Elvis Gold Records

[OldCrowBalthazor]

I don't get the 'Steam Scripted' term. What is that?
With the real frequent PBEM Save Repackaging (Which I like including the frequency but others hate), how are reloads being done? Is it in between each save repackaging?.

*Note: I like the repackage saves AND the frequency.
It has saved me grief when doing a complex turn, and a internet glitch happens occasionally. I have to go back a little bit to try to move my units like I did before. What ever moved from the last save repackage I try to repeat. At least it's not the whole damn turn, where new Intel rolls are done..which in the past were huge reveals.

Also. Cheating accusations in public are a serious matter.
Best to have solid proof. I personally hate cheaters. Ran into a bit of that playing random folks in the WW1 game a few years ago. Game mechanic exploits are one thing. Out right redoing a move by gaming the PBEM server would be a whole new level.

Again, I would want to see solid proof.

[ThunderLizard11]

I don't get the 'Steam Scripted' term. What is that?
With the real frequent PBEM Save Repackaging (Which I like including the frequency but others hate), how are reloads being done? Is it in between each save repackaging?.

...

That's why we need reload counters and also some reporting on dice rolls. Data would be good.

[OldCrowBalthazor]

I don't get the 'Steam Scripted' term. What is that?
With the real frequent PBEM Save Repackaging (Which I like including the frequency but others hate), how are reloads being done? Is it in between each save repackaging?.

...

That's why we need reload counters and also some reporting on dice rolls. Data would be good.

I was asking because 5 of us (regular MP Players and Matrix Forumites) had similar incidents with one particular player with SC-WW1 in the summer of 2021.
(Before the PBEM repackaging mechanic was implemented by the way).
This player had manipulated the game like a mod, gave his select Major Powers way more MPPs, changed the properties of certain units he used, and many more subtle changes.
Also, a lot of his attacks were too perfect.

How he got caught was that the 4 players (whom I won't name but feel free to contribute to this story if you read it) plus I had hundreds if not thousands of hours with that game at the time, which was over a year and a half old by that summer.

Just by looking at the reports alone proved something was weird. Thing was, all of our suspicions were communicated by PMs, texts, and voice comms.

The others involved all had contributed heavily and are cited in the change logs as that game evolved after release. So these were solid knowledgeable players

What had us all stumped was how the PBEM server was tricked into thinking the match challenge contained the same vanilla version used by both opponents.
(If you have a different version of vanilla, or mod, the PBEM server will not allow the match to occur)

We reported this to Slitherine. Soon, that person (Player 'K') disappeared for about a year. He has come back occasionally..as I have seen him hosting on the PBEM server.
We never heard back if this person was given a ban, nor an explanation on how this cheater fooled the server.

There's more to this story though, including a strange series of personal communications I had with this person, whom I will refer to as 'K' or 'Mr K'. I won't reveal his name in public at this time.
I can elaborate if anyone is interested...

[HarrySmith]

Wow OCB and Elvis, it just wouldn't enter my mind to want to manipulate things in your favour. Really you are only cheating and kidding yourself in the end and discrediting the game and your opponents. I suppose some people want to win at any cost. Probably had parents who when kids always let them always win . Now I know one of the reasons the auto save aspect was introduced apart from the internet or system down. You would think if they have such computer skills they would put it towards making a new mod for example. Anyway you learn something everyday.

[ElvisJJonesRambo]

Game #218 [WIN] ElvisJJonesRambo (Axis) vs Epekepe (Allies) --- Allies went heavy, heavy Air Force in England, doing lots of damage over France 1943. Only problem, Italy made MedSea their private swimming pool. Russia was a toss-up, to lean Germans. Epekepe ghosted, so after 30+ days, that's that.

[ElvisJJonesRambo]

Elvis, the weather for the opponent is set after your turn, he can't influence it in any way.
Nevertheless, there really is a problem with the weather in France, very often in January-February 1940, warm weather is established, allowing the axis to cause significant damage, I would have set a more stringent framework for the winter period if I were the developers...

Dice rolls, reloads, North Africa never get a good combat result....took me 80+ games of never had a chance to win against ELO player, to figure this out. Most them came from WaW-Europe, so I didn't' care, was Scandemic era. Nobody put a mask on me or injected me with anything.

After getting hose in Diplomacy insanity, figured that, just took little bit more thought.

Has anyone seen the ghost piece movement software? That's been around for long time. Eye witnessed it, didn't want, that's been round long time SC-2 or SC-3.

[ElvisJJonesRambo]

Game #219 [WIN] ElvisJJonesRambo (Allies) vs PanzerRommel (Axis) --- Played 1942 Scenario. Axis got off to amazing start, smashing Stalingrad quickly. Western Allies were ill prepared and desparate, went for Greece instead of a heavily defended Italy. At least that caused a few Axis units off the Russian front. The Reds technology is weak in this scenario, but they have alot of MMPs for Corps. Took Allies forever (early 1947) to get footholds in Southern France. Italy survived to late 1945. In the Pacific, the Chinese were surprised heroes, helping the war effort. Good game, very close.

