PolyCast #146: Forest For The Trees PolyCast podcast

#Lifestyle #Civ4 #Civ5 #Galciv #Dan Quick #Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net #Civil #Civ #Civrev #Warlord #Sword #Sid Meiers #Turn-based Strategy #Modcast #Revcast #Scivcast #Turncast

40:54

Taxes, Voting, Recycling—oh my! After navigating this jungle of grown-up responsibilities together, we're taking a quick summer breather to recharge our adulting batteries. But before we temporarily hang up our responsible pants, join us for this special episode packed with our favorite kernels of wisdom from the season so far AND get an exclusive preview of the fresh adulting adventures awaiting you when Grown-Up Stuff returns in late summer! Think of this episode as your adulting victory lap—complete with confetti and zero paperwork required! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

PolyCast »
PolyCast #146: Forest for the Trees

13 years ago 59:59

MP3•Episode home

In the 'Senate' (03m22s), comparing the merits of promotions for Galleys, and a generalized 'to do' list in the early game, both for Civilization IV. In 'Forum Talk' (15m40s), considering the possibility of a demo for the Civilization V expansion pack Gods and Kings, as well as the most anticipated scenario(s) from it. Next in the 'Research Lab' (24m40s), contrasting the Scout unit in CivIV and CivV in the context of revising its promotion capabilities. Then under 'Miscellaneous' (31m20s), on the implications for CivV's game mechanics from the upcoming GaK expansion, ethics and legalities of Civilization's developer and publisher incorporating community-generated MODs into the base game (47m49s; recorded for Episode 122), playing CivV without any Victory Conditions (50m18s; recorded for Episode 124), and how to keep CivIV interesting after all these years since its release (52m02s; recorded for Episode 134).

83 episodes

PolyCast #146: Forest for the Trees

PolyCast

published 13 years ago

MP3•Episode home

83 episodes

#Lifestyle #Civ4 #Civ5 #Galciv #Dan Quick #Civilized Communication (http://civcomm.net #Civil #Civ #Civrev #Warlord #Sword #Sid Meiers #Turn-based Strategy #Modcast #Revcast #Scivcast #Turncast

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PolyCast

1
PolyCast #146: Forest for the Trees 59:59

13 years ago59:59

59:59

PolyCast

1
RevCast #40: The Nitty Gritty 29:59

13 years ago29:59

29:59

In the first topic (02m19s), an update on a number of tournaments recently concluded, in-progress and up-and-coming for Civilization: Revolution. In the second topic (05m00s), the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to Wonders of the World in the game throughout all its eras. Then in the third topic (21m58s), reflecting on the continued draw and future prospect for CivRev's longevity in the video gaming community.…

PolyCast

1
PolyCast #145: Being Pedantic 59:59

13 years ago59:59

59:59

In the 'News (01m40s), breaking down the Civilization V: Gods and Kings playthrough show at PAX East 2012 a couple of weeks prior. Under the 'Open Mic' (41m53s), verbal feedback emailed in from a listener that expands on their forum post in response to a topic discussed last episode. Then under 'Miscellaneous' (47m35s), strengths, weaknesses and next steps for a survey to serve as the basis for a university dissertation connecting interest in Ancient Egypt and video games.…

PolyCast

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SCivCast #02: Socially Complex 17:00

13 years ago17:00

17:00

In the first topic (03m55s), for new players to Civilization: World, getting oriented and then getting settled. In the second topic (09m44s), the role barbarians play in the game between themselves and players, and between players themselves. Next in the third topic (14m16s), on the ability to jump from civilization to civilization, the value of 5-minute "trickles" and moderating harvest levels in CivWorld. Then in the fourth topic (17m35s), reasons to play the game other than to win.…

PolyCast

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PolyCast #144: Too Long Didn't Listen 59:59

13 years ago59:59

59:59

In the 'News' (01m36s), on the first of Civilization V: Gods and Kings' presence at PAX East 2012, as well as its announced release date. In 'Forum Talk' (34m00s), an analysis of the 'CIV5Worlds.xml' file catches the panel's attention. Next in the 'Senate' (41m27s), the connection between Great Scientists, bulbing for research and the Fishing technology is scruitinized in Civilization IV (recorded for Episode 134). Then under 'Miscellaneous' (43m06s), a collection of saves for instant CivV achievement gratification draws ire, while an April Fool's Joke for its Gods and Kings expansion generates buzz (53m02s).…

PolyCast

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TurnCast #17: Every Combination of Word 9:59

13 years ago9:59

9:59

There's a song for that. Snippets from assorted co-operative multiplayer games including: cross communication; shades of orange; attire messages; patience payoff; and parental failure.

