[spoilers] Commodore takes Advanced Starting

[Commodore]

Nearly to turn 50, so better late that never, I think it’s time for my...
Pitboss 53 Opponent Analysis Extravaganza

Tier 1 Imports: The Black Sword (Mao of Carthage)
Player Skill:
Combo Quality:
Ah, TBS. What can we say about him that hasn’t already been said? I think he’s the best player of Civilization 4 multiplayer in the world. That’s us talking about a game that’s about to be able to get its Driver’s License, of course, but even so. Lad is good at the game. He managed the Best Expansion Trait here paired with the Easiest Economy Trait, so that’s terrifying. Combine with cheap cothons and the best of all possible UUs, and you have...this.Chairman Mao will make dunces of all of us.

The game thus far has not gone TBS’ way, with The Dogpile resulting in two dead early cities. He’s recovered in city count and then some, with the game-leading city count of ten. He’s had to sacrifice economic recovery as he’s managed to splat down to very low GDP, but he’s got a very high ceiling even so.
Shot-Term Fear Level:
Midgame Threat:
Game Winningatude:
Preferred Cognomen: “the Inevitable”.

Further player previews to be held hostage for feedback.

[superdeath]

Player analysis is my favorite part of looking over the various games ive been in.


Question is, what is YOUR own analysis about yourself?

[Commodore]

Player analysis is my favorite part of looking over the various games ive been in.


Question is, what is YOUR own analysis about yourself?

That'll count for feedback...

Tier 2 The Medalists: Commodore (Washington of the Ottomen)
Player Skill:
Combo Quality:
Did I ever actually talk in detail about my logic here with my combination selection? “Hur, cheap aqueducks make happies. Farmy-knowing, roady-knowing good. Am a happy man.” It’s not inspiring. Player himself might be working through some trauma of playing an entire previous game with a crashed economy from turn 40 onward.

My game has been going unbelievably well. Both my neighbors got in early fights, I managed to claim the gem/fur middle, my topmost rival got himself hurt. I have the best early-game combination of traits here. And yet. I am third place in cities, second in GNP/Crop, first in MFG on this stupidly flat plains-less map. I think it’s a mistake to look at vertical growth as an aim with the un-nerfed whips helping happiness, but here I am. The only way forward is going to be capitalizing on the cripples at Guilds, boring an answer as I know that is, which means I need Mathematics > Currency > Metal Casing > Machinery > Masonry > Monotheism > Monarchy > Feudalism > Horseback Riding > Iron Working. Uh...
Shot-Term Fear Level:
Midgame Threat:
Game Winningatude:
Epitaph: “He seemed like a threat to win this.”

[naufragar]

Further player previews to be held hostage for feedback.

Good heavens, man. I did not need vivid depictions of struggle sessions in my dreams tonight.

[Zed-F]

I’m not sure if there are 3 or 4 tiers thus far, looking forward to seeing your take.

[Commodore]

Further player previews to be held hostage for feedback.

Good heavens, man. I did not need vivid depictions of struggle sessions in my dreams tonight.

According to the GIS zeitgeist, they're coming back. 

Tier 2, The Medalists: Scooter (Wang Kon of China)
Player Skill:
Combo Quality:
Scooter is back thanks to COVID and a new kid, and more to the benefit of those of us watching at home. Good reporter,
definitely looks at the game first as a contest between people rather than a system of mechanics...but he’s got a grasp of the
mechanics. Weaknesses are a tendency to waffle on strategy, and overly pessimistic views. I don’t think anyone is going to
underrate the brilliance that is China (why wasn’t it nerfed) and Wang Kon.

This game is coming up MelvinScooter all over. Second in cities, first in GNP, founder of Buddhism, crippler of
AT...a very well done game, bro. What he *can* do right now is research Metal Casing, Oracle Machinery, mass
Chucklenaughts into galleys, and wreck every face in the game. I don’t think he does that, though, I’ll bet he’s sandbagging
Oracle towards the more conservative Currency play, and I think he’s going to be hard-pressed not to just keep focusing on
ever more impressive economic domination. Winning play? Maybe.
Shot-Term Fear Level:
Midgame Threat:
Game Winningatude:
Famous Last Words: “...just after I complete one more tech...”

[Commodore]

Turn 50 Advanced Start Update:
Dear diary, today I played turn fifty.

I have the bestest economy in the whole world even when I don't research stuff.

Thats pretty good 'cuz I don't research alot.

If I was PRO I would make seven more dollars. If I was Fin I would make fourteen more dollars.

Workers are economy too and I need more.

Here are my cities. They are very pretty:

I have many hamlets now but I should call them muttonlets instead.

I have very very little mines but nobody has hills.

I have Hindus now they are very nice people I wish they would spread.

I have some cities that fish and they need Moais.

I have shiny rocks and soon furry creatures are coming to my city too.

I have cities that need many many more cultured people to make fishers and corn farmers come.

I like my very new island city very much.

Thank you.

[Hitru]

Excellent posting as always

So, you still think TBS is going to win this from current spot?

[Commodore]

TBS is still my best bet, aye.

Tier 3 Scrapper: Cornflakes (Nebuchadnezzar of the Dutch)
Player Skill:
Combo Quality:
The overall-solid Mr. Flakes took the new leader, which is right and proper. He paired him with an extraordinarily late-blooming civilization, when the Ind/Phi has some major speed issues in the first place. Still, something possible to overcome, just as long as he doesn’t get stuck in any beastly grinding ancient-era wars.

Hey cool, look, a grinding ancient era war. Fluctuation in global war says it was at least somewhat hot, and it definitely slowed down both parties. Which...shows more on Cornflakes’ side of the ledger, despite him being the razer, not the razee. I don’t think it’s all grim for Cornflakes, but he is on the back foot on the Fastest Map In the West. Not a great sign.
Shot-Term Fear Level:
Midgame Threat: 
Game Winningatude:
Review of New Leader: “Pretty okay but he seems to be missing the magical broke button that panicked early playtesters.”

[Mjmd]

So this holding player analysis hostage for lurker feedback; what is the reasoning?
1) for your own amusement
2) increase your post and view count
3) make your neighbors think your up to something nefarious