New GalCiv screenshots

[Draginol]

Over here:

http://www.galciv.com/index.asp?action=full&NewsID=158

[delmar]

Would you mind to explain this screen a bit in more detail?

http://draginol.stardock.com/images/gamma/g4.jpg

Is this a fully automated "conversation", or does the player have a chance to choose from an array of possible responses? If the former, then what is this screen really good for (except for reminding the player that the AI is not blind)? If the latter, then what are the typically available possible responses and what kind of effect do they have on the relationship with the AI?

And how does the AI know that Starbase 283 is acquiring a significant offensive capability? Will the player be able to gather similar information about AI starbases? If yes, then how?

[bigfree1]

I like the overall look of the graphics, especially how the races look on the diplomacy screens.

What exactly are these shots of? Transistion/cutscene screens?

http://draginol.stardock.com/images/gamma/g5.jpg

http://draginol.stardock.com/images/gamma/g6.jpg

Thanks.

[Draginol]

You don't have dialog options per se. But you can, for instance, turn over the star base to the other player.

The diplomacy system is action based rather than conversationally based.

But it translates those actions into conversations by taking into account a wide variety of factors such as your ethical alignment, military strength, etc.

For instance, if the AI player had been tougher, he would have demanded you hand over the starbase outright with your refusal being the outbreak of war.

[Draginol]

G5/G6 show scenes from the invasion of a star system. They are frames in a cut scene.

[Asmodean]

The diplomacy system in Galciv is very good IMHO. For instance, you don't have to actually declare war in order to wage one. Just attack, and then a state of war exists. You can use the dialogue to guage the mood/strength of the AI players, and this, combined with any espionage info you acquire con be a really powerful tool.

Also, don't be afraid to test different combinations of trades. The color of the text indicates the likelyhood of a positive response. Green means a positive response. If your proposal is written in yellow, expect a refusal.

Don't expect to be able to converse in length with the AI. While the AI's responses can be lenghty, your own submissions are short and to the point. You will not be able to issue long winded threaths/statements/whatever. And why should you? Let your actions speak for you instead .

Virtually anything can be traded. Money, influence points, technology, star ships etc. Especially on the lower levels, it is possible to strike deals with the AI, that can really boost your economy. On the higher levels, use the minor races to keep your economy afloat.

Asmodean

[delmar]

Originally posted by Draginol
The diplomacy system is action based rather than conversationally based.

Interesting! So the player's automated response is also part of the evaluation of the relationship (between the AI and the player), as perceived by the AI, right? And of course it's based on past events, and as such it doesn't imply any promises w.r.t the future. I think I got it.

Originally posted by Asmodean
your own submissions are short and to the point

Based on what I saw so far, I would say they are short and conveniently vague. I think I will be able to figure out faster what the AI wants than what "my own" response really means.

[mindlar]

Originally posted by delmar

Interesting! So the player's automated response is also part of the evaluation of the relationship (between the AI and the player), as perceived by the AI, right? And of course it's based on past events, and as such it doesn't imply any promises w.r.t the future. I think I got it.


Based on what I saw so far, I would say they are short and conveniently vague. I think I will be able to figure out faster what the AI wants than what "my own" response really means.

The majority of automated responses are tied to peace negotiations. The AI will give different responses based on how well the war is going for them (its definitely different watching them grovel). Your responses to them if you are asking for peace will occasionally have different phrases depending on the difference in your diplomacy skills.

When actually bartering, your text is effectively just what you are asking to trade.