Online Play

1. Run the installation. Easy, you might think but this is where many people go wrong at a certain hurdle- the insert CD-Key section. When it asks for this, you must make sure that you enter the code found at the bottom of the back of the manual you get with M2TW exactly. That means typing letters in capitals, and putting in '0' not 'o', or 'O'. DO NOT USE CAPS LOCK FOR THIS! This thread explains that there's a gamespy bug. Oh, and installing GamespyArcade is a waste of time- the game works perfectly well online without it.
   
   
2. Pop on over to GamesspyID.com and register an account. You will use the 'Preferred Nickname', Password and e-mail address to log into online play in M2TW, so if anything else don't forget these 3 things.
   
   
3. Make sure your internet's working. Yeah, we know, but anything can happen. Also, if you've an overbearing firewall, you may wish to disable it. Gamespy doesn't have any viruses or spyware, so you'll be OK.
   
   
4. From the Main Menu, hit 'Multiplayer', then at the right there is the option for 'Online play'. Enter the nickname, pass and e-mail (And, if you don't want to ever again, hit the 'Remember me' button). Finally, hit the 'Online play' bar at the top- yes, the one with the knotwork decoration. If your computer doesn't freeze up due to connecting up, or if your favourate gerbil doesn't nip one of the wires, you'll be online!
   
   
5. Still not working? It's entirely possible that you put the CD key in wrong when you installed. Do not despair!
   Go to Start, then to the little 'Run' function at the side. In the little box type 'regedit', and you'll find the Registry Editor pops up. Open 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE', then down to 'SOFTWARE'. Find SEGA, then the M2TW files (Vanilla). Click on the name, not the little + sign. The file you need is called 'CDKey'. Open, then correct your Key. Then try playing again.
   
   Here is a list concerning multiplayer errors.
   
   Go play, and don't forget to drop in on our parties!
   

Hotseat Campaign

1. Player one sets up the campaign by going to multiplayer, then 'hotseat campaign'. He then highlights all the factions being played, and fiddles with the settings. What settings is up to you, but I suggest you all agree on which version of Kingdoms you are playing- a crusade save will crash an Americas game. I also suggest each player enters a password in at the begginning of his or her turn to stamp out cheating, and send it to a 'password keeper'- the person who set it up or a third party not likely to disappear. (Note- password will probably have to be one that is themed for the game, as you may have to drop out and have someone else replace you, and you don't want them knowing your real passwords.)
   
   
2. Play your turn. If you're on a campaign organised on this (or any other) forum, don't forget to take screenshots- or not. All your fellow players will gain a free bit of intelligence. I learnt that the hard way.
   
   
3. When you end your turn, and the next person's screen pops up, press Esc and save the game. A little hint is to make this save game name 'unique'- other people may have different methods of naming their games. After saving, exit the game. This is where it gets a little more tricky.
   
   
4. Call up your e-mail and attach your savegame file to your e-mail. Not sure where it is? There's two methods here-
   A) Go to your local disk (C:\ for me) and into the program files. Get them to show, and go to SEGA, then the Medieval 2: Total War files (If you've modified where it's installed, go there instead).
   B) Search for them using the phrase 'Medieval 2: Total War'. Copy the address bar into the browse section and go from there.
   
   I personally use B. Bookmark the location for ease of use later.
   
   Whichever method, go to 'mods', then to the relevent campaign. Now, there should be a file named 'saves'. Go in it, find your game, and attach it. Send. You don't need to unpack the files for this.
   
   
5. Player 2, it's your turn. Recieve, open and download the file. When the option comes, click 'save'. Locate your Medieval 2: Total War files using the methods above in the browse box, and then into 'mods', the right campaign, then finally the 'saves' file. If there's no 'saves' file, because you haven't saved a campaign yet, don't worry- make one. The game will recognise it.
   
   
6. Kick open your game and hit 'Continue Campaign'. It'll load the game you've just put in.
   

[This message has been edited by EnemyofJupitor (edited 05-29-2009 @ 06:55 AM).]