[ElvisJJonesRambo]

Game #220 [WIN] ElvisJJonesRambo (Allies) vs Archmache (Axis) --- This game was insane. Went the distance. Germans leveled England with Rockets and Subs, caused low income for Brits throughout the game. English spent their early MMPs, in the MedFront while the shelling and subs raged. Was able to punch Italy in the face, knocking off North Africa and Sicily very early. Rome was different story, didn't have the power to get them out to much later.

Western Allies went heavy into Diplomacy, able to convert Turkey, which gave the Reds much need extra income. This was certainly needed as Nazi Tanks continually destroyed units. The Eastern Front was nothing but death. Baku, Stalingrad, Moscow fell. Huge blob of Red units showed outta the factories.

Western Allies went to Diplo to Greece also, made Bridgehead there, yet couldn't move forward. Allies had Bridgeheads all over the map, Southern France, couple times raided Northern Germany, bridgehead Denmark. Yanks took Finland back also. Spent alot of MMPs holding bridgeheads and not in Air, had to help Russia quickly.

Japanese took Austrialia and New Zealand, unreal. British and USA morale was in the low 40s in 1944. Close to losing the game. Yanks in Pacific were stretched in Europe. Bought a bunch Destroyers +3 tech to at least but up resistance to U-Boats all over the planet. Yanks built all the Escort Carriers, and headed to Okinawa. Japs were in Australia and dangerous. Bypassed all the Islands and setup there and Taiwan. Yanks lost nearly all their main Carriers, but able to build a nice base with AA-guns, Escort Carriers, and some surface ships, this split Japan up, and bought time.

The Chinese were quite helpful. With Japs spending majority of their MMPs into Long-Range invasions, China built a slow meat grinder to at least pepper away some damage.

To sum it up, this game went the distance, with Berlin falling with 2 turns left in game 1947.

Check the death, this gotta be a record:

[ElvisJJonesRambo]

One of the greatest matchups in gaming history.

4 wins
5 losses

[WIN] ElvisJJonesRambo (Allies) vs Archmache (Axis) ---Very interesting game. Both Japs and Yanks went for Subs.
[WIN] ElvisJJonesRambo (Allies) vs Archmache(Axis) --- French defense was aggressive, popped some units. He folded.
[LOSS] ElvisJJonesRambo (Allies) vs Archmache (Axis) --- Russia held Dnieper River line until early 1943
[LOSS] ElvisJJonesRambo (Axis) vs Archmache (Allies) --- Given my recent successes, I do what I always do, and try new strategies.
[LOSS] ElvisJJonesRambo (Allies) vs Archmache (Axis) --- Dude got me again, this sux. Made 2 very critical mistakes.
[LOSS] ElvisJJonesRambo (Allies) vs Archmache (Axis) --- This one was complete waste of time.
[WIN] ElvisJJonesRambo (Axis) vs Archmache (Allies) --- Allies soft Pacific defense + SeaLion gave the Germans all they needed.
[LOSS] ElvisJJonesRambo (Axis) vs Archmache (Allies) --- Diplo crazy + Portugal Ports
[WIN] ElvisJJonesRambo (Allies) vs Archmache (Axis) --- Monster death, went the distance 1947

[ElvisJJonesRambo]

Game #221 [WIN] ElvisJJonesRambo (Axis) vs DavidDaley(Allies) --- Game ends May 1941. Allies weren't happy with the French/British effort in France. The surrender wasn't the problem, it was the Brits were heavy invested, and Dunkirk was gonna be nasty. If want a rematch or switch sides, that's fine by me.

[ElvisJJonesRambo]

Game #222 [WIN] ElvisJJonesRambo (Axis) vs DavidDaley(Allies) --- Bought Rockets & Artillery. Shelled England & Lennigrad, quite fun. Allies too passive, so took Spain & Turkey. Axis were chill, took bunch land and won on MMPs

[ElvisJJonesRambo]

In the mood, to salute, 'Ole Glory
Feeling very America.
God Bless the U.S.A.
Be thankful, when you wanna be thankful.
Everyday can be a Thanksgiving.

[Chernobyl]

Hi Elvis, just wondering do you think the 1942 Axis High Tide scenario is balanced or favors one side?

[ElvisJJonesRambo]

Hi Elvis, just wondering do you think the 1942 Axis High Tide scenario is balanced or favors one side?

Good question. Quick answer: The better player, lol.

Only played it couple times, against beer & pretzel type opponents.
So I've played 1942, maybe 3 times, and that's over 5 years.
I haven't scripted it out, plus, I'm not one of the top 10 players.
If I remember right, the Russians have alot more units, but start with only Infantry +1.
The Western Allies are forced to find a port quickly, and shove units on the land.
In the Pacific, haven't thought it through, plus the Chinese situation, no clue.

