Just a quick question. This may seem obvious to most of you. If I chose the epic game as opppsed to my usual normal mode, does this mean everything is just geared down to a slower rate? For example, after a civ closed borders with me and declared war after five turns on normal, would they declare war after, say, ten turns on epic? Or does it just relate to production and research slowing down? And does epic produce a better game in general?
Thanks,
Kev.

Just a quick question. This may seem obvious to most of you. If I chose the epic game as opppsed to my usual normal mode, does this mean everything is just geared down to a slower rate? For example, after a civ closed borders with me and declared war after five turns on normal, would they declare war after, say, ten turns on epic? Or does it just relate to production and research slowing down? And does epic produce a better game in general?
Thanks,
Kev.

I believe that epic slows production, research, and cottage growth is multiplied 1.5 normal speed. Epic is a little bit jenky imho, you end up getting units that cost 67:hammers: I prefer marathon which I believe is normal speed X 3. I think, but I'm not sure, that certain things like peace treaties remain 10 turns in all speeds, but I haven't really spent much time in quick speed. As far as how quickly it takes shaka to decide that he wants to have one of your cities, even though he's on the other side of the continent probably has other variables to consider, mainly that troops move from tile to tile at the same speed despite what game speed you use, but obviously they get produced slower on the slower speeds. I imagine it also has to do with the AI's internal conquering of the weak instinct (Catherine and Monty are watching your power rating a little more closely than Gandhi.)

Epic increases unit production by 1.5x, Marathon increases them by 2x. However, all other production seems to go up by 2x and 3x, respectively. And, since peace treaty duration and unit movement don't change, Epic and especially Marathon are geared towards warmongering. Hence, why I play Marathon.

Also, research takes more time in turns, but is actually a bit faster in Epic (in terms of years) and about equal in Marathon.

If production costs are higher, though, how is Marathon really geared towards warmongering? Sure, you'll get comparatively more movement of your units, but you'll have less units to begin with...right?

On epic

Unit production goes up 1.5x. So the unit that was 100 hammers on normal is now 150 hammers on epic speed.

Building production goes up 2x though. So the building that was 100 hammers on normal is now 200 hammers on epic speed.

So your units actually build faster relative to your buildings on epic speed then when your on normal speed.

On marathon.

Same idea, except unit's cost 2x as many hammers as on normal, but buildings cost 3x as many hammers.

Basically gives you a chance to increase unit production on the slower game speeds while maintaining roughly the same building/wonder production rates and the same research rates (in terms of years)

Basically, it means that slower game speeds favor warmongering, and tactical movements within the scope of warmongering, because there's time for them to matter before someone runs away in tech. Conversely, the slower speeds are a bit rougher on the typical peaceful player, since you have to make units to protect yourself still, but how many? It's hard to balance, and units seem to take longer...then shaka will show up with 50 knights and GG you.

As a warmonger, I favor epic :). Not patient enough for marathon.

Thanks for the replies guys. Much appreciated, and things are a little clearer now.