Hey, I'm one of those new guys that picked Defcon up on sale, and I thought I would share my (embarrassingly) 10hr
glued-to-the-computer experience. I think I played a total of around 5 games, and by the end of my day I felt Defcon maybe wasn't my thing. The first game I played was just a bunch of us New Player's. It was an enjoyable, "nice", intriquing strategy game without too much actual strategy - that's how I felt at the time. I felt the 6-shipped fleets were difficult to manoeuvre (I now know that this isn't the case hah), and the pace was slow in a game composed of clueless,
fire le missles! - nevertheless, enjoyable - beginners.
I am a fool for mass consumerism, and so when Steam Sale comes on, myself and the rest of the possy come in to check the game out, get a feel for it, make some jokes, and ultimately, get our desired injection of sensory pleasure. I understand the inclination to dislike new players, and I imagine its just a natural process of elimination. Nature is fair enough, and but so now im off topic.
My last game, I thought, was a 2v2 with what seemed to be two Defcon pros and two Defcon beginners (myself being one). I was surprisingly nervous about how I appeared to these two dudes, and i figured if I talked enough, we'd eventually all have something to "chat" about. That didn't work. I'm no saint though, don't get me wrong, my conversation skills were becoming more unthoughtful and tongue-in-cheek as my enjoyment of the game was decreasing. Anyways, about five minutes into the 2v2 match,
Drunk Mum's newer-than-me ally disconnected and the match was for the most part set in stone for my partner,
Tarkus, and I. The conversation, meanwhile, was still deadly silent. Soon enough it was just myself, Tarkus, and the CPU, and I was pretty in awe with the way he was able to time his flight attacks with hardly any wasted space...it was really cool to see the game's objects be used in a
strategic way. I said, "damn tarkus, those bombers are lookin pretty pretty good" (or something like that) and things loosened up a bit; he said, "yes" =D. Tarkus was a man of few words. Coming up on around 4 or 5am I ask whether tarkus thinks I could stand a chance against him 1v1. His response, "ok, lets play 1v1". I was ready to sleep, but I figured what the hell and got into the 1v1 server. We started. Right from the beginning, his 3 American battleships placed just in my sights urging my European navy into open sea. It was there I was to be raided from above by a perfect, 10-star fighter jet formation streaking across the open blue to some lovely and almost euphoric background music. I watched my fleet disappear under my entire fighter jet force aimlessly circling, running out of fuel, and shot down one by one. After I retreated to the safety of the Spanish and English shores, he consistently lured me out about three or four times until I had nothing but nukes and a few bombers. But I didn't mind at all. He didnt talk much, but Tarkus showed me how to really play...how it was meant to be done. After we called the game it was time to head off, but not before we found out we live in neighbouring provinces and both work nights! Not so bad, huh. Thanks tarkus for the 1v1.
This probably went on for way too long, so I apologize for the length.
I really need some rest. Just thought I'd share my short experience with a "mentor".
Summary: me, a new guy "quive", played for far too long and met a great mentor who convinced me to play again tomorrow and perfect my fighter jet formations et al. [/i]
but any experienced player would like to mentor the little noob here(me) 
same my name is Ghost Division too