AI Cheat on SPs, Cannot research next tech

[BlackCat]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: AI Cheat on SPs, Cannot research next tech

Originally posted by Ned


Of course, but what do you do before you get crawlers?

Formers - they only cah in for half, but that is enough.

[Ned]

Originally posted by binTravkin
as I said you only need one PS to kill pacifism

Yeah, but you seem to ignore every other advantage I cited.

[Petek]

Ned,

The "Punishment Sphere strategy" seems to be a great idea for a new way to play! I think I'll try it out without modding the tech tree. In that case, Advanced Military Algorithms are needed for Punishment Spheres. I think the beeline looks like this:

Applied Physics (1)
Information Networks (1)
Industrial Base (1)
Polymorphic Software (2)
Doctrine Flexibility (2)
Doctrine Mobility (2)
Adaptive Doctrine (3)
Optical Computers (3)
Advanced Military Algorithms (4)

Not your usual builder line of research!

The Cyborgs appear to be a good faction for this strategy: They start with two of the required techs, they have good research to begin with and their efficiency rating will help to get to a paradigm economy.

Other advantages to using PSs are that you don't have to worry about building any drone control facilities (rec commons) or SPs (Virtual World or Human Genome).

Can't wait to start a new game!

[Barinthus]

Do let us know how it goes. I'd probably try it myself once I get home

[Urban Ranger]

Originally posted by Ned
In short, punishment spheres are a source of power almost beyond belief. Further, as you multiply your bases and increase their size without diversion of any psych, you quickly overcome the research deficit problem.

I am not so sure. The PS may be advantagous if you have at least Hab Complex, Genejack Factory, Tree Farm most likely, and probably other techs.

I also reckon the -50% in research is too hefty a price to pay. It means your unmodified research output has to be 200% of others just to keep abreast (2 x 0.5 = 1). On higher levels where the computer players already have a bonus on you I don't think you can ever catch up.

[#endgame]

That's why you only have one fun sphere base, the one that's supporting all those noodles that would make peacenik drones because you're running FM, right?

[Ned]

Originally posted by Urban Ranger


I am not so sure. The PS may be advantagous if you have at least Hab Complex, Genejack Factory, Tree Farm most likely, and probably other techs.

I also reckon the -50% in research is too hefty a price to pay. It means your unmodified research output has to be 200% of others just to keep abreast (2 x 0.5 = 1). On higher levels where the computer players already have a bonus on you I don't think you can ever catch up.

True. But if you have to use 20% psych to ward off those drones, PS immediately give you that 20% back. You make up the rest by faster growth and multiplying your bases without regard to b-drones. (Having the PTS helps speed growth, especially with sea bases.) Finally, you don't have to worry about making everything clean and moving them to you one PS base. You can go on the offensive far before researching clean.

But observe just how much more cash you have from running so many base flat out under FM, with no diversion for psych or holos or the like. That is where the power of the PS shows forth.

[Straybow]

Very interesting... but first I'm going to rename Punishment Sphere in Alpha.txt to Total Perspective Vortex.

[#endgame]

Interesting idea for a faction: Free fun sphere in every base (with/without tech?).

[Ned]

Originally posted by #endgame
Interesting idea for a faction: Free fun sphere in every base (with/without tech?).

I've tried it. Actually, I let the Professor and the Pirate use them all the time, as they always want to use FM and kill themselves with drones. I have found that this works wonders for both factions as AI opponents.

However, I think it best to give them the spheres when they research the tech, which I move up somewhat from AMA. This allows them to research the early techs unencumbered when they really do no need PS's.

[Darsnan]

Originally posted by Ned
In short, punishment spheres are a source of power almost beyond belief. Further, as you multiply your bases and increase their size without diversion of any psych, you quickly overcome the research deficit problem.

Imagine playing the game with the Telepathic Matrix from beginning? That is what punishment spheres do.

And here I was destroying all of the Punishment Spheres in all of the Hive cities I conquered in Chaos Theory's Solstice Challenge...


D

[GeoModder]

Shortsighted indeed!

[binTravkin]

Punishment Spheres in all of the Hive cities I conquered in Chaos Theory's Solstice Challenge

Aha!