No Tech-Trading Challenge

[Dominae]

Originally posted by KingJoff
Is stealing techs via espionage still permitted?

I'm tempted to say 'no', but let's say 'yes', at least for this particular game. It's hard enough already.

[Nor Me]

Now this sounds interesting. I've downloaded the save so I can decide not to play it properly.

[vmxa1]

Dom anything special about choosing Russia?

[Dominae]

Originally posted by vmxa1
Dom anything special about choosing Russia?

1. Expansionist: tech boost in the early-game.
2. Scientific: tech boost in the mid- to late-game.
3. Cossacks: powerful UU that can get you "back in the game".
4. Agricultural: I'm tired of it (every game posted on these boards is Agr.).

Remember that you cannot build the Great Library here, so 1 and 2 are especially important. I suppose I could have picked the Ottomans for similar reasons, but those Sipahi are darn expensive if all your income is going into research.

[vmxa1]

That what I figured, just checking if it was a whim or a plan.

[Aeson]

There are a few ways to approach the tech race.

One is to push the tech rate and drag an AI trading partner along with you. This lets you get a slight tech lead on the main competition, and a decent tech lead on everyone else.

Another is to follow the leader AI, buying the new techs from them and then selling it around. You're giving up being the tech leader for the ability to horde as much gold as possible.

Then you can militarily beat techs out of the AI. Pretty straightforward, but never will get you a tech lead on it's own.

The other is to slow the tech rate through numerous alliances, fake wars, and of course beating up on any AI threats. The goal is to make it an 'every civ for themself' type tech environment where they all have to do most of their own research.

These rules address the first 3, but the 4th method can be just as effective. I usually play a mix of 1 and 4 (outside Sid), with 2 and 3 seeing spot usage if the situation arises.

Is this meant to be played straight 4, or is the 'dumbing down' effect of alliances also a no-no?

[Aqualung71]

Tough game this one. And a really weird map!

[Dominae]

Originally posted by Aeson
Is this meant to be played straight 4, or is the 'dumbing down' effect of alliances also a no-no?

1 through 3 involve trading for techs with the AI, so those are out. Essentially the idea is that you must research every single tech yourself (except for freebies from Philosophy, Scientific or the Theory of Evolution). So yes, this is a "straight 4" game.

[UnOrthOdOx]

Lovely game.

Can't wait to see how the rest of you are doing.

What sucks in MY game particular: Huts:

City
Map
Gold
Gold
Warrior

Other than the city (in 3900 BC at least ), not much help. I'ld be even/ahead in research now with trading... oh well, fun, fun!

[Aqualung71]

I got 4:

Town
Warrior
Warrior
Map

So you're not alone!

Tough map for a "non-tech trade" game!

[Aeson]

My huts gave out:

Warrior
25g
Warrior
Warrior Code
Map
Alphabet

[Dominae]

Warrior
Warrior
Ceremonial Burial
Gold
Settler
Gold

I researched Alphabet first, so I had no chance of getting it from a Goody Hut. I'm pretty happy with the Settler, though, which is better than Alphabet even in this type of game. Aeson: which tech did you go for first?

[UnOrthOdOx]

Alphabet first here too.

Settler would have been much better than town for me. Just given the location. But, hey, not complaining too much, it's been a good mil camp.

[Dominae]

Originally posted by UnOrthOdOx
Alphabet first here too.

I assumed that would be standard for everyone...

[Aqualung71]

Yep, Alphabet here too. First build was a Scout.