Whether the changes were for good or for worse, making play balance changes after the game is released is a very bold move on their part. There are a lot of areas where things can go wrong.
I believe they intended to make getting tech leads more difficult and they definitely succeeded in that. Before, the game was probably too expoitable using the Reverse Pope. Now, whether they swung too far the other way, that's up to opinion.
1.17f simply calls for new strategies and the game is still quite win-able without getting tech leads. In the couple games I've played on Monarch & Emporer post 1.17f, the strategy that works best for me (I even think playing this way is too easy):
- Despotism/Monarchy. I'm not researching, so Republics & Democracies seem less valuable. Monarchies generate enough gold to buy techs & rush improvements. Using Military Police, mid-range cities are in constant WLTKD & corruption is super-low. I can declare & wage war however & whenever I wish. Furthermore, I don't need cathedrals, police stations, & universities: just units!
- 0% tech & luxury rate until the modern age. Picking up tech after everyone knows it is really cheap, whether I'm buying it for a luxury or cash, or don't mind spending a little to research it myself in 4 turns.
- Staying even/1 step behind in tech. So what? It's nice to get a lead, but so difficult to keep. Actually, IMHO, I find the games more interesting while I'm fighting on even terms.
- Putting the other civs in debt. Well, not in the negative, can't do that, but being in a Monarchy, you don't need extra luxuries. So, I trade extra luxuries & sometimes resources for gpt. I have seen some civs get behind in tech and fail to upgrade units cause they're broke.
- Modern age: Decision time. Keep the ol' Monarchy or switch to Republic/Democracy for getting to the odd tech 1st? Whatever I've felt like. I'll leave that to a gametime decision.
I still haven't come across a game after 1.17f that I've wanted to play any different. It may yet come, but I'll let you know when it does. I'd say so far, 1.17f probably hurts the peaceful building strategy & helps to favour the military (helped even more with reduced city flipping). That's something that I don't like. Perhaps someone has found playing builder/science is easier in 1.17f? Maybe playing Diplomatically is still good though...
) if they want to continue reserching at a decent level. Post v1.17, they place higher priority on their domestic expenditure b4 paying you for tech.
