Spies: Useless or Indispensible?

[Mountain Sage]

I almost never use spies, they get caught too often and start a war when you don't want one. But a would like to see the possibility of counter-espionage. I would pay HUGE sums of gold to protect my Techs from pilferers.
In Civ IV, maybe?

[bongo]

You can use your own spy to expose enemy spies in your civ. Too bad there's no way of knowing in advance IF he has a spy at all.

Oh, I never use spies unless I know that I will not loose the war that may follow.

[Sava]

I haven't found spies particularly useful. That doesn't mean I won't in the future though.

[badams52]

Originally posted by Mountain Sage
I almost never use spies, they get caught too often and start a war when you don't want one. But a would like to see the possibility of counter-espionage. I would pay HUGE sums of gold to protect my Techs from pilferers.
In Civ IV, maybe?

But if you want a war without declaring it and want to help delay WW, then missed spy attempts are great!

[bongo]

You're absolutely right. Finally a GOOD use for spies. The others are just semi-good.

[Ephesos]

Yes, I suppose that is a good, (partially) cheap use. One question, though. Would it harm your diplomatic stance in future negotiations more than simply running a cavalry squad up to their capitol and yelling charge?

[Cruddy]

Spies are VITAL for communist Civs - the income is much reduced, cutting research. With enough courthouses and marketplaces though, a "safe" steal technology can be attempted every 10 turns or so - much more often if you have Adam Smiths Trading Company.

Of course, this means your oppoenents always get the tech first, which is suicide in a space race game.

[badams52]

That reminds me, If you want a use for spies, play OCC. Look at what Dominae did in his recap in the AU 302 spoiler thread.

[Rasbelin]

Spies are okay, IMO.

[MattH]

During the later game I tend to get real nervous. I nearly always (sometimes foolishly) rush to get spies and then realize that I am way ahead in technology and military. They are, however, really usefull right before a nuke exchange- if you have enough $$ to steal plans.

[Cort Haus]

Originally posted by CerberusIV


I don't. Imagine if it did and took as long to scroll down as the F3 screen does.

I thought it was just my aging PC that stuck for ages using the F3 screen on PTW. Is this a general problem?

[Catt]

Off-Topic:

Originally posted by Cort Haus

I thought it was just my aging PC that stuck for ages using the F3 screen on PTW. Is this a general problem?

Yes, it's a general problem. Seems to be some sort of memory leak or something. I think the delay is lessened if your own troops are sorted by city rather than unit.

Catt