StarCraft
Prima Fast Track Guide
Previous
Page
Multiplayer
Battle.net
To use Blizzard's free multiplayer service you must have a connection to
the Internet. If you have a dial-up account that uses a modem to connect
to the Internet, make sure you connect successfully before starting StarCraft.
This saves time and frustration, especially if you must troubleshoot problems.
From the main StarCraft screen, select Multiplayer and then Battle.net. A
message will indicate the game is searching for the fastest server; then
you'll see the login screen. To create a new account, follow the onscreen
instructions; otherwise, enter the user name and password for your existing
account. Once you're logged on, you'll find yourself in one of many chat
rooms.
In the chat room you can meet friends for a prearranged game or find other
players to battle. To join a game, hit the Join button and pick a game from
the list, or type the name and password of a game you've previously agreed
on with friends. To create a game, hit the Create button and type in a game
name and password (optional). Using a password restricts entry to your game
to those players who know the password. If you create a game, you may select
the number of players, their species, and the map you'll play on.
Updates
Periodically, Blizzard updates its game software. When you sign onto Battle.net,
the network determines whether you need to upgrade and, if you do, it
automatically sends you the newer version of the game. After the new software
is downloaded, the game restarts on its own and applies the upgrade. You
must have the most recent version of StarCraft to play games on Battle.net.
Troubleshooting
The Internet can be a great way to play games interactively, but it can be
like trying to communicate by using tin cans and a string. If you have problems
getting StarCraft to work on Battle.net, keep these points in mind:
1. You must have a 32-bit connection to the Internet. It's difficult to know
whether your connection is a true 32-bit link, but if you have any doubt,
just remember that most connections are 32-bit connections.If you use Dial-Up
Networking to connect, you most likely are getting a 32-bit connection.
If, however, you use a terminal program or third-party dialer, you'll probably
get only a 16-bit connection and be unable to play StarCraft on Battle.net.
If you play other games on the Internet, you'll probably have no trouble
with StarCraft.
2. The reason you need a 32-bit connection is because the game uses UDPs
(Universal Datagram Packets) to send game information back and forth while
you play. If your ISP(Internet service provider) doesn't allow these types
of packets through, you won't be able to play on Battle.net. This is important
to know if you use an account at your place of business or educational
institution; often these types of ISP don't allow such game packets through.
3. If your connection is too slow, your game will be jumpy and unreliable.
Your modem's (or other connection method's) line speed together with Internet
conditions determine the speed of your connection.
Is the Connection Good?
Latency is a major factor in online gaming. In simple terms, latency is a
measure of how long it takes your computer to communicate with the host computer
that's running the game. Low latency is good, because it means the two computers
communicate quickly. High latency is bad, because it means there's a significant
delay between the events happening on the host computer and what you're actually
seeing on your screen.
Once in Battle.net chat room, the latency bar next to your name shows your
latency to Battle.net. In the list of games to join, your latency bar shows
your latency to each game, which may be different than your latency to
Battle.net. Short green bars mean you have very little latency. Longer yellow
or red bars mean you've got significant latency.
The Multiplayer Experience
Multiplayer gaming differs significantly from single-player. For one thing,
single-player missions are "set" while multiplayer affairs are like stories
yet to be written. For another, human opponents provide an entirely different
kind of gaming experience.
Multiplayer gaming also has more of an element of surprise, especially when
you're playing with three or more opponents. Will your allies turn on you?
Will your closest enemy ally with another player to crush you? The permutations
that can occur in multiplayer games is mind-boggling, making multiplayer
gaming the "spice" that keeps StarCraft interesting.
The Human Factor
Humans provide a much deeper and more challenging opponent than even the
best computer AI. The rewards of playing against humans are many, and will
make you a better StarCraft player, greatly improving your strategy skills.
What makes multiplayer action so much better? There are a few theories about
that.
The Brain
Sure, Deep Blue can mentally outmuscle Gary Kasparov at chess, but those
of us with everyday PCs on our desks don't have much to worry about. The
human brain is still far and away the superior thinker when pitted against
gaming AI. StarCraft's AI is excellent, but once you know how to defeat a
scenario, that's the end. However, when a human's at the enemy controls,
you have no idea what will happen next. A human is a smart and unpredictable
being, and that's what makes him or her such a great adversary.
