So I posted the first part of a How to host a LAN a while ago and said there would be a second part. Here it is. In this section I discuss some sample game choices as well as skill level disparity.
Yay!
The next technical issue that I will look at is the individual computer. Not all computers are born equal. Some are old and decrepit and will only run Oregon Trail. Some are able to blow the operator and run Half-Life 2 at 6400×6400 resolution (I hope never to see this computer which blows the operator). You will also have people of different technical proficiency attending the party. You will have a component fail. You will have someone with viruses happily propagating inside their computer. These are problems. Now, as host, it is your job to figure out people’s computer specs and what games they can run reasonably well. Everyone must be able to run the games that will be played. Let me say that again. Everyone must be able to run the games that will be played. If someone is at the minimum requirements, do NOT play that game. They will be struggling and cursing the entire time as their computer goes through seizures trying to render the swift death you reign down upon them. I hate to say this, but if a friend does not have a half-decent computer – do not invite them. This sounds callous but unless you can provide for them, it will only cause problems. The best way to deal with viruses and spy ware is to not have them enter your network. Require of your friends that they scan their computers thoroughly for both of these before coming over. Make them swear an oath on their pet hamster’s life. Promise to break limbs if your friends introduce viruses onto the network. I cannot stress this enough, you MUST have clean computers. No one wants an orgy with a bunch of sluts packed full of STDs.
- Get people’s technical specifications in advance
- Require virus scanning
- Be prepared for a phone call from a friend who wasn’t invited
- Do NOT play games above a single person’s tech specs
Next up is game choice. I love games of all different types as do most well-rounded gamers. You should prepare a list of games to play and make sure everyone has them installed on their machines before they arrive (there is that preparation theme again). As addressed above, do not choose games that are borderline on anyone’s minimum requirements. The best LAN party games are those that able to appeal to a broad range of tastes. First person shooters with objective based missions as well as death match, real-time strategy with custom maps, and RPGs with concepts familiar to all guests. These are general guidelines to think of, here is a list of games I personally love that don’t have high system requirements (circa 2005):
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Giants: Citizen Kabuto
Neverwinter Nights
Warcraft 3
Alien Versus Predator 2
Freelancer
Dawn of War
Dungeon Siege 2
Starcraft: Broodwar
Unreal Tournament
Half-Life 2
Now, here is the list of games I would include in a sample LAN party
Giants: Citizen Kabuto
Neverwinter Nights
Warcraft 3
Alien Versus Predator 2
Freelancer
Half-life 2
All of these games except for Half-life 2 are at least a couple years old. This means almost everyone will be able to play them! Also, each game listed is moddable, highly enjoyable on different levels, and thus broadly appealing. This list is by no means comprehensive (obviously) but hopefully illustrates my point of choice between games.
Skill disparity is a problem I have yet to fully deal with. Every gamer specializes. My specialization is real time strategy. If you have not competed seriously online then I will crush you at almost any real time strategy game. It sucks for all involved. It is no fun crushing your friend with no effort, and it is no fun to feel totally helpless. I have been on both ends (the loser’s side when I play FPS). The types of games where skill disparity really cause a problem are the RTS type games which is why if you play an RTS you must make sure to stack teams accordingly. Alternately, don’t play the basic multiplayer of an RTS game. I included Warcraft 3 and tossed out Starcraft above for this reason. Warcraft 3 has so many different maps and different styles of play available, it is awesome. My personal favorite thing to play in warcraft 3 is a map called Tides of Blood. This is a more team oriented game and thus a single person finds it nearly impossible to dominate a game. So, if you decide to play an RTS, keep this issue in mind. FPS aren’t as bad, but can still be a problem. Stack teams! If you are a pro player, go easy on the little guys; try to maintain a friendly atmosphere of competition. Easier said then done of course. Consider cooperative games. RPGs are the best example of this, a group of friends all work together to beat a dungeon.
I demand an orgy with a bunch of sluts packed with STD’s! Great article aside from this brash assumption.