Opponent for AotR or ES? ...and also an etiquette question. Thx.

[TheBigRedOne]

Greetings, I have been playing SB (AotR and ES) against the AI and I think I am finally ready for a human opponent. I own both AotR and ES and am happy to play any scenario as well as either side. I have been playing long enough against the AI (since last July) that I shouldn't have any problems with any of the mechanics of the game. I am just new to playing human opponents, so I might need guidance in terms of any rules of "etiquette" and the like.

Just as an example, I have no idea what the general opinion is regarding having played a scenario previously or concurrently against the AI while you are playing a human opponent. Is it expected that people will simultaneously play against the AI to help them choose the strategy they will use against the human opponent or is that frowned upon? Or is it even expected that both parties pick a scenario that neither has played before? Anything is fine with me, I am just looking for pointers so that I do not handicap myself unnecessarily or mistakenly do something that is considered bad form either.

Also, I have no idea if people generally play with any of the optional rules enabled (such as the Alternative Fire Density).

Thanks,
Bill

Bill,

Welcome to the PBEM world, I think you'll really enjoy your experience. You may find that playing against a human is quite a bit different than playing against the AI. You'll become a much better player taking on a human opponent.

As for etiquette...With games as old as ES and AoTR, it would be pretty difficult to take on a veteran player who hasn't played a particular scenario. Whenever I take somebody on, I usually assume that they've either played it vs the AI or PBEM, or even just opened up the scenario to see what's going on. I don't consider that a breach of trust in any way, it is what it is. I like to play blind, personally, which gives a more authentic feel to a scenario. Might make it a bit harder for me to win from time to time, but that's not my main objective when I play.

Bottom line, I don't think anyone's going to mind if you're playing the AI while you PBEM, I'd just assume they are as well...

Again, welcome. If you have anything issues or questions, feel free to send me or Landser34 (Dennis) a PM.

Alan