PolyCast

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PolyCast #143: Don't Mistake Cause and Effect 59:59

13 years ago59:59

59:59

In the 'Senate' (01m11s), treating a self-diagnosed 'irrational fear' of technological inferiority, and tips for co-operative multiplay (18m16s) -- both for Civilization IV, with extension to consider CivV on comparable terms. Next under 'Miscellaneous' (33m17s), getting in on an argument that Downloadable Content (DLC) for Civilization V has been 'done right'. Then in an 'Interview' (42m09s), chatting with the person behind a newer series of CivV 'Let's Plays', and looking back on the efforts of another such creator (49m56s; recorded for Episode 114).…

PolyCast

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RevCast #39: Here's the Thing 29:59

13 years ago29:59

29:59

In the first topic (02m40s), an in-depth consideration of how to best play the first 20 turns of a Civilization: Revolution game. Next in the second topic (14m56s), focusing on the goals and crucial timing of how many turns after a game has begun before one settles their capital city. Then in the third topic (20m39s), progressing beyond CivRev's first 20 turns of a game towards victory.…

PolyCast

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PolyCast #142: Intestinal Fortitude 59:59

13 years ago59:59

59:59

Under 'Miscellaneous' (01m22s), on which Wonders of the World have been seen in 'real life'. In the 'News' (06m24s), pouring over continuing developments on the upcoming Civilization V expansion pack, Gods and Kings. Next in 'Forum Talk (13m40s), evaluating the viability of adding corporations and debating the value of advisors (22m02s), both in Civilization V; next, adding to advice for playing a One City Challenge (OCC) in Civilization IV (31m16s) and then back to CivV to assess the need for being able to see rival civilization's technology tree progress (37m34s). In the 'Senate' (43m06s), demystifying the link between gifting cities and stealing technologies easier through espionage in CivIV. Then in the 'Research Lab' (46m40s), what of a place for Chemical and/or Biological warfare in the Civilization series.…

PolyCast

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TurnCast #16: Actually How It Happens 9:59

13 years ago9:59

9:59

To the victors go the spoils. Snippets from assorted co-operative multiplayer games including: scary threats; matching number to personality; favourite phrases; smooth moves; and silence is golden.

PolyCast

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PolyCast #141: Can Always Speculate 59:59

13 years ago59:59

59:59

In the 'News (Part 1 of 2) (03m13s), coverage galore on the offical announcement that the first Civilization V expansion pack, Gods and Kings, is set for release this spring. Through analyses and sleuthing alike, its following aspects are discussed first: religion; espionage (15m02s); diplomacy (19m40s); civilizations (22m34s); buildings (25m06s) and combat (26m44s). Next under 'Miscelaneous' (28m47s), observing CivV leaders' reactions to defeat (recorded for Episode 111); counting down a Top 10 things 'Learned About the World' through the game (32m39s; recorded for Episode 129); some continued disbelief that females play Civilization games (35m01s; recorded for Episode 134), and critiquing CivV's difficulty levels in correlation to the Artificial Intelligence (40m44s; recorded for Episode 136). Then in the 'News (Part 2 of 2)' (47m19s), considering the stated release timeline for CivV: GandK, and a possible sneak peak of some modified CivV settings to come following an accidental then reversed patch rollout (50m17s).…

PolyCast

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RevCast #38: Randomness All Over 29:59

