Battlezone Universe

Battlezone Universe => Archive Vault => Public 1.3 Beta Archive => Topic started by: Radar on August 27, 2004, 05:40:34 AM

Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: Radar on August 27, 2004, 05:40:34 AM
Hello,

I have not played BZ2 online for 2 years. Things have changed since then and I am frustrated. Last time I played I had a 56k modem and my pings were too high to play with the cable modem users. Now I have a cable modem (finally) but I am running into a whole bunch of new problems. Every once in awhile I can join a multiplayer game but my choices are far an few between. There seems to be conflicting versions. When I get into a game, hosts have to kick me due to high pings or other wierd game problems. All I want to do is have some fun. (S. Crow)

I have been to BZUniverse but I can't seem to find an answer to my problems. I am familiar with 1.3 beta , G66 V19 build, and G66 maps. I have uninstalled and reinstalled several times with different versions but still cannont get into a game. Natty was kind enough to email me back recomending...
   1. clean install of BZ2
   2. 1.3 beta install
   3. Forgotten Enemies MOD install ( which, is my favorite )

I tried this (minus the MOD install) and still can only get into 1 out of 20 games. Games that have a (V) in the Pwd column are the ones I can't get in. I need help to play.

What does a (V) in the Pwd column mean? How can I get access to thoses multiplayer games? ( I'm not talking about the password protected games or the full games) Is it my firewall? I shut down ZoneAlarm and my Virus scan before I play. I have a Dlink cable modem and a Dlink router. Why am I able to join some multiplayer games?

If anyone can help me I would appreciate it. Two years ago, I used to hold my own and now I want to start again. I think Battlezone is one of, if not the best, game around.

Thank you in advance.

Rob
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: Tempest Storm on August 27, 2004, 05:55:25 AM
Games with a (V) nearby show that the host of that game is running a different version of the game than you.

The 1.3 patch is still in development, and because of this alot of people don't enjoy playing Multiplayer on it just yet. Likewise, alot of people are still playing the 1.2 patch.

If you want to find more games, I suggest you make a second install of BZ2 and install the 1.2 patch to that, from there you will find alot more MP games to play on.
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: PhoeniX-FlamE on August 27, 2004, 07:33:35 AM
depends when... euro mornings --> euro after noons are preaty dry ATM
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: IceWendigo on August 27, 2004, 11:54:57 AM
I share your pain, I often find there's a handful of games most with different versions/mods/maps, the one game with the same version/mod/map as me at any given time usually has a Password (P) or (X) to top it off.


[If and when 1.3 gets rock solid, it would be nice to have a BZ2 1.3 Distributed for Free to a Massive Audience, I dont care if "I" paid for my game while others wouldnt(I have had my moneys worth and more already) or if joe blo sells his on ebay, I just want new gamers in sufficent numbers and with the same freaking version to be able to play MP with no hassles) ]
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: Spacecomber on August 27, 2004, 12:39:15 PM
If you select those games with the V in front of them (don't try to enter, though), you can see some information about the game.  Below where it says what map is being run, you'll see what version of BattlezoneII is being played.  As mentioned, most will be v1.2.

As a general rule, most of the v1.3 games that you see will be multiplayer instant action, often Natty's latest G66 build, but also some regular MPI games.

Most of the v1.2 games will be Strat with some death match and MPI mixed in.

A few of the v1.2 strat games will be using the Forgotten Enemies mod, which you'll need to join those games.  Sometimes the MPI games that you see under v1.2 will also be Forgotten Enemies based.  And, Natty's earlier version of G66 for v1.2 is still popular among the folks who like to play MPI using v1.2.  I believe a few folks are still working on developing maps for this earlier version of G66.  

I emphasize that these are different versions of G66, since the current version only works under BZ2 v1.3 and the earlier version is for BZ2 v1.2, only.  Likewise, the Forgotten Enemies mod is only compatible with v1.2 at this time.  In fact, I think Natty's G66 is the only mod that can be run under v1.3.  (I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong on that.  ;)  )
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: Fishbone on August 27, 2004, 03:59:16 PM
excellent summary, Space.
except for the part where you are wrong ;)

G66, FLS, BZRAP and DuneCommand are all 1.3 mods and all are in different stages of beta testing online (as far as I know).

EPIC is made for 1.3 but will most likely not be an online experience.
There are several other 1.3 mods in the works but they do not seem to be anywhere close to beta right now.

EDIT: there is currently one 1.2 mod in developement: ZTV
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: Radar on August 27, 2004, 04:40:19 PM
Thank you all :)
I am surprised to get such a quick response. I just joined BZCP last night with my 1st submission and got 5 replies this morning. Obviously this game still rocks. How ironic that I have to do the exact same install as I did 2 years ago.

