many losses, when they are outnumbered by troops of the same or better quality. I think ...

[TosaInu]

Interesting Big King Sanctaphrax san,

It should be possible to add serverspace here. The current files will be available for direct download, the older ones (3+ weeks?) will be moved to 3D.

[frogbeastegg]

The problem with defining godlike is twofold. Firstly it is possible to win battle after battle without breaking a sweat but not actually know much at all - all you need to do is use the same old units time after time. Always winning as the English because your army consists of billmen, longbows and knights is good but it does not make you godlike because you know little about the other units and how to use them.

Secondly it is very possible for someone to look like they are godlike when they aren't, likewise it is possible for really good players to get overlooked because they say little. Sometimes newbies can spot things grizzled vets overlook, simply because they are new to the game and not set in their ways.

I say forget the godlike thing and let anyone with an opinion chime in, no matter how http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-mad.gif it might be. Ideas like charging pikemen head on with your king in wedge formation (so the king dies on impact) will be quickly discounted and the explanation of why this is not a good idea will be educational.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

I wasn't being entirely serious-just buffing their egos so they'd help. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Also, Froggy, does this fall under the remit of the mead hall? I mean, it's not a story ort anything, it just fells like a mead hall/throne room kind of thing.

[frogbeastegg]

Weeeeell it isn't exactly Mead Hall per say but it could squeak in under the same banner as the screenshots thread. If you start it in the Mead hall I won't boot it out...it might even fit in quite well, I could sticky it alongside the screenshot thread. If org hosting is provided an advert/instruction set right at the start of the topic should answer any questions for several pages, then when people don't read the first page the ad can be copied and pasted over to the front of the topic. Low effort solution

Only thing is that the Mead hall is a small traffic forum so fewer people would see the topic...but then it is less likely to get lost/overwhelmed.

As for older replays perhaps a pack copuld be put together each month? Same principle as the map packs - add new replays into the existing zip file and give it a higher number. That way it is easier for people to get a full set, also less clutter on the download list.

[kawligia]

Why doesn't everyone stop talking about what makes a good player etc. and just post the replays already? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/idea.gif

[Aelwyn]

Ok I'll start us off. I have uploaded 2 replays. They are here (http://www.totalwar.org/Downloads/Mtw_Uploads/MTWupload/) under the name Aelwyn_replays.zip . Theres only 2 right now, but I thought it would be a good start. Ones named 3v3_steppes_arid and the other rtk_steppes_rain or something like that. In the 3v3 I was called a noob by one of my allies, and I was the first one knocked out of the rtk game. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/mecry.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif So theres plenty of mistakes made I'm sure, many of which by me. I think the 3v3 replay isn't complete, as it finished before all units routed for some reason. But the game was played to completion. If the Russian colored army looks to be victorious then you're probably watching the correct replay http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

They're both v2.01 VI replays, so sorry for you MTW players out there, these aren't for you. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-embarassed.gif

Let me know what you think. Tell me if I was really a noob in that 3v3. I'm the first to stick my kneck out, but thats okay. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Quote[/b] (Aelwyn @ Jan. 25 2004,07:23)]Ok I'll start us off. I have uploaded 2 replays. They are here (http://www.totalwar.org/Downloads/Mtw_Uploads/MTWupload/) under the name Aelwyn_replays.zip . Theres only 2 right now, but I thought it would be a good start. Ones named 3v3_steppes_arid and the other rtk_steppes_rain or something like that. In the 3v3 I was called a noob by one of my allies, and I was the first one knocked out of the rtk game. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/mecry.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif So theres plenty of mistakes made I'm sure, many of which by me. I think the 3v3 replay isn't complete, as it finished before all units routed for some reason. But the game was played to completion. If the Russian colored army looks to be victorious then you're probably watching the correct replay http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

They're both v2.01 VI replays, so sorry for you MTW players out there, these aren't for you. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-embarassed.gif

Let me know what you think. Tell me if I was really a noob in that 3v3. I'm the first to stick my kneck out, but thats okay. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Wooo Go Aelwyn

[Aelwyn]

Come on, I know I made some mistakes. No analysis yet? I realize I only posted these like less than 12 hours ago. But get on the ball http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-smile.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-zzz.gif

[*Ringo*]

Will the fact that i've modded the game stop me from viewing the replays? I've just tried and got a CTD http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/angry.gif I'm all patched up as well http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/flat.gif Maybe a reinstall will do the trick.. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/idea.gif

Looking forward to seeing some of your moves Aelwyn http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/bigthumb.gif

*Ringo*

[Ryttare]

Aelwyn, from what i can see ur the one that did the least misstakes...