13 years ago29:59

29:59

In the first topic (00m57s), dealing with varied victory condition attempts including adaptability measures in Civilization: Revolution (recorded for Episode 07). In the second episode (04m58s), playing into the strengths, and not falling into the pitfalls, of being the Mongolians (recorded for Episode 23). Next in the third topic (09m27s), wanting for gold in CivRev (recorded for Episode 23). In the fourth topic (11m50s), recognizing and responding to common multiplay technical difficultes (recorded for Episode 31). In the fifth topic (15m29s), advancing an arugment for Catapult rushing in Civilization: Revolution (recorded for Episode 34). Then in the sixth topic (21m50s), the challenge that is post-Code of Laws play (recorded for Episode 34).…

PolyCast

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PolyCast #140: It's Give and Take 59:59

13 years ago59:59

59:59

In the 'News' (01m14s), reacting to Sid Meier being interviewed by GameInformer on the future of strategy gaming. Next, in 'Forum Talk' (11m37s) the scoring forumla being broken in Civilization V, CivIV before it, and the top multiplayer civs in CivV. Then under the 'Open Mic' (48m16s), answering 'Verade''s call-in question pitting Civilization III against CivIV as playing preference.…

PolyCast

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TurnCast #15: Wonder What Will Happen 9:59

14 years ago9:59

9:59

Only time will tell. Snippets from assorted co-operative multiplayer games including: laying blame; for a good argument; buttons to be pressing; word appreciation; and time for talking.

PolyCast

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PolyCast #139: Add Insult to Injury 59:59

14 years ago59:59

59:59

In the 'Research Lab' (01m14s), on a request for unique technologies for Civilization's, well, civilizations. In 'Forum Talk' (11m37s), considering the most important attribute in CivV, and the ability to run a negative treasury. Next in the 'Senate' (31m12s), combining late game and air unit analysis, and how to stop Giant Death Robots in Civilization V. Then under 'Miscellaneous' (48m16s), the sizzle of comparing gaming and cooking.…

PolyCast

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SCivCast #01: You Have Notifications 17:00

14 years ago17:00

17:00

In the first topic (00m31s), on claims that Civilization: World is already on the decline, and possible factors why. In the second topic (04m23s), the contentious element of the game that is CivBucks. Onto the third topic (06m56s), the co-hosts share their recent gameplay experiences with and efforts within the title. Next in the fourth topic (09m11s), finding a silver lining in CivWorld that leads back to an inherent concern. In the fifth topic (12m31s), proposing an avenue to find a solution to that concern by drawing from the existing online Civ community. Then in the sixth topic (15m01s), the crux that is the inactive player realized over-and-over again.…

PolyCast

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PolyCast #138: That Was All a Lot of Nothing 59:59

14 years ago59:59

59:59

In 'Forum Talk' (02m08s), looking back on, and the reaction to, the latest Civilization V patch released just before Christmas 2011. Under 'Miscellaneous' (06m36s), a collective enthuasiam for, concern cast or indifference towards not one but two sequels to XCOM: Enemy Unknown through publisher 2K Games. In the 'Senate' (11m54s), converting forests into lots and lots of gold in Civilization IV, not wasting worker turns in CivIV and CivV, and getting too close for comfort -- so to speak -- in CivV. Then under the 'Open Mic' (44m10s), responding to the call for feedback for the show's fifth season that received fifty-nine responses in total.…

PolyCast

1
TurnCast #14: Why This Conversation is Happening 9:59

14 years ago9:59

9:59

Bewilderment. Snippets from assorted co-operative multiplayer games including: shame if something happened; this land is my land; line of thinking; random remembrances; and research safety.

PolyCast

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PolyCast #137: Not Just a Lame Clip Show VIII 59:59

14 years ago59:59

59:59

Under 'Miscellaneous' (00m48s), whether or not to give Open Borders to an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-controlled civilization for gold in Civilization V (recorded for Episode 122), and balancing the intelligence equation for Civ AI in general (04m13s; recorded for Episode 124). In the 'Senate' (07m36s), to, or not to, trust unit automation in CivV (recorded for Episode 127), going for a CivIV Cultural Victory through the Cultural Slider (10m01s; recorded for Episode 129), which Great People to target post-Liberalism technology (15m35s; recorded for Episode 132), areas of play under which beginning CivV players are lacking (26m42s; recorded for Episode 134) and are mounted units weak in CivV (35m52s; recorded for Episode 136). Then in 'Forum Talk' (49m39s), why some of Civilization V's luxuy resources are not as strong as others (recorded for Episode 135).…

PolyCast

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TurnCast #13: A Little Crazy 9:59

14 years ago9:59

9:59

Honesty starts from within. Snippets from assorted co-operative multiplayer games including: stark envy; doubt benefits; delayed observations; mad money; and fitting tunes.

