Steam Duex

[EVILNess]

So basically this is where we stand from the last thread:

1. There is a new Steam NPF group <http://steamcommunity.com/groups/NPFU>
2. The general consensus seems to be we should all play TF2.
3. The forum as a whole seems to think Fifth is a dastardly villain.
4. We are looking for a server to play this shit out on. So make suggestions if you can think of one.

As a person who has never hosted a game over Steam I ask this question: What are the merits/drawbacks of just hosting a game on my computer and letting people join?

Also, I think we should keep the map rotations pretty basic to keep people from DLing maps they might only play that once.

:mad: @ POS

[POS Industries]

5. It's spelled "deux."

[Fifthfiend]

Not no more it ain't!

[POS Industries]

Well, I'm not pardoning his french, in any case.

[mauve]

I second that we go for a server with basic map rotation, since A) I don't have any of the super cool custom maps and B) playing the same three maps over and over gets boring. Except Badwater. Shut up, I'm one of the three people in the world who still likes Badwater because it's one of the only maps that I'm decent at playing. >.>

[Bells]

y'all going to use one of the official servers for this or you're looking for one of those alternative servers? I hear the pings are dreadfull

Also, as i never actually played TF2 trough steam... you cant just setup one of those "Connect trough IP" game rooms?

[Aerozord]

how about a full map rotation of all the official maps. None I personally dislike

on a semi-related not. Is a low ping number good or bad?

[mauve]

As far as I know, low ping is good. High ping means lots of stuff is going on on your internetz, meaning the game might be a little laggish.

At least I think that's how it goes. It's late and I can't be bothered to remember these things. Don't quote me on it.

[guyy]

High ping means it's taking a long time for your computer and the server to exchange test messages, so yes, high ping = lag = bad.

[Fifthfiend]

I second that we go for a server with basic map rotation, since A) I don't have any of the super cool custom maps and B) playing the same three maps over and over gets boring. Except Badwater. Shut up, I'm one of the three people in the world who still likes Badwater because it's one of the only maps that I'm decent at playing. >.>

I'm okay with custom map servers because you don't have the cool custom maps, so it downloads the maps to you, and then you have the custom maps! And I get totally sick of the same however many standard TF map things. I found this one server that's just like, this ridiculous smorgasboard of new and ridiculous places for people to kill each other, it's fantastic! But if people don't wanna jerk around with downloadings then I'm cool with that. I actually like Badwater mainly because it doesn't get used much, plus it doesn't have that like, one retarded super-chokepoint that Gold Rush does.

[EVILNess]

Damn Fifth you play in some laggy as fuck servers.

[Rokrin]

I think a few places (teamfortress2fort, maybe?) have servers you can borrow. I have no idea what the logistics of this borrowing is but I'll check and edit.

[01d55]

What happened to the old steam group?

[Aerozord]

I do not inherently hate custom maps. But most I play on are crap. Often just platforms in an empty void with rooms that have no exit.

[BB]

What are the merits/drawbacks of just hosting a game on my computer and letting people join?

As far as personal experience dictates, it's not possible. I have never known anyone able to play a game over the internet when one of them is the host on their own machine. I believe that option is for LAN games only, since there is an option for LAN servers in the server list.

It's possible you could download the TF2 Dedicated Server (in your Tools menu) and use that to serve a game, but then you wouldn't be able to join, and it might be too much for a normal home connection to handle anyway.

[Aerozord]

we could all chip in and get a high end server to rent. They aren't too much

[Rokrin]

we could all chip in and get a high end server to rent. They aren't too much

That's actually not a bad idea. Provided there was no in-fighting about what game got access when.

[Aerozord]

as TF2 is the focus I suggest have TF2 be the standing game and thus what normally runs 24/7 but with the understanding it will be used for other planned events as they arrise

[Azisien]

*begins re-installing Steam*

[EVILNess]

What happened to the old steam group?

There was no admins so we couldn't do events or make announcements or anything.

EDIT I Willl be playing from now to a to be determined time.

[lazy man]

Alright, I've joined the group (I'm LazyLaxGuy, for anyone somehow confused). One problem, however: Game overload. Prince of Persia, Persona 3, and (replaying) Metroid Prime 3 kind of have me... diverted, to say the least.

Well, I'll get back to it eventually.

[Azisien]

Aright, I've reinstalled Steam and I'll be downloading/installing both TF2 and Left4Dead. Given the gigabyte amount, that might take a few hours!

