if and when to civilize the map

[mardukes]

Generally, ie normal, run-of-the-mill, non-OCC, non-ELG demonstration-of-prowess game, is there a point you like to start colonizing undeveloped areas of the world?

What I'm after here is not colonies for trading purposes and not military/espionage conquests but, instead, when is the core "established" enough? When do resource limitations to expansion pass away?

 

[funxus]

I usually try to get at least one other island developed, maybe not as developed as the core. This island I usually colonize quite late, and the only reason I get the cities big is that I have enough money to give the city whatever it needs.

So, maybe the answer is that you should start your colonies early (one settler unloaded to the island, advanced tribe) and give them time to establish a few cities and irrigate. When you have enough money to spare and your cities are improved enough, give them what they need and let them celebrate large.

Not sure of what your question is really?

 

[Andu Indorin]

Mardukes: I don't know exactly what you mean by "resource limitations." But late game hyper-expansion requires a heavy investment in Engineers, with railroads an important accelerator to expansion.

Basically, it is with the establishment of a Power Democracy that I am able to achieve hyper-expansion. Because I employ a specific Modernization process, my "core" is already developed with an integrated railway and ferry system, and Supermarkets and farmland to support Engineers when I achieve the Corporation. With the advent of Freight units, the Power Democracy takes off and hyper-expansion becomes possible. By using a liberal application of Trade to provide extra income (and cover scientific advancement), I am able to rush build Engineers while having all cities in a state of WLKD so that there is no decrease in net population. The only real limitation to hyper-expansion at this point is whether or not you're going to knock out the AI civs before, during, or after hyper-expansion. It is possible to achieve hyper-expansion while engaging in world conquest, but this usually requires diverting both Engineers and money to support military campaigning.

Hope this answers you're question.

Ps. How about them Cubbies? Baker seems to be instilling them with some attitude!

 

[mardukes]

Andu, at the juncture you discribe about how many cities do you have; still around the Republic barrier of 6-8? Or have you spread out a little more? Or are you polishing up the chrome on your power democracy with MANY more than that number?

That's kinda' what I meant by resource limitations. Onerous unhappiness requirements.

I'm not much into baseball (football, NCAA men's basketball championship and PGA hold all my interest) but the Cub fans I know are starting to suffer success anxiety! When will it end!?

 

[Andu Indorin]

Ah, the number of cities. Well, it usually requires at least 16 well-developed cities under Democracy to sustain a high rate of geographic expansion while achieving scientific advancement. And I usually have around 24 when I commence Modernization.

Remember that 6-8 cities is not really a barrier for a Republic; you just need Mike's Chapel plus the Hanging Gardens to effeciently deal with unhappiness. Twelve cities by 1 ad, and sixteen cities by 1000 ad are good targets to shoot for; of course, more than that is also nice, though I find micromanaging too many cities in the midgame to be somewhat too tedious.