PolyCast

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PolyCast Christmas Special 2011: Rockin' Around the Civvin' PC 1:29:59

14 years ago1:29:59

1:29:59

Presenting the present that is the fourth annual PolyCast Christmas Special. In 'Email #1' (02m21s), answering Norman Ma regarding the effect of game speed in Civilization V and particular victory conditions. In 'Email #2' (07m05s), responding to a message from Jason Hermsen who makes inquiries on a number of topics to Civ: comparable strategy games, adaptability of the franchise to other gaming genres (12m03s), preferred talent that would be new to its development (14m55s), minimizing warfare desirability (23m50s), and renewing the expansion vs. Downloadable Content (DLC) release consideration (27m06s). Onto 'Forum Post #1' (32m54s), from 'Dale' on the direction of the Civ franchise from its adaptation to the console to a presumed Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) game. In 'Forum Post #2' (42m28s), from 'eastkitton' looking for the 'most INTERESTING to play' DLC for Civilization V. In 'Forum Post #3' (46m06s), from 'Alexander', what an 'ideal' holiday modification for Civ would be. Next in 'Forum Post #4' (49m33s), select points from 'MARDUK' on the pros and cons to a number of gameplay suggestions. In 'Forum Post #5' (60m03s), addressing both a question and a request from 'Tremonti'. In 'Forum Post #6' (62m50s), from 'AwesoMe', seeking the panel's view on science as executed in CivV. In 'Forum Post #7' (70m36s), from 'E_T', on the 'resurgence' of CivIV play as backlash to the state of CivV. Then in 'Forum Post #8' (78m30s), from 'Mythdracon', choosing and being specific about the most important 'fix' needed for CivV presently.…

PolyCast

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PolyCast Promo 16 4:59

14 years ago4:59

4:59

This second sampler from the fifth season gives would-be and current listeners a sense of the content and atmosphere of the show. Select moments are excerpted from the one-hundred-and-twenty-second through one-hundred-and-thirty-sixth episodes and mixed together.

PolyCast

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TurnCast #12: Totally Helpful 9:59

14 years ago9:59

9:59

What, really. Snippets from assorted co-operative multiplayer games including: breaking rules; spreading misinformation; taking off; annoying more; and asking nicely.

PolyCast

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RevCast #37: Quantity Over Quality 29:59

14 years ago29:59

29:59

In the first topic (01m24s), introducing Civilization: Revolution's American civilization by stirring an overview into the starting and Ancient bonus mixture. In the second topic (11m45s), finding it an exercise to overstate the strength that is America in the Medieval Era. Next in the third topic (18m54s), on CivRev's measured American prospects in the Industrial and Modern Eras. Then in the fourth topic (23m28s), having one's work cut out for them in defending from America.…

PolyCast

1
TurnCast #11: Give Grief 9:59

14 years ago9:59

9:59

Colour difference irrelevant. Snippets from assorted co-operative multiplayer games including: monitor mirror; nether regions; sound effects; antic surprise; and admitting defeat.

PolyCast

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PolyCast #136: Strike Our Fancy 59:59

14 years ago59:59

59:59

In 'Forum Talk' (00m55s), the best way to cure city sickness in Civilization IV's later(r) game, and then an intensive focus on both the best and worst unique civilization abilities in CivV (08m12s).

PolyCast

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ModCast #46: Perfect Perlin 58:46

14 years ago58:46

58:46

In the first topic (00m46s), on the PerfectWorld3 map script for Civilization V by Cephalo. In the second topic (10m15s), discussing the continental graphic styles. Next in the third topic (22m00s), transitioning from Python to LUA programming between CivIV and CivV. Into the fourth topic (31m05s), how Downloadable Content (DLC) releases affect modding. Then in the fifth topic (46m05s), going over the 1066AD scenario from CivV's Viking DLC.…

PolyCast

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TurnCast #10: The Magic Word 9:59

14 years ago9:59

9:59

Massive case of disagreement. Snippets from assorted co-operative multiplayer games including: accidental declaration singing enforcement; knowing better; unbelievably inconceivable; and life achievement.

