Apolyton CIVILIZATION IV PREVIEW (by MarkG)

[The_Aussie_Lurker]

Thanks for the info, Solver. If you or Mark say that coastal cities aren't 'overpowered', then I am happy to take your word for it. I certainly like the idea of Coastal cities/tiles being more important.

Actually, that reminds me-how important did you find navies in Civ4 as compared to Civ3? In particular, are naval blockades easier to conduct? Sorry for all the questions but, as I said, I am just sooo excited, that I just can't seem to get enough info.

Yours,
Aussie_Lurker.

[Solver]

There seems to constantly be misunderstanding regarding Python and the SDK.

Python is an interpreted programming language. What it basically means is that there are text files which contain Python code, which the game executes. That's how Python normally works. Modifying / writing Python code allows to (for instance) change the interface, create events in scenarios, make you lose money each time a unit dies, whatever.

C++ is much more powerful and is a fully fledged programming language. Without going into detail, suffice to say that the C++ SDK allows for much more advanced modding, and requires programming skills to be worked on.

Check out Half-Life 2, or Doom3, for what SDKs can be / allow.

[LordShiva]

Originally posted by The_Aussie_Lurker
Ahhh, but Canada and the US have NORMAL borders-not Open Borders-meaning they CAN'T send units across.

Do any two countries anywhere have truly open borders then? Apart from Italy and the Vatican City?

[Dale]

2) C++ SDK? so with the python SDK? without going into too much (NDA restricted) detail: what does what?

The python engine allows you to modify the UI, add screens, buttons, commands, events, etc.

The C++ SDK allows you to add complete new concepts to the game.

Think of it as the C++ SDK defines the rules, but python uses the rules.

Dale

[Solver]

Aussie: Think of unit sending under Open Borders as something like countries placing their military bases elsewhere. USA have got an Air Force base in Australia, thus, they have Open Borders.

[sabrewolf]

and general stuff:
a) does the AI get annoyed if you often ask for deals but do not accept his offers? i mean, will he lose his temper the more you contact him?

b) instead of closed borders, one can probably still block progressing settlers with units. if so: will this provoke the AI? after all, you're exploiting him. so an intelligent AI would learn.

[q=Solver]Coastal cities are interesting. They can work those coastal tiles which aren't bad for commerce, but as you see in that shot, they don't generate any shields. Thus, many coastal cities may be very poor for production.[/q]
c) regarding coastal cities: in civ3 it was really annoying if you did not place a city right at the coast but still had coastal tiles. you couldn't get more food (harbours) and commerce (dock). is this the same problem

[The_Aussie_Lurker]

As I said, Solver, though I would have preferred it to have been done differently, it really isn't THAT big a deal to me. Everything you guys have told me is already making me drool so much for this game. I am now MUCH more interested in the importance of naval units-and combat-in the game, particularly blockades.

Yours,
Aussie_Lurker.

[yin26]

I would like the answers to all these questions, plus every possible future question, typed and on my desk by Monday.

Thank you. That is all.

[Dale]

Originally posted by Solver
Aussie: Think of unit sending under Open Borders as something like countries placing their military bases elsewhere. USA have got an Air Force base in Australia, thus, they have Open Borders.

OT:
Strictly speaking they don't. They have access to Aussie airforce bases. The only perm US base is Pine Gap which is a communications monitoring base.
/OT

Back to your regular viewing.

[Solver]

instead of closed borders, one can probably still block progressing settlers with units. if so: will this provoke the AI? after all, you're exploiting him. so an intelligent AI would learn.

As Markos said in his preview, units of civs not at war can occupy the same tile.

regarding coastal cities: in civ3 it was really annoying if you did not place a city right at the coast but still had coastal tiles. you couldn't get more food (harbours) and commerce (dock). is this the same problem

I'm not entirely sure. However, I don't realistically see how could a city that is not coastal itself build a dock.

[The_Aussie_Lurker]

Actually Solver, that is NEWS to me (shows I should read previews much more carefully!) I had no idea that units could share tiles, but that is GREAT to hear !

Yours,
Aussie_Lurker.

[Solver]

As I said, Solver, though I would have preferred it to have been done differently, it really isn't THAT big a deal to me. Everything you guys have told me is already making me drool so much for this game. I am now MUCH more interested in the importance of naval units-and combat-in the game, particularly blockades.

Well... you have your first mod assignment then .

Naval units are important. Combat is important. That's all I am going to say. I cover that enouh in my preview - my section on combat is as long as 3/4ths of Markos's preview.

[The_Aussie_Lurker]

Actually, Solver, that raises a seperate yet related question: can units not at war occupy a city together, or does that require some kind of Defensive Pact or Alliance?

Yours,
Aussie_Lurker.

[Solver]

Defensive Pacts have a different function - I cover them too .

[sabrewolf]

Originally posted by Solver

instead of closed borders, one can probably still block progressing settlers with units. if so: will this provoke the AI? after all, you're exploiting him. so an intelligent AI would learn.

As Markos said in his preview, units of civs not at war can occupy the same tile.

oh my, i missed that...

regarding coastal cities: in civ3 it was really annoying if you did not place a city right at the coast but still had coastal tiles. you couldn't get more food (harbours) and commerce (dock). is this the same problem

I'm not entirely sure. However, I don't realistically see how could a city that is not coastal itself build a dock.

well that would not be IN the city but in the outskirts... london isn't at the sea either, but has one of the bigger docks not too far out..