Teamspeak and similar services

I have to note here that Vent supports individual-user volume levels (both up and down). I've run into this volume issue as well, but Vent's easy-to-use interface allows me to usually bring them to the sound level I prefer very quickly.

Our SGs use TeamSpeak, and I've (obviously) used Vent quite a bit as well. I think they're really comparable to each other, with the huge difference of Vent's individual sound levels as noted above.

If we play online everyday at the same time, and I know where you live, your just another friend who hasn't yet seen me in my clown suit.

This line reminds me of this, kinda.

Even better, Skype is free to download and use. The only real set-up is to establish an account and name, and then send invites to anyone else you want on the call. I have had 8 people on a conference call with Skype with few problems.

I have been using voice chat with my group of buddies for about 4 years. We started with a group of 6 regulars, but dropped to 4 for a long time. Had others come and go, but the 4 of us were probably on 4-5 nights a week depending on real life. One has recently gone off to Champions, but we have had 3-4 new folks joining us on a regular basis.

I would say that voice chat is one of the main reasons I have stuck to this game as long as I have. We have a great time talking about whatever while beating up bad guys. Humor is always appreciated (well, except for my bad jokes).

I also find that we are much better players with voice chat. We coordinate much better. We share strategies more easily. Since we are all "older" players, we hardly ever have any "drama," as we all know were are doing this just for fun. We cheer each other on and laugh at each other's mistakes. When we do TF's, we usually explain to the non-connected teammates that we are on voice chat, so we won't be typing much.

One of the guys has paid the minimal cost for a Ventrilo server for all 4 years. But recently (like in the last 3 or 4 months), we have switched over to Skype. The main advantage is voice clarity -- Skype has been much clearer than Ventrilo was. Some of us miss the push-to-talk aspect of Ventrilo, but I didn't use it. Skype also makes it easy to see who is on line and available without having to actually log into the program -- Your contact list has a green light for anyone whose computer is on and running the program, unless you choose to set it for a different status. Then you can choose whether to accept a "call."