All right. Let's begin with this: are 56K users necessarily at a disadvantage when playing against ADSL/Cable users?

FireSworD DM, as you may/may not realize, is a 56K user. He is also a pretty good CTF player (better than most; he even beat Bobbt once in BBlair, even if no one really heard about it). FS does not complain much about lag, it would seem. He is at a slight disadvantage when playing against someone like me (I am on ADSL). However, since his playing style/strategy is far better than mine, he can beat me any day he wants, even if I am hosting the server. My 2.0GhZ Pentium 4 computer is faster than his (I think we both have fast computers, but he says that WindowsXP slows his machine down); I get higher framerates, less lag, etc. than him, but he still beats me in CTF.

The conclusion?

Lag does not necessarily cause people to play worse than normal. It may be something to blame for slowness, but it is no excuse for simply being a below-average player.


To think, this is only JJ2 we are talking about. In UT2k3, I have seen several 56K users (usually, their ping > 500-900ms) who are excellent despite the huge amount of lag they must face. (I've played UT2k3 with 56K numerous times when ADSL dies, the lag is usually horrible and you can't use half the weapons. I usually just shut up and play, though.) Still, 56K people can perform better than ADSL/Cable users; it usually depends on their playing style.


If you're wondering about the screenshot, it was taken after the match, after a lot of people left. I had pings up to 600-700ms during the heavy fighting.


Yeah, 56K can be a hassle, but if you're as good as you think you are, it shouldn't hurt you a whole lot.


`pranx0rific