Looking for a teammate(s)

[Rafterman Profile Website]

We've all played CoH for quite a while now, and with the exception of the few new guys are all at least somewhat familiar with each others' style. Despite the fact that CoH is very long in the tooth and CoH2 is coming out next year, I'm at a stage where I'd like to form a consistent grouping with just 1 or 2 other players. Not necessarily to compete in tournaments or anything (though I certainly wouldn't rule that out), but to form a 2 or 3 person team that will eventually learn exactly how to work together and with each other on a consistent basis. Naturally, this team would continue on playing together once CoH2 comes out and we'll see where it goes from there.

I'm far from a superstar player and until just within the past month or two, my games were mostly limited to CPU skirmishes. The handful of human vs. human matches we've played lately (most of which I've been part of the losing team) have really made me realize that my techniques are in need of much work. However, I'd prefer that the person or people I team up with have at least some skill and familiarity with the game. I have a very competitive nature and I want to take this seriously.

Anyway, if you'd be interested in working on building a team together, please let me know. Just remember that I'm a 32-year-old husband who has a job and other hobbies and responsibilities, so don't be surprised if there is ever any difficulty getting together on a particular day or time to play. Naturally, my nights and weekends tend to be the most open for gaming. A "practice schedule" of sorts could be figured out at a later time.

If anyone else is looking to do something similar, feel free to post up in here and maybe we could use this opportunity to form some small teams within our own community who would enjoy playing against each other on a regular basis.

[Chevrolet Profile]

I know this game inside out. I played so much CoH since '06 that I'm kinda burned out; however, I could do a replay review kind of thing to get your PvP up to speed. Anything other than 1v1 or 2v2 is kinda a cluster *uck and I would not recommend to improve your game.

I suggest focusing on one faction (not the newb friendly Brits) and going from there. I played American 90+% of the time, since that faction suits my play style.

I mentored people in CoH and Dawn of War II before and I'm pretty good and it. Hey, maybe if you remove the newb shackles, I might join you for a 2v2 AT game.

[Bielab Profile]

I am interested in teaming up. There are some parts of my game I am very interested in improving upon. Lately I have been bitten by the COH bug (again) and have been itching for some good games (I haven't been post whoring/keeping interests in the match recaps and Buddha's public matches threads for nothing). I too have a growing Honey Do list from the wife and from myself... but blowing stuff up in COH (and other games) is always a nice diversion when you want to take a break from things.


I have already played a few 2 vs 2 games with Tiger and Buddha recently. We had some success and some failures. The game Buddha and I played last week we ended up losing because we basically played separate 1 vs 1's on the same map. That is going to be the tough part....figuring out how to work together.

I know this game inside out. I played so much CoH since '06 that I'm kinda burned out

Yeah I know the feeling.... Will play for a while, get a little burnt out, then the bug bites me again. Then again, if it wasn't for the members of our community and the camaraderie we share on teamspeak, I probably would have put down the game years ago and probably never really picked it up again or really got into it in the first place.

I could do a replay review kind of thing to get your PvP up to speed.

That would be a big help.... Thank you. Replay analysis is always a great tool.... just need to remember and apply the lessons learned from them when playing

[Rafterman Profile Website]

I suggest focusing on one faction (not the newb friendly Brits) and going from there. I played American 90+% of the time, since that faction suits my play style.

I've got over 300 matches with the Brits, and they suit MY play style, so I won't be so quick to abandon them. I'd hardly call them a newbie faction, as I've been watching plenty of game replays involving level 15-20 players and the Brits can be both hard to play as and hard to play against in that caliber of competition. I think the game is nicely balanced at this point and all the factions have their strengths and weaknesses. I would never discount one over the other.

