Show Media Item - The Complete Interview - WmerkelThe Complete Interview - Wmerkel
Here is the complete interview as seen in the Planets Newsletter - Enjoy!
PN: Tell us a little about yourself.
W: wmerkel. wmerkel ? Yes, it's the most uncool username of all times. When registering to planets.nu I didn't foresee that I would get addicted (again) to planets ...
I am 41 years old, have three kids and live in Germany (Osnabrueck). I work as a police officer, shift-working.
PN: When did you first start playing?
W: My first (VGA 3.X) Planets experience was 1993. I jumped in as a replacement Colonial player in an "ashes of the old empire" scenario. Afterwards, I started playing with buddies and friends, often hosting the game, too. I enjoyed the possibility to combine add-ons to the game, that's why I created some myself in the old 3.X times. I stopped playing about 10 years ago, but then - by chance - found planets.nu !
PN: What's your favorite race and why?
W: My favourite race is the Crystals. Obviously I like purple circles all over the map ;-) In fact, they are a race which is very challenging. You can defend well in the beginning and mid-game, but the real challenge is to successfully play the end game. In fact, this is where you can become "a snowball in hell". Diplomacy is the key!
PN: What do you build on first three turns with them (or your general opening strategy)?
W: It depends a lot on the race I am playing. As a Crystal, I tend to build at least 2 large freighters, then some opal/emeralds. Low ID Opals become very valuable later in the game! Playing a cloaking race, I like the idea of rushing my neighbour. I try to build 2 medium sized warships, and freighters afterwards.
PN: How many games do you play at the same time?
W: "No more than three game at a time", I repeat this mantra every time I sign in. But look at my profile ... its just too tempting. I try to mix my games, ideally 1-2 games are in the beginning phase, 1-2 in the midgame phase and 1-2 in the endgame phase. Oh, looks like I have a free slot for a new game!
PN: What types of games do you like playing most?
W: I always try to play at least one team game. Planets is a game to cooperate with players, to chat, to do diplomacy, to make common plans. I also like campaign games a lot - it's a pity I still have to collect a lot of campaign points with Fascists and Evil Empire before trying out really nasty combinations, but beware, it's just a matter of time.
PN: What's your most memorable game, and what made it so interesting?
W: Planets Con Invitational Game in 2014, Game ID 112608, http://planets.nu/#/sector/112608 . It was the first game using the new priority points system (which is outstanding). Many good players have been participating. And it was fun to see everyone was trying to get to the top, I ended up 4th place - a very satisfying result for me with the Fascist.
PN: Name a memorable friend and/or a memorable foe, and what made them stand out.
W: Friend: Frostriese! We have been playing planets in the mid nineties, then lost contact. By chance he was in the first game I joined at planets.nu - and because of my silly username he remembered me! I like his "always advance" mantra.
Foe: There are two players which should be mentioned here.
Blick in the Game ID 74280, http://planets.nu/#/sector/74280 . It was my first game on planets.nu, a giant melee. Fighting with the Feds against the Borg is never a good idea - and Blick managed to foresee a lot of my actions. An excellent player, which resigned, but has lately returned.
Ted in the Die Hard 14 - Game ID 122600 - http://planets.nu/#/sector/122600 . He scared me the whole game without effectively attacking me (we had a peace treaty which he honoured). After the game ended, I saw what would *could* have happened ... Well done and thanks, Ted !
PN: Give an example of excellent tactics you've used or seen (w/ details so readers can view it, if possible).
W: Ouch, this sounds like revealing my "best" tactics ? I am afraid I am no excellent tactician. I like to mix up everything I know, and try to include every maneuver possible. As a Crystal, minefield scooping (Game ID 138554) with low ID Opals can drive your enemy crazy. For example here: http://planets.nu/#/sector/138554 , Turn 29-36 :-)
PN: What do you think is the most important skill for a Planets player to succeed?
W: Beside diplomacy - it's all about the host order. If you know the host order and if you know about special in-game mechanics (intercepting / towing as explained in the Planets Magazine, a must-read), you are on your way to the top.
PN: Describe the process you use to make a turn.
W: I look the vcr's and study my reports, especially the distress calls and meteor messages (to prevent missing THAT one large meteor). Then I work through all my ships, unload freighters and do simple tasks. I work then on my planets, using the management tool. Then I work on my starbases, move freighters and finally my battleships.
PN: What is your favorite thing about Panets Nu?
W: Campaign features and stellar cartography make every game a new experience! And besides playing a strategy game with people you know in real life - that's chatting, relaxing, planning, hoping, ... ! I want to mention my friend Targeteer here, who is just coming back after more than 10 years of abstinence ... go buddy, go :)
PN: Is there anything else you would like to add?
W: I am looking forward to another planets Con in Europe (I have been attending the Con in Frankfurt 2014, sadly missed the Con in 2015)! I will be there - and I hope you all will join, too !
Thank you to Wmerkel!
You can view Wmerkel's profile here.