Since I purchased this game my level of fun playing TT has been steadily decreasing. I used to play amazing games several times a day, with only the occasional annoyances here and there. This rarely happens at all now. I believe one of the big factors in this decline is the following:

In "the old days" everyone actually went after the scrum and the skillful players could make some amazing runs. Now, nearly all the good scrum players are what I call pseudo-campers. They don't sit in the goal, but rather they keep themselves between the scrum and the goal. They rarely go after the scrum at all, but instead wait until it comes close to the goal and try to take it then. This makes for a very frustrating game. Newer players or players who think they can get by the pseudo-campers will grab the scrum and then for them to score, they have to get by several of these very skilled pseudo-campers to score. I'll let you figure out what usually happens.

I'm not writing this because of some bitter loss to a camping...er...sorry...pseudo-camping vet. I AM writing this because this style of play sucksand I'm sick of it. I completely understand why it is done, and honestly, I believe it offers the best chance to score. I believe the game forces this style of play to be competetive. Soooooo, I guess it all boils down to what you want -- points or fun. I choose fun. But I'm extermely competitive, so I choose points. Wait--no, I choose fun.

I guess the game was bound to get to this state because when enough extremely competetive individuals play, everyone is looking for an edge. I'm looking for that edge too, but I don't think pseudo-camping is the way to go.

I don't really expect anyone to read this and realize "that's me--I do that!" and stop doing it, because those in the know are already aware of what goes on and most peoples' egos won't allow them to not be at the top of the scoreboard nearly every time. In fact, I suppose this post really has no purpose, other that putting into words what we all see going on in our games on a daily basis. I for one am going to try my best to take the high road and play this game like it was meant to be played.

That's all I have to say about that.
Demolition

I all ways take the high road.

Very well said, Demolition. It's true, but as you said, nothing can be done to change it except for taking the high road (as Lonewolf always does) yourself. If enough players do that, then you might expect a good old fashioned scrum game to break out. However, I would not hold your breath.

Obviously, you are talking about indie scrum because pseudo-camping is a MUST in team scrum. It's called good defense and the line between pseudo-camping and playing good defense (even in indie scrum) can be very blurry. For example, you spawn in a goal as the play heads your way. You're instinct is to play defense but then you turn into Captain Camptastic and get showered with insults. Many times, I will just say Ole and let them score just to avoid the bloody C word (camper!).

How are we supposed to chat if we are always chasing the flag? ;)

Very good post demolition.

As a midrange camper myself I agree with you 100%. BUT most of the us DO chase the flag. If someone else gets the flag and I am not in good shooting position I will take up a defensive position between the runner and the goal. If the situation arises I will park in the goal as well.

BTW there is no reason why the runner cant run AWAY from the campers. Make them come after you if necessary.

All I can say is that I would play team scrum when at all possible. In teams it doesnt matter if you are a shooter, camper, runner, midrange camper, or all around player as it all comes into play.

I avoid indie games unless there are just myself and 4 other opponents or less. 6 or more people in a server is reason for 3 on 3 or even more.

If no teams and if I cant get in a good indie game (90% of the time) I just play TBM or CTF til there is a decent game.

B

I see no reason why there can't be good indie games on a regular basis. I know things get out of hand when there are too many people, but sometimes there isn't a team game going and I still want to play TT. I have never really enjoyed battlemode either. Survivor was fun, even with only a few people, but that's no longer an option. My only option when there aren't many people on is to play what is there.

I also don't really like hardcore campers in team scrum either. That also takes some of the fun out of it for me. I know it's generally accepted, but there aren't many good reasons for someone to be parked in the goal waiting for the action to come to them.

The tank treads will never wear out on your virtual tank, so keep them moving!

Demolition

We feel u´r pain.. :)

Cadc (SA) (Leader)

There is no problem with camping, I dont care if people camp or not, as long as I get to play.

demolition the only way to overcome your problem is to host a scrum with your ideal scrummers one or twice a week. While I understand your frustration the reality is adaption to the new gaming strategies or my first idea are going to be your only remedies, unless you stop playing TT.

Right on 56! Some damn good conversations happen around the goal. Ya know, I'm not to sure who the elite scrambling scrummers are or even if there is such an animal. Really makes the Flea want to bite someone when I see a player grab the scrum and head for timbuktu. GET BACK HERE YA IDIOT! See this green wiggly thing? This is where points are made! It's rather simple. You gotta have the scrum to score and you score in the goal. I don't usually sit IN the goal (unless I'm feeling pissy:) but usually I'm somewhere mid field, depending on traffic. But if I do manage to intercept the scrum you can bet the goal is my next destination. Now get out of my way, I've got points to score.

Last edited: Friday, July 30, 2004 at 1:35:42 AM