Multiplayer Strategy
Introduction
Now that you've presumably read about how to excel in a one on one enviroment, I'm sure you're ready to try something a little different. Whether it is for the mutability, possible pace, sheer complexity or development of player roles, nearly all Spring players eventually and consistently venture into the world of multiplayer matches.
-Neddiedrow
Choosing A Host
Some people have the power to host a game, and the audacity to abuse that power. If you've played with somebody before and found their hosting inadequate, why subject yourself to it again? Trial and error - but remember, as Kennedy said, an error does not become a mistake until you refuse to correct it.
Starting A Game
Don't get caught up in who you are playing alongside or against. You will play in unfair matches, leaning either direction. The best method of learning is through loss, and the greatest ability to teach is granted in a stunning victory. However, be aware of the abilities and quirks of those you are working with or against before the game actually begins. If somebody has an unreliable connection, prepare for it. You're now in part responsible for a group - best act accordingly.
Playing A Game
You and your allies will make mistakes. Somebody may be the strong point. Somebody may cause the loss of the whole team. There is nothing wrong with this.
Your role is to play coherently with your allies and excel in what you do. Thus, communication is the hallmark of a skilled multiplayer. Talk about concerted attacks, work out plans of defense, ask for support. Give advice, lend support, adapt your overhead strategy to accommodate. If you must leave, warn your allies. I cannot stress that point enough, you must tell your allies that you are leaving, and a reason why would not go amiss! Leave them the best you have to work with!
Never leave or be away for 60 seconds, else you'll be criticized for life! Never play with players who think that they are the only decent player in the whole team, if that happens resign (i.e. explode all your units)
You are not alone, and you cannot effectively play as if you were alone in a fair match.
Clans And You
Chances are, if you are reading this article, you are either a skilled independent player or part of a clan. However, this article would probably most benefit the people who will never read it, but I digress.
Clans are organized groups of players, generally for multiplayer games, who form a small community within the greater community of the game, and often become friends. As such, members of Clans will exhibit in most cases a greater ability to communicate with those within their Clan. They've played with them, won with them, lost alongside them...
Many games hosted in Spring are Clan against Other, a cause of some discontent against certain Clans. If you are not in a Clan, or are working with a scattered group of people rather than your own Clan, know that you are probably at a disadvantage in terms of multiplayer strategy and communication when you face a Clan or majority Clan team.
General rules of thumb used in relation to individual users can be applied to Clans, though I must warn you that while an individual represents his Clan in general, there are exceptions.
Connections Between Single Player & Team Experiences
Single player ability does, to some extent, translate into multiplayer skill - this much is undeniable. Arguments occur when people disagree on the extent to which it can replace actual experience in a team environment - as a general rule of thumb, I would contend that it can cover roughly sixty percent of the necessary knowledge to excel in a team environment. Self-sufficiency, competitive expansion, complete grasp of tactics as an individual... these are lessons which will help you in a multiplayer match. While they do not replace the ability to accommodate your team mates or the simple ability to communicate... they too are crucial for a successful team game.
[Possibly To Be Continued]
