[Beta 2A] [Suggestion] Minor research tweaks

from Elemental Forums

I think I like the current research system but after playing MOO2 last night I see I like theirs better even though they very similar.  The two things that I like about their system are:

1) When researching you pick the exact tech you are researching and then wait for research to complete.  In yours you pick the actual tech at the end.  Picking before makes more sense and also makes people think a bit more.  For instance you pick weapons to research and then bump into an army that is very resistant to piercing which is currently your best weapon.  Now you choose blunt weapons (battle hammers or something) instead of choosing plate mail like you originally thought you would.  It's a small change but makes more sense and feels better in my opinion.

2) MOO2 has a small random factor to the research.  I just think it's a nice touch and again makes research feel more real.  Plus it keeps you on your toes a bit more.  All good things in my opinion.

1,306 views 5 replies
Reply #1 from Elemental Forums Top

2) MOO2 has a small random factor to the research. I just think it's a nice touch and again makes research feel more real. Plus it keeps you on your toes a bit more. All good things in my opinion.
End of quote

Random in what way?  I haven't played MOO, although I've heard that it's "quirky".  I'm guessing you don't mean random chance of rare techs, which already exists.  Unless you mean something like:

  • You start researching Harvesting (Gardens->Farms).
  • While learning to garden, your researchers accidentally hoe over a gopher.  Given the scarcity of food, they decide that "It's meat" and have it for dinner.
  • You unlock the tech "Gopher Farming".  This allows you to build a "gopher farm" adjacent to your farms/gardens that harvests gophers as additional food (+X% food).
Reply #2 from Elemental Forums Top

I think they should cut down on our research choices, to be honest. Maybe cut it down to three to five when that screen pops up.

I like the choosing of tech AFTER you've researched. It reminds me of Alpha Centauri.

The Political Machine 2024
Reply #3 from Elemental Forums Top

I'm not sure of the exact formulas involved but it basically just can take a little less or a little more time to research then what is initially displayed.  Once you start getting close the reseach will display a percent chance of you finishing earlier than expected.  I seem to remember some other game doing something similar as well, Sword of the Stars maybe?

Reply #4 from Elemental Forums Top

I like the current lottery system... creates a lot of "Apiaries now since it's rare? Or just go with Administration as a safe bet... well, I will just play it safe"... and then you run into some Twilight Bees a couple turns later and mutter under your breath about how silly you were to pass it up, and have to wait several more Civ techs before you can actually use that food resource.

Reply #5 from Elemental Forums Top

I wasn't suggesting to get rid of the "lottery system" as you call it.  The only differences I suggested would be when you choose the tech (initially versus at the end) and if there is any deviation in how long it takes to complete the tech.