But I'll be around, seeing as I have some free time with my spaced out exam schedule.

[Rokrin]

I'm re-installing TF2 right now and should be on tonight for some gaming. Feel free to just jump into a game if there's room when I'm playing.

Username Rokrin, I'm in the usergroup.

[BB]

I downloaded and installed the TF2 dedicated server:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a197/Babybahamut/200812100164.png

If someone with a good connection and powerful computer wanted to serve us from home, then, this would work. You could set the max players to 10 or something to prevent overloading your machine, and give the server a password and post it in this thread or somewhere prominent so anyone from NPF could access it.

I have no idea if you can connect to your own server and play too, I'll try that next. The dedicated server is only 16mb to download and install if you already have TF2 installed, so don't worry about a huge footprint.

--
EDIT: I set up a server on the LAN and couldn't connect to it within TF2, but I didn't try setting up an internet server and connecting to that.

[EVILNess]

Since you cant connect to your own game when you host a dedicated server, I was actually thinking of hosting a game for a few hours tonight.

Anyone willing to join if I do?

EDIT: You know what? Fuck it. The dedicated server is up. IP:192.168.2.2:27015 Password: NPF

There is a 16 player limit, let me know if you guys want a different map rotation. I tried to keep it varied. The server will stay up for at least 2 hours, depending on how many people jump in.

[BB]

I've tried to join but I can't see your server in the list, and I'm not sure how to connect using an IP (there's no button saying "use IP" or anything).

Is this (https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=7017-UJBN-6785) helpful?

[EVILNess]

Ok, I'll fiddle with it some more.

Not really having any luck though.

[Azisien]

I will hopefully be on later tonight along with a friend, but I'll likely well exceed your 2 hour mark, EVILNess.

[EVILNess]

I can't get the damn thing to show up on the server list anyway.

NEWS FLASH: I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT I AM DOING!

[Azisien]

Are you running a router, and if so, are you port forwarding/triggering as necessary for Steam/TF2 Dedicated Servers?

Such ports would have to be open for your server to show up on the lists, or that's how it works in every other game I've ever hosted.

You'll need to go into your router page (192.168.x.x in browser) and tweak that stuff.

Kinda wish I still had my NWN server computer, le sigh.

[Aerozord]

Are people willing to chip in on renting one? if so I'll run it assuming there isn't someone more qualified to do so

[EVILNess]

Where would one find prices?

[Rokrin]

Probably just shop around google.

The good news is that once my friend moves into his place, I'll swindle him into letting me set up my server. I have the OS all ready, it's just that I want quality internet and his is gonna be way better than mine.

[mauve]

Eh, I'm out if we're buying a server. Mauve dislikes spending monies if she doesn't have to.

[Azisien]

A generously dedicated and free server would run the number of people we would ever possibly have playing anyway. On top of that, there's always the oodles of empty or near-empty servers just sitting on Steam. No reason to buy a server ourselves, unless we're all about to slap [NPF] tags on our names too, and get all serious-like.

[Novasol]

I'm okay with custom map servers because you don't have the cool custom maps, so it downloads the maps to you, and then you have the custom maps! And I get totally sick of the same however many standard TF map things. I found this one server that's just like, this ridiculous smorgasboard of new and ridiculous places for people to kill each other, it's fantastic! But if people don't wanna jerk around with downloadings then I'm cool with that. I actually like Badwater mainly because it doesn't get used much, plus it doesn't have that like, one retarded super-chokepoint that Gold Rush does.

Hit me up with a PM or something, I need the IP to this magical land of variety. The server I normally play on has idiots who demand Gravel Pit every other map and I'm pretty fucking sick of it all.

[synkr0nized]

Just FYI, I don't leave Steam on unless I am using it. Other people seem to leave it on all the time. So even though you might tab over to it or sign in and not see me online as much as others, I am still down for events and can be pestered in relation to doing stuff for the Steam group as needed.



I miss playing gun game. Maybe I'll do that some tonight.

[BB]

If people love 2Fort (and come on who doesn't love 2Fort!) I know a server that's always empty with a playermax of 14, which runs 2Fort 24/7. It might get dull quick but it's at least a start, plus if this is only gonna be a weekly thing it wouldn't be as bad.