The classic game, the strategies have evolved.
Less pieces at the beginning, so it's like chess with the Top Players, with different openings.
I don't have enough information on 1942.
For some reason, this Forum hasn't shown any interest in it.

I'll guess: with Top players, who've studied it out, I'd lean Axis, I'm sure they'll pound Russia.
With Allies, the Top players also will have some sneaky moves MedFront to help quickly.
The Americans tech isn't the greatest, so the strategies gotta be different.

Great question, what's your thoughts?

[ElvisJJonesRambo]

Stipe Miocic vs Jon Jones - UFC 309 - Heavyweight 5 rounds - Madison Square Garden - New York City, New York, USA

Bones Jones is back!
Will it be by Submission?
Will it be by TKO/KO?

Goto the judges, nah.
Stipe is old too, doesn't have the skills nor the body for this.
Scheduled for 5-rounds, no way.

Bones inside the distance is the probable outcome.

I know most of you are soft, don't like cool stuff.
New generation(s) spend more time concerned about the temperament of the Legend.
Trying to read between the lines.
Read this --> Rather than reading about some fake feel good WW-2 fictional story, how the Germans had dinner with the Yanks in the Ardennes '44, singing Silent Night, get your here & now fight game on.

UFC is the real deal.
Buffer, Dana, Rogan, Anik, and Cormier.
Wouldn't surprise me if The Donald shows, for the umpteen time.
It is in Madison Square Garden.
Love to see Dana get a seat in the cabinet.

Jim Miller, another dude who keeps win also on the card.
Oliveira is a stud, free money.
Some of you Euros gotta know Tybura is fighting.

Lets not forget them Octagon Girls.

[Chernobyl]

Hi Elvis, just wondering do you think the 1942 Axis High Tide scenario is balanced or favors one side?

Good question. Quick answer: The better player, lol.

The Western Allies are forced to find a port quickly, and shove units on the land.

For some reason, this Forum hasn't shown any interest in it.

I'll guess: with Top players, who've studied it out, I'd lean Axis, I'm sure they'll pound Russia.
With Allies, the Top players also will have some sneaky moves MedFront to help quickly.

I had a lot of similar thoughts. I'm more of a pretend multiplayer strategist, because I love spending hours coming up with amazing first turn moves, but don't have the stamina to actually play multiplayer.

Russia looks very weak and there is some major damage Germany can do on the Soviet front immediately. Infantry weapons 1 and AA level 0 is atrocious. Leningrad can't hold in the long run. Japan can and probably should capture Vladivostok within a few turns.
In my hotseat games my panzers take out a couple Soviet HQ on turn 1 and surround several Soviet armies. My thought process is that low supply kills hurt the most, and Soviets just don't have nearly enough HQ to start so focusing them does critical damage to their combat power.
Soviets have a ton of armies around Moscow they can repair and redeploy but it's hard to get much use out of them if you also lack HQ units. Probably Zhukov should head south. But like you said Soviets are dying.
Japan wins the battle of Midway, destroying both carriers 95% of the time, although I need to retest this with the new 1.20 carrier retreat behavior.
Rommel can destroy the British tanks at supply 4 on turn 1 and be safe although it's like 75%.
Japanese have a ton of SF units they can throw around. I consider this unit basically an army.
Allies actually have a lot of land units on the USA east coast and England. I am not sure, but I was thinking they really ought to invade Europe or at least kill Rommel ASAP even though it's only 1942. Mostly because USSR is dying fast.

I am not really certain what happens long term though. Even if Russia capitulates, the Allies might not be lost? All countries start with <100% NM and it feels like Germany can raise theirs quite a bit in the long term, while Japan can get theirs above the 95% threshold.

[ElvisJJonesRambo]

@Chernobyl --- We can play game if you wish, I'll take either side. Host & post.

[ElvisJJonesRambo]

Haven't watched Iron Mike for 20 years, when he lost to Lennox Lewis & Kevin McBride. Jake Paul proved to me, he's legit when he beat UFC's Nate Diaz. This fight has gotta have the most viewers, ever. Love both these guys. Eight, two-minute rounds. At age 58, Tyson in the ring, wow, just wow.

[Chernobyl]

@Chernobyl --- We can play game if you wish, I'll take either side. Host & post.

Thanks for the offer Elvis. I will only commit to a game if I am able to guarantee the time. If that happens I will ping you

[ElvisJJonesRambo]

I hear ya, gotta have your full attention and A-game. I'm guilty of going thru the motions. Reminds me of last night's fake fight.

What a joke, Jake Paul v Mike Tyson. I've seen more violent episodes of "Dancing with the Stars". That was a $70,000,000 script in the Temple of Dagon. Tyson was washed up 20+ years ago when Lennox Lewis dumped him, then threw in the towel against McBride. Let alone, Holyfield x2 domination.