I Want Alpha Centauri Model Back!

[thescaryworker]

I voted yes, but I agree that the unit workshop should be kept out.

 

[Tholish]

You could mod something like a unit workshop in Civ. Have a plethora of units and optional techs. For example, Ironworking gives you basic swordsman, then if you wanted you could research specialized weapons, armor and tactics to get additional units, ie "unique" units. In our world, the Romans proceeded to research Legion, or maybe Big Shield, Close Fightiing, Combined Arms, etc...other civs didn't.
Also, using landmark terrain, you could mod something like the multidimensional terrain. Governments would be harder, though you could create a multiplicity of governments with multidimensional parameters, there's not that much to work with for effects. You can mod in invisible units that can airdrop anywhere on the board. Can you mod SMAC to emulate Civ?
What civ 4 should have is even greater enhancement of its modability so that all the things you want can be implemented. They should not be hard coded into the game. So I voted no.

 

[Alcamar]

After a long time of solely playing Civ3 or C3C I started again with SMAC and i like several aspects a lot.

The most important being the more or less blind researching. I never understood what was "realistic" about the Civ3 research practice. "ok, now we are going to invent so we can build swordsmen" I think it is more realistic that you can only specify the directions of your scientific interest, say wealth, growth, military and then let yourself be surprised by the implications of your new-found results.

I also like the diplomatic options and some of the spying options as mentioned by others.
I also have to agree about the unit workshop, although in principal a nice concept i find it difficult to work with. Too many options and the technical options are not clear (at least to me) The same is true for the tech tree, but this is possible a consequence of the alpha centauri settings. A earth based version would ofcourse include eart-civs.

Also a big plus is the fact that it is possible to run the game with full install without the need for the cd to be present, the loading time is fast (not glancing at the computer for 15-20 minutes with the infamous 37% message) and still the game has much of the civ complexity.

Concluding: yes i would like to see some aspects integrated in CivIV

 

[earthguido]

I never understood what was "realistic" about the Civ3 research practice. "ok, now we are going to invent so we can build swordsmen" I think it is more realistic that you can only specify the directions of your scientific interest, say wealth, growth, military and then let yourself be surprised by the implications of your new-found results.

I think this is a good idea.

 

[TheDarkPhantom]

Alpha centauri has the option to turn Blind Research on/off. Civ4 could (and, I agree, should) have the same option.

 

[sir_schwick]

On the Unit Workshop:

I think the SMAC was a bit too complicated for most players or a Earth based game. However, you should be able to make variants of units for theorhetical tactical uses. You should be able to choose variants of units such as Heavy, Light, Skirmisher, etc.

Here are some examples:
Iron Working + Warrior Code allows you to build Heavy Swordsmen(3/3/1)(50 Shields)(Iron)(Barracks).
Iron Working + Warrior Code + Mathematics allows you to build Skirmishers(3/2/1)(Defensive Support Fire 1)(40 Shields)(Iron)(Barracks).
Iron Working + Warrior Code + Mathematics allows you to build Brigands(3/2/1)(Defensive Fire 2)(40 Shields)(Iron, Silk)(Barracks).
Feudalism + Monotheism allows you to build 'City'ian Brigands(4/3/1)(Defensive Fire 2)(40 Shields)(Iron, Silk, Dyes)(Barracks).

Just some ideas. For modern units there would not be so many luxury requirments.

 

[earthguido]

I would prefer to see standard units as in CIV3 but with the option to have some special abilities lice SMAC, maybe if build in special cities with wonders, or with certain resources, etc.

 

[Yiannis]

The most important being the more or less blind researching. I never understood what was "realistic" about the Civ3 research practice. "ok, now we are going to invent so we can build swordsmen" I think it is more realistic that you can only specify the directions of your scientific interest, say wealth, growth, military and then let yourself be surprised by the implications of your new-found results.

Sometimes it is realistic to know what you'll gain by a technology, like the nuclear fission. Generally, you 're right that "blind research" is more realistic, but not always, and the point is that I HATE it. If I was accidently starting a SMAC game with blind research, I would restart it immediately. I believe that it should be an option like that in civ4, but not like the SMAC blind research.
But I may be mistaken.

 

[sir_schwick]

It seems like this discussion comes down to personal preference. The obvious solution is make it a toggle like it was in SMAC. This would make everyone happy.

 

[Yiannis]

It seems like this discussion comes down to personal preference. The obvious solution is make it a toggle like it was in SMAC. This would make everyone happy.

I agree. That 's the best idea. Add options, not rules.

 

[Mauer]

adding options, definately the way to go

 

[Elgalad]

How about Civ 4 AND SMAC 2? Okay, okay, I know this topic is about the game model, but consider the possibility: Either combine the two into one uber-epic spanning from the dawn of human history to the advanced colonization of another world(s) or.. make the space colonization an expansion (stand alone sequel?) that interlocks with Civ 4. I think I've seen this suggested elsewhere.

-Elgalad

 

[croxis]

I think the sliding bars discussed in the civics section would be a nice evolution to the Social Engnerring. Having unit workshop as an option may be too hard to playbalance.

 

[Babbler]

How about Civ 4 AND SMAC 2? Okay, okay, I know this topic is about the game model, but consider the possibility: Either combine the two into one uber-epic spanning from the dawn of human history to the advanced colonization of another world(s) or.. make the space colonization an expansion (stand alone sequel?) that interlocks with Civ 4. I think I've seen this suggested elsewhere.

-Elgalad

Maybe Firaxis would be able to show off civ4's moddablity by having a SMAC senario inclued.