That being said, lately I've gotten more into the PE, which is an odd switch for me, considering they have pretty much no defensive abilities whatsoever and are an entirely offensive-minded faction, the exact opposite of the British. However, I've been quickly learning the advantages and disadvantages of each and I think that has helped my game a lot. I've also played with the Wehrmacht a couple times too. Most of the PvP games are aggressive from the get-go, so the PE has helped me come out of my shell a bit more and try different tactics. My latest attempt at this was in last night's 4v4 we had on Eichsfeld Confluence against Keith, Grissim, Zippie and Tiger. Even though I was British, I really made an effort to be more aggressive in my tactics and it paid off in spades as we were able to mostly seal off the bridges and capture and hold the upper fuel-rich island for pretty much the entire match, depriving the Axis of their crucial resource. It wasn't perfect, and Tiger's artillery and infantry blob took a heavy toll on my emplacements and tanks, but I'm certainly learning how to correct errors and adapt more quickly than before.

Within the past few weeks, I've watched a couple dozen high-level replays with commentary involving all factions, mostly in 1v1, 2v2 and a couple 4v4 matches. My latest favorite YouTube channel belongs to KrebsCOHO, who is a long-time CoH player living in Aberdeen, Scotland. His casts are very entertaining and informative. He also does casts of his own matches as he plays live, which I'm sure is not easy to do. I highly recommend watching his videos and subscribing.

I am interested in teaming up. There are some parts of my game I am very interested in improving upon. Lately I have been bitten by the COH bug (again) and have been itching for some good games.

Good to hear! I admit, between BF3, Skyrim and CoH, I got really burnt out myself and quit playing games altogether for 3-4 months last winter. However, I think if I keep a less-frequent schedule and play just 2-3 times a week instead of every night, I won't get burnt out. Having my new map to work on gives me a reason to stay interested in the game without overdoing it and I can work on it during times when I'm not playing. Naturally, the announcement of CoH2 has been refreshing my interest in gaming again as well.

That is going to be the tough part....figuring out how to work together.

I don't think it will be too tough. It'll just take time. In a 6-year-old game, there's guys out there who can no doubt play a whole match without uttering a single word to each other and still dominate the opposing team. That level of play does not happen overnight. It takes lots of time, but we could eventually get there. I'm not a big NASCAR fan, but CoH is somewhat like stock car racing I suppose. Everyone has access to the same factions, troops and vehicles, but what makes the difference is the guy behind the wheel and how fast his gears can turn in his head.

[Arctictiger Profile]

I would love to do this. I love playing PvP matches and it seems we have been playing a good bit! Rafterman i must say you really missed out on COHO! I know bielab Played several great matches together there. Bielab and I also have played a couple "public matches" and i would say we win around 50% of the time?? Which to me is not good enough at all! Incase you havent noticed before im a competitor and i love to win. My summer break starts ummm tomorrow! So ill have a alot of extra time to play some good matches. Also great game last night! You guys(allies) rushed for the island faster and stronger than us. However i must say, that map is not very good Pvp matches because it has seemed both times whoever got the island at the beginning, won the game. Which makes the game more of a race than a fight.

[Rafterman Profile Website]

I must say, that map is not very good Pvp matches because it has seemed both times whoever got the island at the beginning, won the game. Which makes the game more of a race than a fight.

True, and it's even more true when you play against the CPU, because they send Pioneers up there like crazy and it's very tough in the beginning to fight them. I just chose that map because I needed a break from the stock stuff for a while.

[Arctictiger Profile]

I must say, that map is not very good Pvp matches because it has seemed both times whoever got the island at the beginning, won the game. Which makes the game more of a race than a fight.

True, and it's even more true when you play against the CPU, because they send Pioneers up there like crazy and it's very tough in the beginning to fight them. I just chose that map because I needed a break from the stock stuff for a while.

Yes i agree the stock maps can be quite boring to play time after time. So i would suggest that we compile a list of good PvP maps for 3v3 and 4v4 games.

[Chevrolet Profile]

lately I've gotten more into the PE, which is an odd switch for me, considering they have pretty much no defensive abilities whatsoever and are an entirely offensive-minded faction, the exact opposite of the British.

A defensive PE and aggressive Brit are probably the toughest opponents to deal with.

[Bielab Profile]

A defensive PE and aggressive Brit are probably the toughest opponents to deal with.

I wouldn't argue with that.... especially when controlled by a skilled player.

