[0.85] Difference in strategic and tactical summoning

This is probably by design, but I would like to know why. When summoning creatures on the strategic map they are here to stay, which is great. But when I summon a creature on the tactical map during a battle, after the fight is over, my summoned creature is gone. Me no like!

This was true in version 0.77 and I have a feeling it's a design decision, but not one I fully understand since the casting cost is the same.

5,471 views 15 replies
Reply #1 Top

I thought this was a bug. I actually stopped summoning creatures in tactical because it seemed wrong.

Reply #2 Top

I posted about this same issue here https://forums.elementalgame.com/417645

I hadn't had time to test if this was still the case, but sounds like it. I don't have an issue with tactical and strategic summons working differently, but I do have an issue with them costing the same amount of mana. Since tactical's only temporary for that battle, why not make it cheaper than a permanent summon?

Reply #3 Top

its always been lik that in every game since 20 years?

 

also strategic creatures should have some sort of upkeep

Reply #4 Top

Quoting ddd888, reply 3
also strategic creatures should have some sort of upkeep
End of ddd888's quote

They have, see below:

The system is basically the same as in Master of Magic. I think it is perfectly reasonable as it is, maybe some balancing needed in the general mana numbers here and there, but the system itself is fine.

First of all, you have a difference in cost for both types of summons, since you have to pay a mana upkeep each turn to keep the creature on the strategic map. Apart from that, summoning a creature in tactical combat is a big advantage and therefore should cost the same amount of mana minus the upkeep, because you can go over the max unit limit in a stack which you cannot on the strategic map.

Reply #5 Top

this is to be expected and i think how every strategy game i played so far handles it. there are advantages to being able to summon during battle. if you are caught unprepared at least you have the option to summon help. yes it should cost the same in my opionion. the trade off is you have to maintenance on it after the fight.

Reply #6 Top

Don't forget that you can get more than 9 units on the field this way. 

Reply #7 Top

Yea ... tactical summons are boss because you can exeed maximum number of units :)

While Strategic summons cost mana to upkeep.

 

Ultimately, if you have to use a summon in EVERY battle, its better to summon it strategically and bring it with you. If you only need summons in a pinch however (and have spare mana), best to wait until tactical to summon them.

 

(I like the difference)

Reply #8 Top

Ok, never realized strategic summons cost mana to upkeep. That's enough for me to warrant the difference and of course getting the extra unit on the field is pretty big too. Thanks for clarifying and no need to change it then.

Reply #9 Top

Is anyone else finding the shadow warg summon to be crazy awesome?

Reply #10 Top

Quoting Sarudak, reply 9
Is anyone else finding the shadow warg summon to be crazy awesome?
End of Sarudak's quote

It's nice, but Procipinee really needs it to survive the early stages. After a little while the summon does become less awesome, but still helpful.

Reply #11 Top

If anything, tactical summoning is too cheap. If I only use a 20 mana summon spell every 20 rounds or less, it's actually cheaper for me to summon when needed, rather than maintain.

Reply #12 Top

it should always be a choice. Strategic and Tactical versions should cost the same period, imho. Just depends on if A) you want a levelled summon, and B ) how many fights you get into how often

Reply #13 Top

Quoting Sarudak, reply 9
Is anyone else finding the shadow warg summon to be crazy awesome?
End of Sarudak's quote

It's way too powerful, Shadow wargs are tougher than skales/black widows/young ogres

While I Love the summoner trait they are too good for an initial summon

 

Shadow Warg OP

Earth Elemental OP

Fire Elemental UP

Ice Elemental Up

Reply #14 Top

Quoting Beric01, reply 11
If anything, tactical summoning is too cheap. If I only use a 20 mana summon spell every 20 rounds or less, it's actually cheaper for me to summon when needed, rather than maintain.
End of Beric01's quote

 

One thing to remember: summon on the world map can level up

Reply #15 Top

There is another deal here. Summoning on strategy map you can only have one summon of each type and these summons are better the most early units that you need to build and cost a lot of money. Then during combat you can summon one more of each giving you access to 2x types of summons and that is enough to kills anything. Not to mention losing summons only costs you some mana and no build time.