PolyCast

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RevCast #36: Mix of Ingredients 29:59

14 years ago29:59

29:59

In the first topic (01m12s), taking pulse of the Civilization: Revolution tournament scene co-ordinated through the game's official forums. In the second topic (03m48s), wonders of the World worth building, specifically in the context of competitive multiplayer. Into the third topic (12m16s), an overview of the latest CivRev "Civ of the Month", the Romans. Onto the fourth topic (16m09s), playing as Rome in the Ancient Era. In the fifth topic (20m44s), making it through the Medieval Era as Rome in CivRev. Next in the sixth topic (23m57s), the Industrial and Modern Eras as leader of the Roman civilization. Then in the seventh topic (25m18s), defending oneself in CivRev against a Roman opponent.…

PolyCast

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PolyCast Questions/Comments/Topics Requested for Christmas Special 2011 2:11

14 years ago2:11

2:11

Submit questions to answer, comments to reflect on and topics to investigate to drive the PolyCast 2011 Christmas Special's content to be hosted by the show's regular co-hosts: Civ in nature, strategy/computer gaming in general or even PolyCast specific inquiries are all welcome... you are not limited to just one!…

PolyCast

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PolyCast #135: Take the Blame 59:59

14 years ago59:59

59:59

In the 'News' (01m41s), on the carrying out, and fallout, of the hacking of Steam's servers that permitted access to user forum accounts and financial information. Next in the 'Research Lab' (18m29s), implementing an national currency system in the Civilization series. In 'Forum Talk' (28m53s), choosing the best civilization for a One-City Challenge (OCC) in first CivV, then CivIV, and are Nuclear-powered weapons unfair in CivV with inevitable comparison to CivIV. Then in 'Community Focus' (49m03s), looking at the youngest of the largest Civ fan websites at present, WePlayCiv.…

PolyCast

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PolyCast #134: All's Fair in Love and Civ 59:59

14 years ago59:59

59:59

In 'Forum Talk' (02m15s), concern over a tactic being seen as cheating in a co-operative Civilization IV multiplayer game, on the use of Airports and air lifting in CivIV and CivV (10m39s) and sharing food between cities within your empire in either game (26m08s). Then under 'Open Mic' (43m43s), comparably last experienced during the show's first season, engaging in telephonic message tag over a misdirected missing rental.…

PolyCast

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PolyCast #133: Not Just a Lame Clip Show VII 59:59

14 years ago59:59

59:59

Under the 'Open Mic' (00m34s), being proactive in Civilization IV warfare (recorded for and on the general difficulty of CivIV and CivV (recorded for Episode 124). Next in 'Senate' (08m30s), whether or not to accept Friendship offer from a remote civilization in CivV (recorded for Episode 119), how many Stables should one build in a CivIV game (recorded for Episode 125), on using roads and railroads in CivV (recorded for Episode 127) and comparing and contrasting a CivIV Cottage vs. Farm economy (recorded for Episode 129). Then under 'Miscellaneous' (27m37s) making sense of of the "Top 5 Cities" in Civilization IV (recorded for Episode 90), the difficulty behind bringing Civ to the Macintosh platform (recorded for Episode 97) and on the war delcaration mechanics of CivIV's Artificial Intelligence (recorded for Episode 99); further still, discovering El Dorado National Wonder in Civilization V and ending point for Civ sessions (recorded for Episode 110), why people play Civilization (recorded for Episode 120), what if your people wrote books about you (recorded for Episode 124) and noting a trick in CivIV (recorded for Episode 125).…

PolyCast

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ModCast #45: Agility +1 58:46

14 years ago58:46

58:46

In the first topic (01m48s), on Civilization V and its assorted Downloadable Content (DLC). Then in the second topic (27m30s), continuing the modding 'Curriculum' series with the spiral cycle of agile mod development.