In a 6-year-old game, there's guys out there who can no doubt play a whole match without uttering a single word to each other and still dominate the opposing team. That level of play does not happen overnight. It takes lots of time, but we could eventually get there.

Oh I am sure there are players out there that are so in tuned, in sync to each others style and strategy that they know what the other player is doing without even saying. But those types of teams are probably rare. Most teams are chatting it up.... communication amongst teammates is very important (something I probably will need to work on personally)

Yes i agree the stock maps can be quite boring to play time after time. So i would suggest that we compile a list of good PvP maps for 3v3 and 4v4 games.

Is this list of 3vs3 and 4vs4 maps that are being compiled for what Rafter is suggesting or for matches that we could play as a community? Most players (of the general public) who play COH unfortunately don't have custom maps. Also what is the criteria for a good P vs P map for 6 player and 8 player games? I think I know the answer... but I would probably be in the minority based on the general preferences of the players here.

[Arctictiger Profile]

The list would be for community player vs player maps. For a good map i would look for many chokepoints, so its really difficult for a player to just build emplacements and not worrying about being flanked. The map should have opportunites to be flanked or to flank your opponent.

[Rafterman Profile Website]

what is the criteria for a good P vs P map for 6 player and 8 player games? I think I know the answer... but I would probably be in the minority based on the general preferences of the players here.

You know, I used to say "BRIDGES!", but no more. Not after watching many of the high-level matches I have. I will play any map readily now, bridges or no bridges. I'm definitely adapting my play to include early offensive attacks and not just sitting back and trying to build up a Maginot Line anymore.

[Chevrolet Profile]

Also what is the criteria for a good P vs P map for 6 player and 8 player games

4v4 is a cluster and the only 2 3v3 maps I find decent for PvP (i.e. skill > camp) are Red Ball Express and Montherme.

You guys typically use victory points, correct? In my opinion, annihilate is a waste of time.

[Rafterman Profile Website]

You guys typically use victory points, correct? In my opinion, annihilate is a waste of time.

I haven't played a victory point match since I've owned the game (3+ years and 500+ battles).

[Arctictiger Profile]

Also what is the criteria for a good P vs P map for 6 player and 8 player games

4v4 is a cluster and the only 2 3v3 maps I find decent for PvP (i.e. skill > camp) are Red Ball Express and Montherme.

You guys typically use victory points, correct? In my opinion, annihilate is a waste of time.

I only use VP when i play in 1v1 or every now and then if a host of a game has them on. Montherme is one of my all favorite stock maps. 4v4 is a cluster but it can be quite fun when playing on team speak, but i do perfer a 3v3.

[Chevrolet Profile]

You guys typically use victory points, correct? In my opinion, annihilate is a waste of time.

I haven't played a victory point match since I've owned the game (3+ years and 500+ battles).

PvP annihilate is a joke. Switch to VP.

[Bielab Profile]

You guys typically use victory points, correct? In my opinion, annihilate is a waste of time.

I haven't played a victory point match since I've owned the game (3+ years and 500+ battles).

That will soon be changing once we start some 2 vs 2 automatch team games - those are strictly 500 point, Victory Point matches.

[Rafterman Profile Website]

Yeah, lets start getting some of those going Bielab. Even if it's 2v2 with other |ax| guys. 500VP matches only from here on out!

[Bielab Profile]

Even if it's 2v2 with other |ax| guys. 500VP matches only from here on out!

Some sparring matches with other |ax| guys who are willing to spar with us and/or other potential |ax| teams is not a bad idea. It will be a good opportunity for the team(s) to learn to work together, formulate some strategies and just get accustomed to the 2 vs 2 maps. Who knows, the sparring team(s) may be able to squeak out a win or two and provide some nice lessons learned for everyone. Some other |ax| teams could potentially form from this.

We will just have to make sure that it is clear that we are practicing and just looking for some volunteers to spar. Personally, I like the |ax| matches to be like that match we had on Montargis Region a couple a weekends ago, both sides are balanced as possible and the match could of have gone either way in terms of victory.