       First a clean BZ2 install
       Second 1.2 update

I went online to try and got right into a game with no lag. Thank you. I did notice that there were only 4 games avalible to join. If I remember right, I should install Forgotten Enemies, start the game in that shell and there should be more multiplayer games avaliable. That's my next move.

:P Thanks again for everyones help
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: Aegeis on August 27, 2004, 04:48:12 PM
Heh, the forgotten enemies mod isn't very popular with EVERYONE in the community.  You will find fewer games of FE than you will of 1.2.  However don't give up on FE, a few of us do play it regularly, especially tuesday nights, friday nights and all throughout the weekend.  You just have to catch us at the right time of course.  :-)
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: Spacecomber on August 27, 2004, 05:21:25 PM
I'm pretty sure that all the FE games will show up from within v1.2, you just won't be able to join them unless you have launched FE.  You should be able recognize which are the FE games from looking at the map name that is being played.  Sometimes you'll see something in the message window about FE as well.

Fishbone, I don't think I've seen any of the other v1.3 mods being tested online, yet.  It's good to know that their development is going on and that this is something else to look forward to.

This is getting off topic here, but if any of these other mods are entering public beta testing, I'd like to here about it, since I'd be happy to give them a try.
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: Radar on August 27, 2004, 07:43:07 PM
Okay,

I installed FE only to find out nobody has been playing most of the day today. There are more 1.2 games to join; however, a few times that I tried I was unable due to "no map" or "no mod". Does anyone know what maps and mods (other than FE) are compatible with 1.2.

Also, I tried to create a new game but nobody joined. Am I able to host?

Thanks again for your help.
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: SkyNET on August 28, 2004, 12:30:56 AM
Quote from: Radar
Also, I tried to create a new game but nobody joined. Am I able to host?

Anyone is able to host. Sometimes people just don't join. I once beat an MPI that took almost exactly 1 hour by myself.
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: Gummo.nz on August 28, 2004, 12:40:27 AM
You could try hosting a game called 'can anyone see my game?' and also type something into the server message to the effect that you are trying out hosting and don't know if your game is showing up.  People will be more likely to join just to let you know.  You could even leave your computer on and come back later and you will see if anyone had entered or not.
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: Spacecomber on August 28, 2004, 01:25:44 AM
Otherwise, picking up on Gummo's note, you may have to open some ports in your firewall or router.  There's a file called nettips.txt in your main BZ2 directory that gives some information on this.
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: King(NL) on August 29, 2004, 09:10:50 AM
I've also had problems in the past with hosting when I just got adsl.
I only had to open the ports  17770 and 17771 like the nettips.txt says. And it works  :-D . Because I can host games now. So this should also work for you.
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: Spacecomber on August 29, 2004, 01:24:26 PM
Actually, with v1.2 and newer, you'll need to add 17772 to your list of open ports (17770-17772, inclusive, TCP and UDP).
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: Radar on August 30, 2004, 03:07:07 AM
Thank you again.

I tried hosting a game but nobody joined. :?
I understand I need to open ports 17770 - 17772, how do I do that? This is probably computer 101 for you but new for me. I have not been able to play a complete game from start to finish. I either get disconnected or the game freezes. I am hoping hosting will be the solution ... or at least a start.
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: PhoeniX-FlamE on August 30, 2004, 04:55:03 AM
hmm ive been not following from start, and dont got that much time to read all this topic again...
so if you have mentioned this already - my bad..

do you have a rotuer? if yes, what company?
also, do you have any other firewall maybe? a softwere one? maybe the one built in xp is enabled?
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: Radar on August 31, 2004, 10:15:28 PM
Quote from: PhoeniX-FlamEhmm ive been not following from start, and dont got that much time to read all this topic again...
so if you have mentioned this already - my bad..

do you have a rotuer? if yes, what company?
also, do you have any other firewall maybe? a softwere one? maybe the one built in xp is enabled?

Yes, I have a D-Link router (DI-604) and D-Link cable modem. I also have ZoneAlarm  pro4 , but I disable that before I play; and I disable my antivirus. I am running Windows ME ( I know it sucks ) and I don't think there is a built in firewall. Someone suggested the distance of the host may be a factor, is there any truth to that?

Thanks
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: PhoeniX-FlamE on September 01, 2004, 12:32:10 AM
aha, D-link - my router, shouldnt be too hard...

go to your control panel (either from my computer or somewhere at the start menu) I'm not sure how its called there, I have only used XP for about 2 / 3 years now so I forgot...

anyways, you need to get to your adapter settings (once you found it, right click and go to proprties) in there you should have a box with few stuff in it and Internet protocol (TCP/IP) double click it
and you should see some numbers - it should be something like this:
192.168.0.x (x = a number between 2 and 34 or something like that, but it doesnt realy metter)

rememebr the last digit(s)
now open up your browser and write this adress: 192.168.0.1
in there click login (default username and password are admin//admin)

now on the left side click Configuration
and then on Port Redirection

now fill in:
Select index to set: Not selected (leave it as it is)
State: enabled
Protocol: TCP
Internet: well-known port (I dont think it metters)
Start port: 17770
End port: 17773 (did I miss a number again?)
Local IP adress: 192.168.0.x (the last digit in the Internet protocol (TCP/IP) settings
now click add

repeat but change the protocol to UDP

I think I covered it all, if i forgot something - sorry and maybe someone else will fix it
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: Radar on September 01, 2004, 06:21:25 AM
Thank you for getting back to me.
From control panel to network is where I can Access TCP/IP There I have no numbers. Selected is obtain an IP address automatically.

