Do You Think BtS Will Play Differently? If So, How?

[yin26]

I'm curious, based on what has been released, do you guys think the core gameplay will change in a significant way? If not, why not? If so, what changes do you anticipate, and do you think those changes are for the better?

Bonus Question: Is there anything missing from BtS that you think should have made it in ahead of something else?

[Thedrin]

Assuming this unverified information is accurate;

Changes in the core game play?

Colonies, corporations, the Apostolic Palace just seem to be extensions of existing rules into other eras. Random events and mixed leader/civs are more about flavour than anything else. Trade routes have the potential to greatly increase the role of naval units but at most it'll just extend some rules of land warfare to naval warfare.

The only features that look like they'll dramatically alter the game are espionage, improved AI warfare, and flank attacks. Obtaining information superiority - the point where all espionage missions are cheaper for you than for your rivals - looks to be as important as a tech lead. More sophisticated AI warfare may make for more strategy in warfare. Flank attacks look like they'll drastically reduce the usefullness of siege weapons.

If the above linked piece is accurate then I am very pleased with the changes. Conquering may become a lot more difficult but some of the espionage missions (sabotage building, spread culture, support city revolt) and the Apostolic Palace (transfer city) look like they'll make up for it.

One complaint; if all changes have been revealed then the power of enviromentailism - currently good but unpopular - looks like it has been drastically reduced.

Bonus Question: Is there anything missing from BtS that you think should have made it in ahead of something else?

I'd like to see a random traits, random unique unit, random unique building, and random starting technology option but if the option to allow leaders to be played with any civ can be combined with random leader then a lot of that is reduntant.

[jbp26]

"It is no longer possible to trade Technologies that you have not researched yourself "

could be interesting..

[Tattila the Hun]

Yay, no longer can my buddy-civs trade the military techs I trade them to my enemies...

I'd love to have some way to build a professional army... Spend extra gold/shields for build/maintenance, in return, get extra promotions and general boosts in strength.

[rah]

Na, at the upper levels, this would probably benefit the AI too much.

[yin26]

So basically you guys see "more strategy"? That's separate from just "more stuff to do" I'm assuming. Seems like you guys think BtS will be an outstanding X-pack.

[Ming]

Only time will tell... They continue to nerf the "rush flavor of the month"... It will take a little playing time to see what the next flavor will be

It will be interesting to see if they have added balance or created more imbalances.

My biggest concerns are what the changes will do to MP.

[ben04]

Originally posted by rah
Na, at the upper levels, this would probably benefit the AI too much.

Well you could add a rule to the difficulty level saying how much you may invest maximally.

I hope the espionage system also helps the military. For example if you know a lot about a city your units get attack bonuses.

I think BTS will add more ways to play the game. I don't think that it will eliminate any old existing style.

[joncnunn]

Re: Do You Think BtS Will Play Differently? If So, How?

Most definately, especally for those who haven't tryed Blake's AI mod for Warlords.

Other than that; I think the desirability of Merchantism has possibly increased (shut out enemy corps) unless the AI is smart enough to retaliate in kind by shuting out yours.

And State Property Civic is definately less valuable with it shuting down your own corporations.

The other difference in non BTS added stuff I see is that Calvary units (and the UUs based on it) are a bit later and consequnetely won't have quite as easy time against defenders when they come out.

Originally posted by yin26
I'm curious, based on what has been released, do you guys think the core gameplay will change in a significant way? If not, why not? If so, what changes do you anticipate, and do you think those changes are for the better?

Bonus Question: Is there anything missing from BtS that you think should have made it in ahead of something else?

[Thedrin]

Joncnunn:
Other than that; I think the desirability of Merchantism has possibly increased (shut out enemy corps) unless the AI is smart enough to retaliate in kind by shuting out yours.

The increased bonuses from foreign trade routes - +100% with the customs house - may be large enough to cancel out the economic benefits of barring foriegn corporations.

[Kuciwalker]

Random thought: under Mercantilism the Custom's House could give an additional +1 specialist.

[Dale]

Originally posted by Thedrin
I'd like to see a random traits, random unique unit, random unique building, and random starting technology option but if the option to allow leaders to be played with any civ can be combined with random leader then a lot of that is reduntant.

I'm actually working on a mod where YOU can select these things yourself (with Grandpa Troll's help). Initially in Warlords, I'll pump it out for BtS as well.

Check the creation forum.

[Virdrago]

Re: Re: Do You Think BtS Will Play Differently? If So, How?

Originally posted by joncnunn
And State Property Civic is definately less valuable with it shuting down your own corporations.

Well, to a point. If you can't get to or don't need the corps, you can keep State Property. It looks like corps will bring more balance within certain civics, just like trade-offs between which units you'll use in what wars...

[Dis]

not really, corps sound just like religions, and will play similarly I believe.

[Dis]

is mercantilism changing at all? does anyone actually use this civic?