HiCiV - Civilization II: MGE

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Civilization II: Multiplayer Gold Edition


Hot Seat	Direct Connect	Dial-Up Network	Local Network	Internet

Direct Connect Game . On January middle I tried to start Civ2:MGE in Direct Cable Connection mode. Attempt was succesfull so now I want to tell you about it. Of course now I think some of my steps are not necessary but today I have no wishes to check it.

During installation software and settings for this mode I followed Readme files from MicroProse Software (c). Below I give extract from Readme.txt file included in original MGE CD-ROM as well as extract from Readme file included in patch v.1.1 that I've download from Microprose site. You CAN use all these instructions even if you don't install the patch itself, they work for original MGE too.

My own comments to this manual is in black color. In dark-red color there are not evident points, where I had mistakes.

Well, get started.

SETUP PROCEDURE FOR DIRECT CONNECT MULTIPLAYER GAMES

As you can understand (and me too) Direct Connect is a case of Dial-Up Networking Game, right? So I gone through the following steps.

NOTE: Dial-Up networking for this game requires version 1.2 of Windows 95 Dial-Up networking. If you do not have this update, you can download it from Microsoft...

When I gone to Microsoft site I did see version 1.3 only. 1.2 is old and not available. Well, I've downloaded 1.3 from the site. It is possible you don't find it because of updating. Then search new (1.4 or next) version of Dial-Up. I hope you can :)

(This procedure assumes some familiarity with networking and Windows components.)

Well, I run file downloaded and install Dial-Up v.1.3. Many new lines are appeared in Network properties. I leave them all.

Installing Dial-Up Networking

As I understand you read this text on my site so you are in Internet and you've had Dial-Up Networking installed. Even in some reasons it is not true then it WAS not true if you installed Dial-Up v.1.3 as written above. Just for case I repeat Readme content.

Adding the Dial-Up networking component

Open the control panel

Select Add/Remove Programs

Go under the Windows Setup tab

In the list of installed Windows components, select the Communications option

While the Communications option is selected, press the Details button

Enable the Dial-Up networking option

.
You may have to insert Windows disks at this point. There may also be prompts for adding a Dial-Up Adapter. Answer "yes" to any options concerning the addition of such an adapter.

The 1st and 2nd items are already ready if you installed Dial-Up v.1.3 as written above.

Add a Dial-Up adapter if not already present in the list (Add ... Adapter... Manufacturer = Microsoft, Network Adapter =Dial-Up Adapter)

Add the TCP/IP protocol to the Dial-Up adapter (Add ... Protocol ... Manufacturer = Microsoft, Protocol = TCP/IP)

Select the Dial-Up Adapter in the network adapters list

I think it is mistake. You must select not the Dial-Up Adapter but "TCP/IP-> Dial-Up Adapter" now, though it is maybe different for Dial-Up v.1.2.

Press the properties button
Under the IP Address tab, enter the following information:
- For IP Address, on the first computer use 100.100.100.1, on the second computer use 100.100.100.2
- For subnet mask, on both computers, use 255.255.255.0
Ensure that File and Print Sharing for Microsoft Networking is installed. To install it, add a new service (Service...Microsoft.) This cannot exist with File and Print Sharing for Netware Networks, so remove any sharing for Netware which may be present.

And be sure you have "Client for Microsoft Network" in the line "Way of Network entry".

Well now we read the next Readme file.

SETUP PROCEDURE FOR DIRECT CONNECT MULTIPLAYER GAMES
Installing the Direct Cable Connection

Open the Windows Control Panel.
Select "Add/Remove Programs".
Choose the Windows Setup tab.
From the list of installed Windows components, select the Communications option.
Click on the Details button.
Enable the "Direct Cable Connection" option.
(You might be prompter to insert your Windows disk at this point.)

After the Direct Cable Connection Software elements are installed you must make physical connections of two computers. If you have had proper cable by now - my congratulations!
If no then at first look at your computer back side. Usually computer has mouse installed on one of two COM ports - COM1, and there is free COM2 port near the first one. In case if you have external modem it can capture COM2 port. Then during playing Direct Game you must disconnect modem cable and connect serial cable (see below). COM2 port has 9 or 25 pins. Remember these numbers for both computers you wish to connect. Then go to the nearest (or far) computer shop and buy cable for connection via serial ports (standard RS232). Be sure the ends of the cable have proper pins - as on your computers.
If you are familiar with computer you even can made this cable by yourself. If you wish I can explain it to you in details - ask me.

After the Direct Cable Connection is installed:

One of the two computers is the Direct Cable Connection Host, and one is the Guest.

Open the Start menu.
Select "Programs".
Choose "Accessories".
Choose "Direct Cable Connection". this option might be under "Communication" or it might be right there in "Accessories".
The Direct Cable Connection box opens, asking if your computer is Host or Guest. Choose Host.
Answer the rest of the questions.

About port - usually COM2 port.

You are now set up.

The last button is "Listen". And you see window with message like this: "Waiting for a guest computer to connect via COM2 port..."
Then (or before, or on any other moment) make the following procedures with other computer.

Open the Start menu.
Select "Programs".
Choose "Accessories".
Choose "Direct Cable Connection". this option might be under "Communication" or it might be right there in "Accessories".
The Direct Cable Connection box opens, asking if your computer is Host or Guest. Choose Guest.
Answer the rest of the questions.

About port - usually COM2 port.

You are now set up.

The last button is "Connect". And you see windows with messages like these: "Connecting via COM2 port...", maybe - "Verifying user name and password", and at least - "Connected with another computer via COM2 port..."
If you see last message (on both computers) - you can try to run Civilization now. If you have any problems run Windows Help at first. It is possible you find there solution for your problem. If no - I would be glad to help you - mail me.

Finally.

After you have connected to another computer, you can start a TCP/IP-based network game.

Start CIV2 Multiplayer Gold.
Choose "Multiplayer Game."
Choose "Network Game".

Please pay attention: NOT Dial-Up Networking game but NETWORK game. I hope the next patch will make running Direct Cable Game more understandable.

Choose "TCP/IP".
Answer the rest of the questions, and you are on your way.

On one (any) computer you must chose "Start a new game" or "Load a saved game" (when you continue game after pause), on other computer - "Join a game".

It is very easy, isn't it? This mode is the simpliest "real" multiplayer game - if you have read my reports about HotSeat you understand me. Of course it has disadventages. IMHO the main features of the Direct are following:

Advantages of Direct mode in comparison with other multiplayer ones.	Disadvantages of Direct mode in comparison with other multiplayer ones.
Unlike HotSeat you have full control under your diplomacy as well as you can see enemy moves in your zones even in no your turn - in real time.	Unlike HotSeat you must have two computers (so at home I must use HotSeat, and only at office - please don't tell it to my chief - I use Direct) not far one from other (long direct cable can work unstable, I work with 15-meters cable for example).
In multi- (more than two-) players game (LAN or Internet) you must have all your friends free to start/continue game. It is easy to play when you are two.	Of course if you have excellent local network it is prefarable to use it for playing - up to seven humans - I think (though not sure) it is more interesting.
If you have friend and wish to play two-humans game try to establish Direct. It is more stable than Dial-up of two computers - at least in my city.	Maybe your friend is so far from you that you can not establish cable connection. Dial-up of two computers makes it possible to play against your friend if you have phones but don't wish to use Internet. BTW I've tried Dial-up too - I'll tell about it later.

By now that's all. If you have any questions or comments please mail me.

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