[Jagos]

speaking of which, there's been an update tonight:

The Engineer's teleporters can now be upgraded to level three. It will recharge faster the higher level it is

The Engineer's dispensers can now be upgraded to level three. It will give out metal and heal faster as it is upgraded

Spies will be able to recharge their cloaking ability by picking up ammo off of the ground or from health cabinets

Some changes to the second part of the first stage of Goldrush to give the attackers more of an advantage

Any weapons that fire bullets (shotguns, sniper's machine gun, heavy's minigun, etc.) can now break apart the Demoman's stickybombs

The icon on the HUD for a person calling for Medic will now give more information to the medic (if the target is low on health, on fire, etc.)

Added an achievement tracker that will allow people to choose specific achievements that they are trying to get

There is now a custom icon for death messages when the player was killed from a critical hit

Added a new particle effect for when a player enters the water

Added smoke to the feet of a rocket jumping soldier

Players will now have some particles swirling around them so other players can see when they are overhealed

[EVILNess]

Since it says there are like 8 people on in the group I am gonna scope out an empty server and set up a group event on steam.

EDIT: As soon as my TF2 updates.

[Rokrin]

The Engineer's teleporters can now be upgraded to level three. It will recharge faster the higher level it is

The Engineer's dispensers can now be upgraded to level three. It will give out metal and heal faster as it is upgraded


This is actually something I felt was needed, quite cool.


The icon on the HUD for a person calling for Medic will now give more information to the medic (if the target is low on health, on fire, etc.)


Oh my god someone at Valve loves me.

[EVILNess]

Ok the event will be up shortly, I found a server with a basic map rotation and the event will be posted as soon as the valve servers come up from maintenence.

Also, ENGIE BUFFS FUCK YEA!

EDIT: Why is the steam browser thing so damn slow?

[Novasol]

If people love 2Fort (and come on who doesn't love 2Fort!) I know a server that's always empty with a playermax of 14, which runs 2Fort 24/7. It might get dull quick but it's at least a start, plus if this is only gonna be a weekly thing it wouldn't be as bad.

I fucking hate 2fort, so you basically just described hell. It's a shitload of turtling and nothing ever gets done. Plus, I don't understand how people can play the same map 24/7 and not get sick of it.

[Azisien]

Whenever I play I'll just be randomly or systematically inviting people that leave their Steam online. Aerozord was my first victim. You may be next!

[Rokrin]

Not gonna lie guys, I am a huge fan of the new Engie buffs.
Just to clarify, the teleporter entrances and exits upgrade in unison, so you don't have to bang on each one. which makes it nice for setting up portable bases.

Plus the Dispenser++ basically wins the last two CP's for you if you set it up in a decent spot.

[Aerozord]

also two fully upgraded teleporters basically equals no downtime. Never did I spawn and not have one open.

But if one is destroyed are they both reset to level one?

Now back to the topic of the events, can we get some more warning on these? Like a day

[Rokrin]

But if one is destroyed are they both reset to level one?


No.


Also, important update for everyone:

Team Fortress 2 is now $9.99 (http://store.steampowered.com/app/440/)

That means everyone who doesn't have this but has Steam should buy it since it's now, in my opinion, ridiculously cheap for how good a game it is.

[guyy]

But if one is destroyed are they both reset to level one?

Actually, yes...at least, if you use the engie's detonator-tool-thing to destroy one, the other resets to level one. Dunno what happens if an enemy destroys it, but I don't see why it'd be different. Doesn't seem to matter which one gets destroyed, either.

[Azisien]

I can't help but feel pissed off at the game dropping to half its listed price when I bought it 3 days ago. Maybe Valve can credit me or something. :p

[Rokrin]

Actually, yes...at least, if you use the engie's detonator-tool-thing to destroy one, the other resets to level one. Dunno what happens if an enemy destroys it, but I don't see why it'd be different. Doesn't seem to matter which one gets destroyed, either.

Maybe they changed this since last night, but as of 2 AM this morning I didn't have to re-upgrade my teleporters if the enemy destroyed an entry or exit.

[Doc ock rokc]

it is a bug it happens every once and awhile...But here is a cool tip pound on your tele till it becomes level 3 then set down a exit...why? it will be level 3 from the get go

[01d55]

I can't help but feel pissed off at the game dropping to half its listed price when I bought it 3 days ago. Maybe Valve can credit me or something. :p

Yeah sales can be annoying like that. Impulse has one where a $40 game costs $4, I'm snapping that up (considered buying the game full price a while back but didn't).