First battle.. u won with few casualties, nothing to complain about.

On the other battle u could have used or idle cavalry to make the foe route before you.. probably.

Seems u coudl sharpen ur cavalry use, was abit flaws with the cav in first replay..

Hope u dont get pissed, just trying to give some feedback ;)

[Brutal DLX]

I don't think dedicated MP players, who are close to having the "godlike" abilities that were asked for, will frequently hang out in the Main Hall. Magyar Khan never posted again, perhaps Yuuki or CBR have time to analyse and give educated comments on your replays...
But I think here is the wrong location for this thread. Should be on TWN or Jousting Fields at least, in my opinion.

[frogbeastegg]

I am not nearly close to being qualified to comment on the MP replays but I will say this: Thunder You got thunder Aelwyn you must be lucky - I have never seen thunder in MTW, I thought it must have been unique to Shogun. :mutters something about liking thunder battles and it not being fair that she only ever had 2 of them and that was in Shogun anyway:

Brutal - I was under the impression that both SP and MP replays were going to be posted. If this is going to be MP only then a MP forum would be a better home.

[Aelwyn]

Oh I was just getting the ball rolling. I have almost nothing but multiplayer replays, so thats why I posted them. I know some of the best won't even be around to comment, or might not anyways even if they are. But I like this idea because it gives people a way to get feedback on what they're doing. If I want expert analysis I only have to call on Cheetah. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif But no one should be discouraged to post any replays they have. Its fun to get feedback imo.

And yeah, I was pretty idle with my cavs in the second battle. But, such are the effects of alcohol. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/cheers.gif

Oh and btw, I could post replays where I did well with only a handful of mistakes, but I wanted to post these because I know they have some mistakes that people could point out....thus getting people to post replays where they could use help, not just brag about a win. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-toff.gif

[Brutal DLX]

Quote[/b] (frogbeastegg @ Jan. 26 2004,11:27)]Brutal - I was under the impression that both SP and MP replays were going to be posted. If this is going to be MP only then a MP forum would be a better home.
I am under the same impression, yet the initiator asked for qualified analysis. And it is a fact that an extremely good MP player knows all there is to know about the battle part of the game, thus it does not matter to them whether it's a MP or a SP battle. The analysis should focus on the tactics, not on whether you could have won by using more troops and troops trained in that province etc., you know what I mean.

[R'as al Ghul]

Hi everybody
Would anyone be interested in a quite odd battle?
It might be an in-battle bug?
This is what happened:
Vikings raided a coastal province during my Welsh/Xpert/VI-Campaign. I withdraw into the "castle". Next turn I attacked this province with huge forces. The Vikings though went to an adjacent province, attacking me there. In this province I only had 2CW, 2RSpear + 1Archer (zero-star general, no valour on any unit, as far as i know). The Viking army consisted of King Harald and his bodyguards (61 Viking Huscarls, I think).
Since I knew that the Vikings are really strong I thought I would be utterly destroyed.
I took position on a hill. The plan was to shoot at him as soon as possible. Hold him with the spears, flank with the Celtic Warriors etc.
Well, the shooting worked out well, but apart from that everybody soon routed, leaving King Harald in a triangular space between my Archer Gen, a unit of ca. 30- 40 CW and a handful Spearmen, all of which were nearly routed and the CW already called back by the Gen. The others were dead or had run away.
So far so good. I considered the battle lost.
But Harald
just couldn't decide which of the units to kill first. So he went after my spearmen but being hit by the archers in the back, he turns around to approach the archers, only to turn around again after a few steps to approach the spearmen again. After being hit in the back again....and so on until my arrows were empty. I charged the remnants of my troops all at once at him, surrounded him and finally......
killed him??
My glorious 0-star general and his bunch of sissys defeated the 5 star Viking and his horde of beasts. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

Well, did anything like that happened to somebody else?
Anyone interested in looking at the replay?
Cheers

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Quote[/b] (Brutal DLX @ Jan. 27 2004,10:52)]
Quote[/b] (frogbeastegg @ Jan. 26 2004,11:27)]Brutal - I was under the impression that both SP and MP replays were going to be posted. If this is going to be MP only then a MP forum would be a better home.
I am under the same impression, yet the initiator asked for qualified analysis. And it is a fact that an extremely good MP player knows all there is to know about the battle part of the game, thus it does not matter to them whether it's a MP or a SP battle. The analysis should focus on the tactics, not on whether you could have won by using more troops and troops trained in that province etc., you know what I mean.
I was only stating that I did not believe I was qualified to comment, compared to some other people. Anyone can have a go.