At the D-Link setting web site I have to go to Advanced tab the Firewall on the left to see what you are talking about. The protocal is TCP but the rest of the boxes are different from what you are saying.

I have action allow( )  deny( ) ... I assume check allow
I have source and destination, IP range start and IP range end
I have port range ... this must be where I enter 17770 - 17773
I have schedule ... don't know about this, when I play?
There is no local IP address option.

any comments?
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: Red Devil on September 01, 2004, 06:51:49 AM
Good way to identify router problems is to bypass router.  Just plug in IP address of your PC. Da, is good, no?
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: *GEL*Victorius[gm] on September 01, 2004, 08:09:58 AM
I'm not sure how it's called in english but open the windows start window---> click on execute(I think it's called this way)--> type cmd---> it should open a dos window for you ---> type ipconfig---> you will see your local ip adress( this means the ip adress of that computer in your lan)

I got a different router but maybe it's also in the D-Link routers: DMZ demilitarized zone, it just shuts down the firewall in your router for a certain pc enter the ip adress of your computer here and it won't be behind your fw anymore (like someone is going to hack you while your playing bz2  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  hacking is so exagerated  :lol:  :lol: )
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: Avatar on September 01, 2004, 11:40:51 AM
Hacking is, worms aren't...  be careful putting yourself in the DMZ unless you have the absolute latest security patches to reduce worm vulnerability.

Otherwise you're just asking for trouble...

:(

-Av-
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: PhoeniX-FlamE on September 01, 2004, 01:14:23 PM
thats odd, I was sure all D-link router menus work the same...


besides that, I didnt remember ME to have an automatic IP for adapters..

any chance you can post a screenie of how the D-link router menu looks like?


DMZ open all your ports like avatr mentioned - its the easy wat out, but i wont suggest doing that...
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: *GEL*Victorius[gm] on September 01, 2004, 05:40:13 PM
I've been on dmz for about 2 years, I mostly turn my zonealarm off when i start playing some game... haven't had a virus or worm yet, just have a decent virus scanner and have that proggie that let's you download windows updates instantly+ uses some alternative browser like firefox(though i'm not using it that long) and some progs to remove spyware you just have to be carefull what you download
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: MowerMan on September 01, 2004, 05:57:02 PM
I almost constantly get hack attempts on my computer.  One guy even masked his IP to be local to my own LAN (I always trace them back).

I do piss a lot of people off though (he he he I'm such a rascal)
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: Radar on September 02, 2004, 02:38:18 AM
I think I may gotten off track.

That's what's great about computers. You learn about everything else even if it doesn't pertain to the original problem.

My ultimate goal is to play a mutiplayer game start to finish without getting kicked.

My solution was to host a game ... I don't know if I am right. In my most recent game, I asked the other players why everyone was getting lag when I entered a game. One player told me I had no Winsock. I exited the game, did a search and found I did have winsock.dll . I also went to Google to ask about winsock in windows ME. Found a program that uninstalled and installed winsock. I then went to play but found out I still had lag.

So lets get back to hosting. Am I right in thinking that if I host I will get less lag. I know at least I should be able to play a game start to finish. For those of you that responded to my last questions about hosting....
1. I do not want to take the easy way out and bypass the router or reduce the firewall in DMZ.
2. I do know how to take a pic of the DMZ page.
3. Is there a place I can go other than gamespy to find a host?

Help please. I am frustrated.
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: Red Devil on September 02, 2004, 06:29:01 AM
The reason you want to bypass your router is to see if your router is bad.  The idea is to keep eliminating possibilities until you arrive at root cause.
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: Radar on September 03, 2004, 03:27:10 PM
:-D  success

I bypassed my router and that was the problem. :D

Now I just have ZoneAlarm as a firewall (which I do not have to shut down when I play ). Is there a way I can still use my D-Link router and play :?
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: Aegeis on September 03, 2004, 03:33:32 PM
Does your router have a function called port forwarding or port triggering?
Title: multiplayer after 2 years
Post by: *GEL*Victorius[gm] on September 03, 2004, 10:00:14 PM
well if you have another firewall on your comp there's no real risk in enabling dmz since you are already protected by zonealarm...