[synkr0nized]

What, did Sins drop in price?

[BB]

I think (but I'm not sure) we're playing all day long today. So um I dunno, if you just join the NPFU chat room when you log onto steam or something so people can be updated?

[Aerozord]

personally I am hoping these updates are the signs of the next batch of weapons coming up. Though I doubt engineer will be given them anytime soon simply because it was the most difficult to balance, and thus its alt weapons would be tricky as well

[Azisien]

I actually have trouble following a lot of the conversation in here, too. That makes me a newbie/noob/nub, and really illustrates the point that all I do on TF2 thus far is log as a Heavy and point my gun at the enemy's heads.

Seems to work in non-team environments so I reckon it's fine in team ones?

[Doc ock rokc]

personally I am hoping these updates are the signs of the next batch of weapons coming up. Though I doubt engineer will be given them anytime soon simply because it was the most difficult to balance, and thus its alt weapons would be tricky as well
Actualy...The scout is getting his updates next
BONK! (http://www.teamfortress.com/)
Thing is they are not checking there emails just there forums...we should put in our ideas...

[Aerozord]

Actualy...The scout is getting his updates next
BONK! (http://www.teamfortress.com/)
Thing is they are not checking there emails just there forums...we should put in our ideas...*does "I was right" victory dance*

anywho

Well honestly not sure how to enhance the scout. Except maybe a long range weapon like what they did for pyro

also, is it just me or did the last update add new achievments

[Eltargrim]

Rokrin, cheers; I just bought three of my buds TF2 for an early christmas present. Now if only we didn't have exams to write.

[Rokrin]

I actually have trouble following a lot of the conversation in here, too. That makes me a newbie/noob/nub, and really illustrates the point that all I do on TF2 thus far is log as a Heavy and point my gun at the enemy's heads.

Seems to work in non-team environments so I reckon it's fine in team ones?

It works to a point, give it about a week or so of playing on a decent server and you'll understand it all.

Rokrin, cheers; I just bought three of my buds TF2 for an early christmas present. Now if only we didn't have exams to write.

Congratulations on being the first person I know to make the world a better place.

[Aerozord]

I finally tried some Arena maps and I gotta say, I like it. Requires more tactical choices as being uncatious can get you killed pretty quick. And apparently I'm pretty good at it, never left the top three in team rankings.

[mauve]

Nice. I suck at arena matches, but they're fun as heck to spectate.

[Aerozord]

oh yea and I should also mention, I did get gamer fatigue sooner on them. They aren't good for marathon sessions. Incidently, medics and engineers are a must on them. If not one decent pyro can just about kill your whole team.

[Melfice]

Well, I might get Team Fortress 2 for Steam when I get back home.
Though, of course, I'm gonna end up never playing because of the time difference...

[mauve]

Time is my biggest issue too. I work night shift, so I'm on at like three in the morning on weekdays. In Pacific Time Zone. Weekends it's more like ten or so, since my sister has claimed from seven to nine as her time to use my account.

[Lost in Time]

Whaddya mean? 3 am is the best time to play those games, thats when I do it.

[CelesJessa]

I just installed TF2 today, so I might join in once in awhile. I've never really played before so apologies in advance if I suck at the game.

Also, I share my account (Zionshadow) with a bunch of people(who I don't think use Steam much) but there's a chance that I'll be logged on but it's not me. Just sayin'.

[Rokrin]

I do my best playing between 11 PM and 4 AM. For some reason my ability to do anything increases tenfold in that 5 hour period.

I'm also now full-time medicing until something fantastic happens. So unless I'm in the mood to be stupid and play scout, I will be a medic. Always. Period.

[mauve]

Technical question. I just got a new computer and I wanna play my games on it. I've downloaded Steam and I can access my account, but it says that none of my games have been installed. They're listed under my screenname, but they're not installed. Clicking on TF2 says it could install the game in one day and eight hours. o.O Do not want. Can't I just put the game disk in and have it install off that? Or am I stuck having no TF2 on that computer?

[EVILNess]

Technical question. I just got a new computer and I wanna play my games on it. I've downloaded Steam and I can access my account, but it says that none of my games have been installed. They're listed under my screenname, but they're not installed. Clicking on TF2 says it could install the game in one day and eight hours. o.O Do not want. Can't I just put the game disk in and have it install off that? Or am I stuck having no TF2 on that computer?

