Idea - Variable point cost for racial trait bonuses

from GalCiv2 Forums
I was playing a game of GalCiv 1 last night on a gigantic map. I had picked the "Speed +1" racial trait as one of my bonuses when I started the game. It occurred to me later that this trait is WAY more valuable on a gigantic map than it would be on a much smaller map. The point cost, however, is the same.

My idea:
Make the point cost for racial traits variable, based on map size. Some may have a "variance" of 0%, because map size is not relevant to the power of the trait, while others will have difference variances based on how much map size affects their value in the game. Some may be more expensive for big maps, while others are cheaper.

I'm not going to brainstorm any specifics on this, I'll let y'all comment on this (or just tell me that my idea sucks - which is ok too).

-PC
ideas
5,474 views 9 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top
Nice idea, I don't think the AI has to be taught to use it either.
Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top
Nice idea, I don't think the AI has to be taught to use it either.
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Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Ooops.
Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top
Makes a lot of sense. A bigger map means you'll gain more out of the same speed bonus, so the bonus itself should be more valuable. And I'm no expert but it doesn't sound very hard to me to implement into the game.
Just make the size of the bonus depend on the galaxy size. But again I'm no expert.
Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top
Is a +1 speed bonus more valuable on a gigantic or small map? I'd say it's more valuable on the small map! Why? because it means that you don't need to waste time on speed techs. Your ships are faster, its an immediate benefit for players on the map, in competition with the other empires, right from the start!

On a gigantic map, its effect isn't as strong. You still need to research speed techs (so no gain versus small maps), and being on big maps, the effect is actually diluted. By the time you are in strong direct competition with the other empires, they've gotten a few speed techs themselves, leaving your +1 or so racial bonus of much less value then on small or tiny maps.

If anything, the cost for a speed bonus on gigantic maps should be reduced (compared to smaller maps).

Now, all that said... Variable point costs for abilities based on map size/conditions do make a lot sense. A good idea!
Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top
disagree with u on the fact that speed is more valuable in a small map in the beginning it may be so but near the end on a small map when everyone has reasearched the necessary speed upgrades everyone can pretty much make it across the map without any special speed upgrades nullifing the bonus
Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top
No, leave it the way it is, the racial traits are perfect, whatever size the scenario is, they're all valuable.
Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top
Now, all that said... Variable point costs for abilities based on map size/conditions do make a lot sense. A good idea!


I am glad that you and Fanatic are already brainstorming on the Speed thing. If Stardock implements this idea, then the modifiers on Point Cost would have to be created based on peoples' game successes with different Race Attributes. The cost balancing will require more thought that the actual game enhancement, I would think.
Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top
No, leave it the way it is, the racial traits are perfect, whatever size the scenario is, they're all valuable.


I agree, leave it as it is. Speed +1, as well as other attributes, are equally important for vary different reasons on different size maps. If its not broke, don't fix it. There are too many more valuable things that need refining in the next few months.