Slowing down the game and tech

[solops]

How do you modify the game to make tech take longer to research? Specifically which files and items need to be altered?

Has any relationship been established between lapsed game time and delay of techs for any non-standard settings?

[Antrine]

Hi, solops,
So far as I can tell with my first few games is this: In the Data folder, find rules file half way down or so. Open and click source, for me (XP) that opens notepad. One sixth of the way on down find 'Research Premium 1/1. So far as I can tell, that means cost/time' here change to 3/5.
Next problem I found in slowing down the march of Ages is the Pop limit and the Commerce Cap. Find both further down and change. I followed this sequence; Pop Limits to 300, 350, 375, 400, 525, 650, 775, 800 in each Age respectively ascending. Next for Commerce Cap; 150, 250, 350, 400, 460, 520, 600, 700. This is important for game play in a slowed mode, for you will hit Commerce limits too quickly and you not be able to Age advance fast enough to otherwise raise them. I also pushed up the 'Goody boxes' from 25 to 100. Now you can build industry and units extensively while yet remaining in Age I and II. In addition I increased the Big Huge map size from 100, I assume squared to 160. This really pushes out the playing field. Combine x10 choice for resources available and playing even two computer opponents makes the game very similiar in feel to Civilization. Note with only three to five civilizations it does not slow my processer (1.8, PIV) at this point further noting that even if I field 800 units against two computor opponents each doing the same that only totals 2400 units. However I have not play further than partway into Age III so far, as these games take hours this way. Happy gaming!

Please back-up files before following any advice above)

[solops]

Thanks. I hope more folks will post related data on how to draw out and extend the game as it is discovered. The frenetic pace and limited time available seem to be its two biggest drawbacks.

[Antrine]

A little addendum: Forget messing with the 'Research Premium' of 1/1. Go instead to the 'Techrules' and up the costs there for the first few Ages say to 100f (food) 100k (knowledge) and address the timer for each Age change. For starters I multiplied each by 10 (added a zero). The reason I go so slow so far was simply because I pause every ten seconds on the timer! Oh well live, learn and experiement.

Once again, back up files before trying anything I am mentioning. This is a great game, though I wish zoom was twice over improved with a least three more settings. Oh well until then I shall cast my eyes on a larger monitor.

[solops]

Antrine, have you posted a set of modded files?

[Antrine]

No but I will now. I have played out these mods to a point, considering. Right now I can get up to 100 pop before the extended clock puts me and my computer opponents (set on highest difficulty) to Age II. That with a full seven opponents on the Big Huge Med. Map set at now at 160 instead 100. Big map, large central sea. Good feeling layout.

Well let's say I would like to, however having not yet figured out how to post an attachment. I will have to get some instructions for same.

Anyway, there are only two files that need be moded, Rules and Techrules.

Antrine

In addition, as a further note, I moded the Armegedon trigger from 4 nukes to 40, with a 10 limit per player. I figure that they really only emulated very large munitions anyway. Hey why not just slug it out at the end?

[solops]

Please put a link to the files here when you are able to.

[Antrine]

Here is the rules file

[Antrine]

http://apolyton.net/upload/files/Antrine/rules.zip

http://apolyton.net/upload/files/Antrine/techrules.zip

Here are the files:

[Grandpa Troll]

Question Kind Sirs:

Do you have a couple of folders on your desktop or in MY DOCUMENTS with say "DEFAULT" files for when you put in your modded files..and a folder for "MODDED FILES" where when you want the default in place..say for Multiplayer, they go there?

Just curious....

In Call To Power..I had to do that with Const.txt for map sizes and a few others because the scenario folder wouldnt pick it up..

Thanks


Peace

Grandpa Troll

[Antrine]

Grandpa Troll, I am not completely sure what you are asking, however for the files I posted you unzip them and replace the files bearing the same name found in Program/Microsoft Games/RON/Data/---rules and techrules. Or some address close to this.
So what you are doing is 'replacing' two files of the same name inside the RON program.

OF Course, back-up originals and store them elsewhere so they will not be read.

Sincerely,
Antrine
Happy Gaming
I am winning my first battles... so far so good

[Grandpa Troll]

I was asking if the scenario folder held the altered files or if you had to do what you mentioned.

I see now what you have to do.

Thanks


Peace


Grandpa Troll

[solops]

Your files add hugely to the game. Thanks and please keep this thread up to date with modififications of files and settings within the files to make the game longer and more enjoyable.

[V'ger]

Antrine,

I'm going to try your files today. One thing has me a bit confused, though. When you say that you modded the Arm counter, I'm not sure which way you were moving it. I THINK you are letting us use more nukes, but I'm not sure. Thanks for your work.

[V'ger]

Antrine,

Well, I just found a problem with your mod. I started an Assassin game on the Big Huge Hymalayas. I can't build all the way to the edge, so all those beautiful forests might as well not exist.

I started another game on the Huge map just to see if I was correct and I could build in those forests on that map.