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[jarosh]

Alright, first let me say that I have NEVER played an online match before. Hell, there's just no opportunity for me to play multiplayer, be it online or offline. But I'd really love to get into LIVE now that I have a 360 and a gold trial membership. I have some qualms, though, and some VERY general questions. So I hope you guys can help me a little here.

Okay, what's the deal with the headset? Do I HAVE to talk during matches? Are there any rules here? I mean, is it considered rude not to talk at all? The thing is, I'm Swiss and I'd really like to play with an international crowd, not just with Germans, but I'm not sure my English is good enough to spontaneously engage in online conversations. I'm also generally freaked out about the idea of talking to total strangers over LIVE. How do I approach this whole issue - any tips?

Also, where do I start? As a total noob, let's say I want to play Chaos Theory. As far as I can tell, there's no way of knowing if a match is appropriate for me when I'm in the lobby, right? I'm sure everyone is much better than me and that I will get pwned instantly.

Sometimes I think I "missed to boat" on this whole online multiplayer thing.

 

[Uncle Dukey]

Okay, what's the deal with the headset? Do I HAVE to talk during matches? Are there any rules here? I mean, is it considered rude not to talk at all? The thing is, I'm Swiss and I'd really like to play with an international crowd, not just with Germans, but I'm not sure my English is good enough to spontaneously engage in online conversations. I'm also generally freaked out about the idea of talking to total strangers over LIVE. How do I approach this whole issue - any tips?

Also, where do I start? As a total noob, let's say I want to play Chaos Theory. As far as I can tell, there's no way of knowing if a match is appropriate for me when I'm in the lobby, right? I'm sure everyone is much better than me and that I will get pwned instantly.

If you don't feel comfortable talking, then there's no need to do so. Not everyone necessarily even has a headset.

As for knowing if a match is appropriate for you, it depends on the game. Some games like Halo 2 will try to match you up with people with similar rankings.

 

[siamesedreamer]

There are some games in which communication is vital. So, I pretty much bump any person not using a headset during a match. There are exceptions like games like PGR3 where you're just competing with people. But, there's absolutely no point in playing a game like Splinter Cell online without talking. Its an exercise in futility.

 

[jarosh]

Hmm, alright, what about PDZ?

 

[op_ivy]

i'd use the mic, but only communicate briefly or however you feel comfortable. cod2 has a great community, and pgr3 too.

play with some gaffers and have fun.

 

[krypt0nian]

Hmm, alright, what about PDZ?

IMO if you're playing deathmatch, no headset is needed. But to play any of the Dark Ops competatively, you may need to communicate. But you know what? If you're having fun, don't let it worry you too much.

 

[hgplayer1]

even if youre not planning on talking its a good idea to wear the headset or allow the sound to come through your speakers so that you know whats going on in case youre in a team based game. sometimes you can give physical acknowledgements in games and never have to use the mic.

youve got nothing to lose by using the mic so I would recommend using it and giving it a chance before totally dismissing it. speak clearly and keep things short when in a big crowd. always be courteous and mute your mic if youre talking to someone not in the game.

I wouldnt suggest Chaos Theory as a game to start with multiplayer unless you plan on doing co-op. I actually havent been through CT yet so maybe we could go through co-op together?

generally playing multiplayer games online force you to relearn a lot of things about the game if you want to be competitive. play long enough or find the right group of people and youll be up to speed eventually.

 

[jarosh]

even if youre not planning on talking its a good idea to wear the headset or allow the sound to come through your speakers so that you know whats going on in case youre in a team based game. sometimes you can give physical acknowledgements in games and never have to use the mic.

youve got nothing to lose by using the mic so I would recommend using it and giving it a chance before totally dismissing it. speak clearly and keep things short when in a big crowd. always be courteous and mute your mic if youre talking to someone not in the game.

I wouldnt suggest Chaos Theory as a game to start with multiplayer unless you plan on doing co-op. I actually havent been through CT yet so maybe we could go through co-op together?

generally playing multiplayer games online force you to relearn a lot of things about the game if you want to be competitive. play long enough or find the right group of people and youll be up to speed eventually.

Well, thanks for the advice and for your offer. I might actually seriously consider this. Our only problem would probably be the different time zones, as I'm in Europe and I suppose you're in the US.

Anyhow, I honestly need to go to sleep now, it's 4:20 AM here. But I'll get back to you and maybe we can arrange something.

 

[rastex]

If you have PDZ, then I highly recommend playing with the GAF crowd. Everybody always has a great time killing Prine whether you're skilled or brand new.

 

[jarosh]

Yeah I should probably get PDZ. I've been reluctant because I knew the singleplayer is supposed to be disappointing. But now that I'm looking for some multiplayer fun it might be a good idea.

 

[demi]

I'm not much comfortable playing online games with random people, so it's good to be a part of a forum community where you know they'll be more fun/decent to talk to and play with

 

[SonnyBoy]

If you're not playin with people you know then just mute the headset.

If you purchase the console on launch day then use the headset with strangers for the 1st 3 months or so.

I met so great players on Live up until Christmas, thats when those crappy children got their 360s.

 

[jarosh]

I'm not much comfortable playing online games with random people, so it's good to be a part of a forum community where you know they'll be more fun/decent to talk to and play with

Yeah that certainly makes the whole thing easier. I guess I'll just have to buy PDZ and try to get some gaffers on my friends list

 

[Deleted member 1235]

It's the perfect place to practice your english, you don't have to look at the people and people are going to be dicks to you regardless of whether you speak perfect or terrible English.

You'll cop a lot of insults based on your language skills, but you can always take comfort in imagining how many languages the person insulting you speaks

Just talk and if anyone gives you shit, mute them and keep talking.

Also, you will get owned, a lot. It's just how it is. Once you get used to the online experience you will start handing out a beatdown here and there and besides, getting owned is actually quite fun when you start out.

Just play a lot and try to build a friends list with people that aren't assholes.

 

[demi]

If it weren't for the fact that I can play the occasional online game with TekunoRobby on regular Xbox, I'd have cancelled my LIVE a long time ago...

I've only played maybe 3 Xbox games online and I've had LIVE for maybe 2 years

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

Does anyone have a list offhand of the GAF PD0 Gang? I've been meaning to get back into this game. If any regulars want to send a FR my way, it's KidInsomnia.

 

[Prine]

If you have PDZ, then I highly recommend playing with the GAF crowd. Everybody always has a great time killing Prine whether you're skilled or brand new.

oi ;P