[Arctictiger Profile]

Even if it's 2v2 with other |ax| guys. 500VP matches only from here on out!

Some sparring matches with other |ax| guys who are willing to spar with us and/or other potential |ax| teams is not a bad idea. It will be a good opportunity for the team(s) to learn to work together, formulate some strategies and just get accustomed to the 2 vs 2 maps. Who knows, the sparring team(s) may be able to squeak out a win or two and provide some nice lessons learned for everyone. Some other |ax| teams could potentially form from this.

We will just have to make sure that it is clear that we are practicing and just looking for some volunteers to spar. Personally, I like the |ax| matches to be like that match we had on Montargis Region a couple a weekends ago, both sides are balanced as possible and the match could of have gone either way in terms of victory.

That game was a great game! Teams were balenced with the different tactics of each player. The map was a well balenced map for a 4v4 human vs human match.

[Bielab Profile]

So is this Dead On Arrival ? I know since this thread started, a few distractions came up and we have been on opposite days, which is fine, I am in no rush.

Since Chevy came in a couple of weeks back and "took us to school" while being a little rusty and playing a faction that's probably not his strongest... I have been trying to improve my game. I have been watching a bunch of tutorials and replays to pick up a few basics that I may have not have known and missed. Practiced a few of those helpful abilities to incorporate them into my game.

I have played almost a dozen 2 vs 2 ranked matches (with random teammates). Had some good matches and some bad. I finally got to play with a decent brit player today. He pulled a Moose and put his truck in a very aggressive position, but his gamble worked out for the best. He also had mobile units and moved around the map and we helped each other out. Unlike another match I played last week when the Brit player built a sim city and kept on pinging the center VP point for me to cap because he had a big investment in emplacements and not a lot of mobile infantry.

I was also hoping for some ax sparring matches / scrimmages at some point down the road, but until this evening, I did not realize there are some of us who are very much opposed to VP matches . Was kind of surprised when one of us said he was going to drop if the match was VP (I am not looking to open a can of worms on this). But that could have been frustration from the game you guys played last night... sounded bad from what I was hearing on TS

[Rafterman Profile Website]

Was kind of surprised when one of us said he was going to drop if the match was VP (I am not looking to open a can of worms on this).

It was grissim and he said he was just kidding.

could have been frustration from the game you guys played last night... sounded bad from what I was hearing on TS

Yeah, the game itself has been frustrating me quite a bit the last several weeks. Last night I just raged because a V1 that was dropped DIRECTLY on Tiger's retreating blob of about 40 infantry didn't kill a single one of them. By that point in the match, we had already been playing for probably an hour and a half and neither side could push enough to earn victory. Both Skookum on the Allied side and Zraupp (Zippie) on the Axis side had built up very heavy defensive emplacements which combined with each team's mobile forces were ending up in a stalemate the entire game. We did not have VPs turned on, which irritated me even further, and I swore right then that I would never play another human vs. human match without them.

In somewhat related news, I have been having great difficulty trying to stay focused on some things in my life in recent months. Nothing bad regarding my marriage or work, but I haven't been spending my free time in the most productive fashion. I've been playing games way too much, and have been losing focus on trying to better my career as a Web Developer and on starting up my side job as a Photographer. Granted, it's hard to find the motivation to come home and practice learning a new programming language when you've already been staring at code all day, but it's something I have to find the motivation to do. I have also not been exercising much lately either and have built up a gut again, which I had gotten rid of over the winter and spring by playing ice hockey and softball, which are both now over with until the fall.

Unfortunately, I feel that if I don't change my night and weekend habits soon, I'll sink even further into my pit of non-motivation and increasingly poor health. Therefore, you probably won't see me in-game much for the next several months and my CoH map will see little work done on it as well. I'm very sorry if this thread mislead anyone, as my initial intentions were good. However, I just have more critical things to focus on right now instead and I need to step up and do what I need to do.

I definitely still plan to buy CoH2 when it comes out and perhaps we can revisit this idea at a future date. Right now though, I have to do what's best for me.

[Bielab Profile]

It was grissim and he said he was just kidding.

