Finally, an unconventional setting of sorts is what I have saved for last in this portion of dialogue. It types in with “Combats Allowed Per Turn”, but governs more than just MoO3 combat. I am speaking of “Timer Options”. Its presence brings with it the capability to bend the specifications of the turn-based strategy (TBS) environment somewhat. The heat is really on when you are forced to make all your per-turn decisions under the scrutiny of a stopwatch. “Unlimited Time” keeps the comfort of TBS intact while “Minutes Per Turn” can change even the most adept gamer's approach to decision making. Whether or not you play well under pressure can be put to the test here.

One's general need for time per turn in a TBS situation is dependent on a number of factors that for the sake of space I will not even try to list here. That said, the maximum setting here – 20 minutes – will undoubtedly leave most ridiculing its presence. The minimum setting – 1 minute – will surely take many-a-breath away. It is easy to dismiss this as a reasonable amount of time at the start of a game when your empire is small and the stakes are relatively proportional to that end. It is easy to forget that, unless you are a speed demon or you want to consistently fail in your Master of Orion III outings, the advanced stages of the game are going to tax you to the extent that you will need all the time in the world to make informed decisions and take informed action. Can you do this in just a minute? When MoO3 is released, you can put your mouse where you mouth is… figuratively speaking, of course.

I'LL TAKE THOSE `RACE PICKS` THERE, THESE HERE…
You may have elected to skip over the last page or so and, even if you haven't, you may have come to the conclusion that you wish you had. For an article on customization of MoO3, the `Game Options' screen constitutes only the first half of the adventure. You will certainly not want to pass by the following lest you regret it later. If you believe I am over-dramatizing a bit here, indulge me: it is for your gaming benefit that I take the opportunity to do so.