You may understand human tendencies-they like to build 35 Siege Tanks, for
example-but in the end, you never really know what a human will do.
The Grudge
Losing to a human usually makes you feel worse than losing to a computer.
The resulting grudge will inspire you to try harder the next time you face
off. Many of this book's best strategies came from two humans bashing on
each other in a multiplayer game of StarCraft.
Gloating
The feeling of pride you get from defeating your friends can be a big motivator
for improving your gaming skills. The satisfaction that comes from winning
a multiplayer StarCraft game ranks much higher than kicking the computer's
AI.
Taunting
For many, defeating a human usually means a chance to rub it in. Sure, it's
juvenile, but taunting your enemies can throw off their game. Although it
can backfire, big talk from a player can inspire crippling doubt in his or
her opponent. If you get a message that says "I hope your flank's protected,"
does it mean that enemy is going to attack your flank? Is another player
going to attack your flank? Or is he or she just messing around with your
mind?
Multiplayer Tips
If you're new to the real-time strategy genre, or just want to brush up on
your skills, consider the following helpful multiplayer tips.
Speed
The first thing you'll probably notice about human opponents is the speed
with which they get their act in gear. You might still be tinkering with
your base, defenseless, when suddenly a horde of enemies comes knocking on
your door. This is especially common when your opponent(s) plays Zerg, because
those cheap, easy-to-build Zerglings can cause havoc in the game's early
stages.
Stay fast and focused during the first few minutes of your game. Build only
the essentials and always keep an eye on defense. Don't build extraneous
stuff until you've got a strong production chain and several combat units.
And make sure you get lots of resource harvesters (such as SCVs) into action
as quickly as possible. The more of them you have, the faster you can build
your war machine.
Keep Your Scan Going
You should play StarCraft in a high energy state, always looking around the
map for new areas to explore, new units to build, new resources to exploit,
and new enemies to corner and kill. Never sit still to watch and wait for
units to be completed or to reach their destinations. Time spent idly will
cost you the game when you play against skilled opponents.
Establish a rhythm of scanning your units, building new ones, strengthening
defenses, and mining new resources. Developing a methodical way of consistently
reviewing your units can increase productivity and awareness considerably.
Keep your mouse pointer busy.
For example, if you find a new area with resources to exploit, instead of
waiting for new Drones to be built and move to the new area, send existing
Drones now and have the new ones take over the old ones' activities. Also,
don't let your buildings sit idle. If you're running too low on resources
to build new units continually, increase the number of Drones/Probes/SCVs
mining for minerals and gas (or find new sources of these resources).
Defending
Don't let your guard down. When you send a task force of soldiers to attack
your enemy, keep some in reserve to defend your bases, and be sure to build
a decent network of defensive structures. Clear-thinking players realize
the best time to attack an enemy base is when the enemy is attacking yours.
This forces the opponent to divide his or her attention and troops.
Establish a second and third base as soon as you can. If your opponent takes
out your only base, the game is over. If your opponent finds an auxiliary
base and destroys it, you're still in the game and can strike back.
Having large numbers of cheap units is the most efficient way to wage war
in the beginning and middle parts of the game, but once you've researched
the tech tree fully you'll need to create more powerful defensive units.
Don't neglect your research!
Attacking
Once you commit to an attack, don't back down. Keep producing and sending
units to attack until you break the opposition. If it looks like you aren't
making progress, don't give up! You'll win because most enemy players will
be too preoccupied with defense to mount an attack of their own and come
after you. Too often players attack with one or two waves of units and then
give up, even though they're very close to breaking their enemies' backs.
It's helpful to build attacking units near your opponent's base. That way
you can send reinforcements as soon as they're completed. StarCraft's ability
to queue up production and set "focal" (rally) points for units is a great
aid for players mounting a sustained attack.
Although it can be tempting to make a couple of large groups of your most
powerful unit, this can be risky if your opponent knows how to counter that
unit. Therefore, it's important to attack with at least two unit types. Include
one unit type that can hit air targets and one that can hit ground units.
This way your attack force can't be wiped out by one or two defenders it
can't even touch.
As in real-life battle, your initial attack probably will be most effective
if it comes from two or more directions at once. This forces the enemy to
divide his defenders and attention while your forces pour in. Even if your
other attacks are simply diversions, you'll force the enemy to defend against
them all. |
