Understanding the tech tree

Hard to understand, hard to find

from Elemental Forums

The technology tree is ostensibly documented in the Hiergamenon.

The version of that in the game is almost impossible to navigate.  You have to know the correct name of what you are looking for to have a hope of finding anything.  (For example, try without knowing the right starting point to find techs that will improve food production.)

The version that is on the web site is significantly more useable.  But even that does not answer certain kinds of questions.  For example, which techs give you L2 or L3 Quest locations?  Which ones give you L2 or L3 Notable locations? 

Also, an explanation of the fact some reserach results only appear some of the time would help.  It makes planning hard if you do not know what things you have to seize if they appear.

 

Thank you,

Joel M. Halpern

1,179 views 1 replies
Reply #1 from Elemental Forums Top

Joel. you have understood the dilemma we all face when it comes to understanding the tech tree, AND in finding out what you need - in game.

I played for two weeks before I realized that quest and notable locations did not generate from the same techs... LOL.

 

BTW, I like the way tech is implemented.  Sometimes a tech becomes available to choose, sometimes not.  One thing I would like:  all tech trees to have is a variable time to 'completion' of the tech.  Every turn, let the computer look at how much you have already invested in researching that tech, how much is going in that turn, and then 'modify' the result (a little) randomly. This way, sometimes you get the tech a little sooner, sometimes, a little later.

Planning is important.  However, in most games with tech, the player can look and see exactly when the next break-thru will happen.  Not RL.  It should be very close to the projection - but not exact.  That way, planning still works, but actual timing (achieving the new tech) may be one turn early, or one turn later.  Just to add variety, and a little twist every turn.