Oh okay . Just the way he said it, he just sounded very serious.

We did not have VPs turned on, which irritated me even further, and I swore right then that I would never play another human vs. human match without them.

FYI... A Victory Point match does not guarantee that the match will go any quicker vs. an annhilate match. Other factors will need to be considered such as map type (open vs choke) and the number of victory points on the map. For example, Tiger and I played a VP match on Vire River a few weeks back. On that map, there are 4 victory points and they are divided on each side of the river. I think the match was approaching 2 hours and barely 200 points had ticked off for both teams because each team controlled 2 victory points and each team had trouble fighting through the choke points to get to the other victory points .

On the other hand, that Route N13 match we played last month would have been perfect for VP. That match probably went 20 minutes longer because the allies had difficulties annhilating the axis bases, but the allies controlled the 3 areas where the Victory Points would have been.

I would like to try the King of the Hill map with VP. There are 3 VP points, one in the middle and two on the top of the hill. It makes the match much more interesting with the hill now having a much more strategic value.... how many team members go for the high fuel and ammo and how many take the hill.

In somewhat related news, ..............

I totally understand, we all have our priorities to take care of. I am also procrastinating on very similar things that will be need to be addressed soon. If you need to take a break and blow some stuff up... you know where to find us . I just wanted to bump the post because I am getting burnt out from the grind of the choke point maps and was looking to get into something different

[Chevrolet Profile]

Nothing bad regarding my marriage or work, but I haven't been spending my free time in the most productive fashion. I've been playing games way too much, and have been losing focus on trying to better my career as a Web Developer and on starting up my side job as a Photographer. Granted, it's hard to find the motivation to come home and practice learning a new programming language when you've already been staring at code all day, but it's something I have to find the motivation to do. I have also not been exercising much lately either and have built up a gut again, which I had gotten rid of over the winter and spring by playing ice hockey and softball, which are both now over with until the fall.

This talk is certainly not coming from a PC gamer.

Dropping the video games as if they are the problem? Just budget certain days for projects and others for chilling out. Outside my busy season, I use work evenings like this: two evenings for cycling, two for relaxing and the last one invariably gets filled up with errands & appointments. Then I talk myself into not exercising every weekend.

I thought I was going to forge you newbs into something decent.

[Rafterman Profile Website]

I totally understand, we all have our priorities to take care of. I am also procrastinating on very similar things that will be need to be addressed soon. If you need to take a break and blow some stuff up... you know where to find us

Thanks. I won't be going far. Just switching up priorities for a little while.

This talk is certainly not coming from a PC gamer.

Dropping the video games as if they are the problem? Just budget certain days for projects and others for chilling out.

I never said I was dropping out of video games completely. I said I wouldn't be playing much compared to what I've been doing. I've been playing CoH at least 5-nights a week for the past several months. That's not good for me. I will still play, but as you stated, I will have a new schedule for myself to follow where I balance games with my other priorities and hobbies. Am I going to come home from work 5-days a week and study code or work out until it's time for bed? Of course not. We all need fun time. I've been a PC gamer since 1993. That's not changing.

In fact, I'm currently studying for a degree in Computer Programming, with an emphasis on C++ and Java with the intention that I will ultimately land a job in the gaming industry. Here in the Triangle area (Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill), we have several game developers, including world-renowned studios like Epic Games (creators of the Unreal Engine and the Gears of War series) and Red Storm Entertainment (all the Rainbow Six and Ghost Recon Tom Clancy games). I also have ideas and plans for my own mobile games company, not to mention the things I'd like to do involving CoH2 (map-making and replay commentaries). So don't worry. This gamer isn't going anywhere.

Bielab, if you want to get together one night each week for us to play a couple 2 vs. 2 auto-match games in CoH, I'm totally down for that. It doesn't have to be the same night each week, just whenever our schedules match up.

[Arctictiger Profile]

I would love to play these human vs human matches with you guys, I know Beelab and I have played several before together. We won some and lost some, but I would think if we could get together atleast once a week and play a match together over time we would learn how to play with each other and develop into unstoppable force.