Hey, R'as al Ghul, post the replay http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/bigthumb.gif

[frogbeastegg]

Quote[/b] (Brutal DLX @ Jan. 27 2004,10:52)]
Quote[/b] (frogbeastegg @ Jan. 26 2004,11:27)]Brutal - I was under the impression that both SP and MP replays were going to be posted. If this is going to be MP only then a MP forum would be a better home.
I am under the same impression, yet the initiator asked for qualified analysis. And it is a fact that an extremely good MP player knows all there is to know about the battle part of the game, thus it does not matter to them whether it's a MP or a SP battle. The analysis should focus on the tactics, not on whether you could have won by using more troops and troops trained in that province etc., you know what I mean.
True enough but if you post it in a MP only forum most SP people won't even know the topic exists, probably the same for MP only people if the topic were in a SP oriented forum. 'Neutral' ground with a mix of both player types is needed.

A few more people might post replays if hosting were available. As it is it is limited to people with their own hosting space and that does narrow the potential field.

[Aelwyn]

People can upload their replays to the Org like I did. No one should be scared to post replays. Those that need the most help should feel free to. I will try to help if I'm not completely wrong http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif and others will as well.

[frogbeastegg]

Quote[/b] (Aelwyn @ Jan. 28 2004,07:17)]People can upload their replays to the Org like I did.
Yes...but how? If someone puts instructions in this topic people will know how to upload their replays, currently there is nothing but speculation on a possible hosting thing and a collection of instructions for the various uploaders scattered across several other forums. Someone who has used this particular service would be favorite to write the instructions.

[The_Emperor]

By the way I created a Battle Replay thread in the Throne room a little while ago... the problem is nobody posted in it http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-wall.gif

[Brutal DLX]

Lol Emperorhttp://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-2thumbsup.gif
Yeah, that's why I suggested TWN. But the point is, that site is not really interesting to SP only players, but I suppose they would host the replays and have their members comment if someone contacted them.
Then we would just need to post a link on the .org frontpage and perhaps in a sticky thread in the Entrance Hall and there you go.

[Cazbol]

Quote[/b] (frogbeastegg @ Jan. 26 2004,05:27)]I have never seen thunder in MTW, I thought it must have been unique to Shogun.
Seeing thunder requires extraordinary hearing. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif

[frogbeastegg]

Quote[/b] (Cazbol @ Jan. 28 2004,12:23)]
Quote[/b] (frogbeastegg @ Jan. 26 2004,05:27)]I have never seen thunder in MTW, I thought it must have been unique to Shogun.
Seeing thunder requires extraordinary hearing. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif
Well I could explain that the word thunder can be used to describe both the noise and the weather with lightning but I think I shall skip that because I don't feel like doing a creative excuse. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-inquisitive.gif
Instead I will just say I have very good hearing indeed http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-jester.gif
That ends todays episode of froggy digging a deep hole and promptly falling down it http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-mad.gif

[Aelwyn]

OK so anyone else have any other replays? If not I'll post some more. Now's your chance... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-yes.gif

[*Ringo*]

Slightly OT but does anyone have any suggestions on how to name replays??? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif It would be good to try and get some sort of naming convention to identify people's replays that you've downloaded. I always forget the important details of my battles when i go to save them, i know i can check the log files but that's just far too easy http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-mad.gif And also means leaving the game http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/frown.gif
This way you could easily distinguish, in game, between your replays and some random Joe's off the net http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/idea.gif

So what about it? How do you name your replays? What details do you find important to record? and is there any limit to the number of questions you can ask in one paragraph? If so .... why??? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wacko.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-confused.gif

Cheers,

*Ringo*

P.S Would be nice to see this thread get off the ground Anyone got some outstanding replays to share???? (Thanx 4 kicking us off Aelwyn)

[The_Emperor]

Ok guys below is a link to my Replay thread in the Throne Room.

The Battle Collection (http://www.totalwar.org/cgi-bin/forum/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=25;t=13713)

Feel free to add more.

[*Ringo*]

Cheers The_Emperor will check it out http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/bigthumb.gif You have any suggestions for replay name formats?

*Ringo*

[Brutal DLX]

Put your ID, what's going on in the replay, battle location and factions involved in this order... example:

Ringo_CastleAttack_Tripoli_France/Egypt