PolyCast

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PolyCast #132: Make No Promises 59:59

14 years ago59:59

59:59

Under 'Open Mic' (02m15s), reacting to some responses to the most previous episode the show. In 'Forum Talk' (05m57s), an argument to modify the movement and effect of Great Generals in Civilization V, dealing with quitters in Civ multiplayer, and using the cultural slider in CivIV. In the 'Senate' (32m10s), stealing the Settlers and Workers of CivV Artificial Intelligence (AI) opponents and dissecting a 1190AD Conquest win on Deity in CivIV. Then under 'Miscellaneous' (46m08s), brainstorming ideas for a children's Civ-themed birthday party, and acknowledging the approach of the show's fifth birthday.…

PolyCast

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PolyCast #131: Not Just a Lame Clip Show VI 59:59

14 years ago59:59

59:59

In 'Forum Talk' (01m00s), are one-tile island cities worth the effort (recorded for Episode 112); has anyone ever made a defensive pact (recorded for Episode 120) (08m03s); the purpose of Hydro Plants (recorded for Episode 122) (20m15s); should jungle tiles be developed (recorded for Episode 124) (26m48s) and what should and should not be Downloadable Content (DLC) (recorded for Episode 127) (32m25s). Then, roleplaying with Social Policy trees (44m14s) and bringing back culture conquering (recorded for Episode 129) (46m58s). In the 'Research Lab' (53m21s), making Culture civilization-wide to limit over expansion (recorded for Episode 125).…

PolyCast

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PolyCast #130: Not So Cut and Dry 59:59

14 years ago59:59

59:59

PolyCast

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RevCast #35: On Top of It All 29:59

14 years ago29:59

29:59

In the first topic (04m29s), an update on the Civilization: Revolution tournament scene co-ordinated through the game's official forums. In the second topic (05m58s), an overview of China, the CivRev "Civ of the Month". Next in the third topic (09m55s), starting out, and the Ancient Area, as this civilization. Onto the fourth topic (13m59s), managing the Medieval and Industrial Eras as the Chinese in CivRev. In the fifth topic (20m01s), finding oneself as China in CivRev's Modern Era. Then in the sixth topic (22m04s), the greater challenge that can be defending against the Chinese.…

PolyCast

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TurnCast #08: Inability to Speak 9:59

14 years ago9:59

9:59

Credit where credit is due. Snippets from assorted co-operative multiplayer games including: mute singing; catchphrase reminder; new hobby; proper response; and hearing bread..

PolyCast

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PolyCast #129: The Letters T and Eh? 59:59

14 years ago59:59

59:59

PolyCast

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TurnCast #07: Out Loud 9:59

14 years ago9:59

9:59

Enticing incentives. Snippets from assorted co-operative multiplayer games including: waiting game; being morbid; microphone folly; mention mistake; and peanut gallery.

PolyCast

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PolyCast #128: Open to Abuse 59:59

14 years ago59:59

59:59

In 'Forum Talk' (02m30s), using Civilization IV Governor's ability to stop growth in a city, seeing an incorporation of a colonization system (11m55s) and another means to war without diplomatic penalty (25m19s), both in CivV. Then under 'Miscellaneous' (36m49s), counting your favourites as traits in V, and on Electronic Arts seeking copyright renewal of Alpha Centauri amongst a few other gaming titles.…

PolyCast

1
TurnCast #06: Not Hearing This 9:59

14 years ago9:59

9:59

Lucky beneficiary. Snippets from assorted co-operative multiplayer games including: madhouse greeting; delayed reaction; forgotten opponents; singing opportunity; and show influences.

PolyCast

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RevCast #34: Return on That Investment 29:59

14 years ago29:59

29:59

In the first topic (01m39s), in overview of the Civilization: Revolution "Civ of the Month", the Greeks. Next in the second topic (06m17s) on the start, and Ancient Era, as Greece in the game. With the third topic (16m10s), carrying on into the Medieval Era as the Greeks in CivRev. Further in the fourth topic (20m55s), managing Greece in the game's Industrial Era. Onto the fifth topic (23m28s), the place of CivRev's Greeks in CivRev. Then in in the sixth topic (25m12s), defending against Greece as opponent in-game.…

PolyCast

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ModCast #44: Code Vultures 58:46

14 years ago58:46