You should be able to throw in the disc.

[Novasol]

The disc will work.

[Rokrin]

Y'know, stickies don't have to be on the ground to detonate. You can blow them mid-air.

So maybe people should start doing this. Yes? Yes.

/endrant

[Doc ock rokc]

Y'know, stickies don't have to be on the ground to detonate. You can blow them mid-air.

So maybe people should start doing this. Yes? Yes.

/endrant

people have! so much so that valve was thinking of fixing that too...one at a time though one at a time

[01d55]

What, did Sins drop in price?

The game in question was Space Rangers 2: Complete, made by some Russians (iirc) that Stardock found.

If I remember correctly, Sins wasn't a part of the (now ended) weekend sale, but supreme commander was ($9.99).

Back when my computer could barely run it, I paid like $40 for that, plus what another 30 for the xpac? Now that I have something that can handle it reasonably, it's a fourth of that.

Speaking of, anyone still have it installed? I'd like to play it now that I have a dual core processor, but I know anyone who still plays regularly will destroy me, and besides they're strangers and screw playing with strangers.

[Aerozord]

I rather dislike how shooting demoman stickies destroys them, especially since it makes pyro's alt attack seem gimp. I think it should unsticky them, not destoy them

[Jagos]

They used to move them around but you have to hit them dead on.

And thing is, the D.Man is still incredibly powerful against sentries and as a defensive opponent.

[EVILNess]

I rather dislike how shooting demoman stickies destroys them, especially since it makes pyro's alt attack seem gimp. I think it should unsticky them, not destoy them

It used to do that, and the destroying them really isn't that overpowered. A demoman can usually shoot stickies faster than I can destroy them. Not to mention that if I even miss one it will probably kill me.

Also, Spies. Goddamn it, I hate spies now even more than I did before. Now crappy spies are really hard to kill and good ones are unstoppable killing machines.

It does force me to be more aware of my surroundings though. I have found that it you watch any nearby ammo crates they tend to disappear when a spy is around.

[Novasol]

Also, Spies. Goddamn it, I hate spies now even more than I did before. Now crappy spies are really hard to kill and good ones are unstoppable killing machines.

It does force me to be more aware of my surroundings though. I have found that it you watch any nearby ammo crates they tend to disappear when a spy is around.

I usually play Pyro, so the increase in Spies is like free points for me.

[Rokrin]

I usually play Pyro, so the increase in Spies is like free points for me.

Medic; it means I'm the one bitching because the overheal particle effect hasn't been fixed yet, despite the update, and you can tell when I accidentally overheal a spy.

[mauve]

Medic; it means I'm the one bitching because the overheal particle effect hasn't been fixed yet, despite the update, and you can tell when I accidentally overheal a spy. Granted, being able to see the spy you heal makes the inevitable bonesaw/blutsauger ragekill that follows all the more satisfying.

[Novasol]

Spy overhealing was fixed yesterday, I don't seem to have the problem you do.

[Rokrin]

Spy overhealing was fixed yesterday, I don't seem to have the problem you do.
No, it really really wasn't. The update says it was.
It wasn't.

[Aerozord]

anyone having backstab detection issues? I mean the spy was on my screen, I could SEE THE SPY and still he backstabbed me.

Also upgraded teleporter enterance with a destroyed exit still glow as if it is working. Looks like this update started some bugs.

[Doc ock rokc]

anyone having backstab detection issues? I mean the spy was on my screen, I could SEE THE SPY and still he backstabbed me.

Thats called a face stab. it is cause due to the fact that whiny assholes didn't like that the spy could kill you no matter what as long as he started his animation in his targets back...valve changed it so that the spy has to hit the back of the target with or without the animation this alows 3 exploits that have change the way the spy acts...Quick stab (stabbing before you get to their back) Spin stab (180 turn to stab someones back used mainly on scouts) and the Face stab which means they stab over the targets shoulder but still in a spot that is considered the back...also this caused a problem dubbed Fail stabs where the knife isn't detected stabbing the back of a enemy even with the slow animation thus it makes it frustrating to play spy

[betachris_00]

This seems as good a place as any to throw this at you guys. I've got a guest pass for the Ship, and I'd like to give it away. If any of you would like to take it, by all means let me know.

[Fifthfiend]

Thread's kind of meandered away so closing. Maybe do like separate threads for a. talk about the update / b. talk about whatever all with our NPF online Steaming parties.