Audit my first monarch game!

[Ken29]

Hi all,

I would appreciate it if you guys looked at my game, and let me know how I am doing, what I should do next, things I need to improve, what you would have done differently, etc. This is my first game on monarch -- fractal, epic speed, all other settings the default. I'm on an isolated start, so I'm not really sure what I should do. I don't feel the need to attack since I'm safe on my own island, but I feel like I might fall behind if I don't. Then again, I also feel that if I attack and keep cities, the maintenance will kill me. Anyway, let me know what you think, thanks!

 

[Ken29]

I just saw ALC game #9 (Incans), and its uncanny how similar the games are. I popped AH AND writing from huts (he popped writing and the wheel), and both games were isolated starts! Although I didn't have contact with other civs until optics, which was a pain.

Anyway, anyone have the chance to look at it yet? I'd prefer to get some feedback before I continue.

 

[Cam_H]

Ken,

By way of feedback - I saw your post but am unable to open your game for a couple of days (away from Civ computer).

I was going to say that getting an isolated start for your first game on a new level is a very bad draw - the costs typically far outweigh the benefits. I'm inclined to either (a.) 'go religion happy' and try to pull off a cultural win while ensuring that I don't totally forgo your military in light of inevitable invasion, or (b.) bee-line Optics and try to make contact with every other tribe to open up technology trading options and look to future 'expansion' opportunities.

Your game is now at 1562AD, and therefore you've got well past that point. In theory you should look to taking out one or two small and unpopular leaders. If you can align yourself with a warmonger and try to get some dogpiling going, then it should help you get a decent foothold on another continent.

As I said, without actually looking at your game I'm not able to extend the sort of practical hands-on advice that you're seeking.

 

[Ken29]

Thanks for replying, it is appreciated!

Perhaps I should clarify a bit on the situation so people who can't open it for whatever reason can comment. Alex is the civ closest to me, about 8 tiles away, coast to coast. He is on his own island. All the other civs: Roosevelt, Frederick, Saladin, Lizzy and Izzy, are on a large landmass on the other side of the world.

Because I beelined optics, and because of tech trading, I think I came out ok, given the circumstances. Izzy is basically out of the game tech-wise, not even having paper yet. I am basically sort of at parity with all the other civs (except frederick); these are the techs I have a pseudo monopoly on: printing press (2 other civs have it), chemistry (2 other civs have it), liberalism (1 civ has it), and astronomy (monopoly). Frederick is the tech leader with at least nationalism and representation. Only techs he doesn't have that I have are liberalism and astronomy. I don't have theology, music, and feudalism (and consequently, guilds/banking), but all the civs have those 3 techs.

I was thinking of attacking alex because he is closest and sort of backwards. Then, after controlling 2 continents, beeline for mass media for diplo win. Although I'm not sure if I should wait to gain a better economy/tech lead, and I'm not sure what the best way to go about warring is. I considered cultural victory (for about 2 seconds ), but decided against it because I'm playing to have fun, not hit the enter button hundreds of times for hours on end.

I should probably mention, if you look at the game, I only built 5 cities. Given the land, does anyone feel I should have built more?

Thanks again for the feedback.

 

[Cam_H]

I should probably mention, if you look at the game, I only built 5 cities. Given the land, does anyone feel I should have built more?

Wow ... 'Yes'! Easily five more cities could be founded on this island.

Very quick look ... sorry ... 1.10am here and need to

Further to adding more cities;

More Workers ... 4 Workers for 5 cities in 1562 is too few. Lots of your cities are operating below their happiness and health caps.

Free Religion? If you're not going to opt for a religion such as Islam, you may as well get +10% from this civic.

Agree on Alexander - he hasn't yet got Gunpowder.