[BNW] Roads and railroads in archipelago games?

[mastrude]

Do they add to your economy in a way that harbors alone don't? Are they really a good addition to your overall economy. I know they are a "force multiplier" in military terms, but is that a good reason to build them? I'm experimenting with not building them at all. I realize that developing the technologies is essential, but that doesn't mean one has to build instances of them.

[EDIT:] I just won a science game without building a single road or railroad. Seems like it was maybe faster than building them.

 

[Volcanon]

If it's very small islands then no need. You get the bonus from having harbours.
If you have multiple cities on an island you should link them up. so you can move units around easier.

 

[iammaxhailme]

There is no reason to build a railroad to a city that has a city connection via harbor (harbors get railroad's production boost), EXCEPT to move units around faster. If you don't care about that, save your money.