What's yer Oracle slingshot?

[Theben]

I always go for Metalcasting when I can. Hammers rule!


Although next time I'm gonna try for Feudalism.

[Seedle]

I chose metal-casting. I never have feudalism or civil service open when I complete the oracle, so those are out. Code of Laws can be attractive, and I have taken it if I am in a truly desperate economic situation, but I generally prefer to get forges to maximize chops/whips. This is especially true if I have mined happy resources, forges just get stronger.

[Methos]

Civil Service if possible. Granted, it also depends on what level/version I'm playing.

[Modo44]

I don't use it. The tech is too late when on my preferred beeline to literacy. I'm a sucker for the Great Library, so sue me.

So for me. Not that you included the option.

[Seedle]

Originally posted by Modo44
I don't use it. The tech is too late when on my preferred beeline to literacy. I'm a sucker for the Great Library, so sue me.

So for me. Not that you included the option.

What's wrong with the Great Library? I think it's arguably the best wonder in the game. And what difficulty do play on that you have to beeline for the Great Library? And when will the newbies on this board learn to stop jacking threads?

But seriously, couldn't you use the Oracle to get one of the literacy techs?

[Modo44]

Originally posted by Seedle
What's wrong with the Great Library?

Nothing wrong with free scientists.

Originally posted by Seedle
And what difficulty do play on that you have to beeline for the Great Library?

I play on monarch. The beeline is to Aesthetics (traded for Alphabet and other goodies, works every time), after which literacy is a nice, cheap target.

Originally posted by Seedle
But seriously, couldn't you use the Oracle to get one of the literacy techs?

I assume it is too easy to lose the wonder to an AI, at which point my beeline wouldn't work. Although now that you suggested it, I might try just to be sure.

[Harovan]

Code of Laws, if it still comes with a religion and I don't have one yet. Otherwise probably Metal Casting. That said, I don't go after the Oracle that often anymore. I not so much into beelines as they're always a gambit. It just don't feel right. I prefer a "broad" development.

[Crossfire]

I usually try for Feudalism but when that isn't possible I will usually take Metal Casting. Everything you need for the Oracle puts you on the path for Literature anyway so I usually have no trouble getting the Great Library too if I want it. If I manage to get free Feudalism, it does alter the way I play a bit because I can run Hereditary Rule and so I tend to build more military and whip less to keep my cities happy.

[Yuufo]

Most of the time : theology
It gives me a religion, and enables to build to Apostolic Palace : I tend to build it for the +2 hammers per church / monastery

[Modo44]

Originally posted by Crossfire
Everything you need for the Oracle puts you on the path for Literature anyway so I usually have no trouble getting the Great Library too if I want it.

Not true. If you beeline strictly for literacy, you can not build the Oracle, as you don't research the tech. And if you beeline strictly to aesthetics, you don't research any of the religious techs at first - the ones needed for literacy are made after aesthetics. That's a lot of time, and a big diversion just for the one-tech wonder.

[couerdelion]

Generally Code of Laws because I’m unlikely to have my own religion and it is quite a nice tech to get early. Also gives a decent enough civic which has uses in the early game.

When playing industrious or with a large number of coastal cities, Metal Casting might be a nice alternative.

[Addled Platypus]

depends on map really

GL on lot of water
Monarchy when I need the gov'ment
metalurgy when i need some better units

[ZEE]

I get the most expensive tech usually. This saves time in the long run and opens the door for future trades to get the cheaper, more neglected, techs.

If it isnt CoL it will be Metalurgy, or whatever the most expensive tech down from there is.

[Ming]

While Metalurgy is the usually the most "expensive" tech available when I build Oracle, I will take COL if I don't have a religion, or then Metalurgy if I got one of the early religions.

[rah]

Same here. But, if I'm the native americans and have some good beaker resources I may try for feud. Highly promoted longbowmen can be a lot of fun that early.