Military RnD

[kram74]

For a more sophisticated military model, it would be nice to model military Research and Development. Let me explain:

A portion of income could be devoted towards military RnD; as opposed to standard technological breakthroughs, this would be used to improve current-generation unit base statistics for that civilization. As historical precedence, take for example the Roman legions (well trained and equipped), German submarines (superior to most counterparts), or Japanese aircraft (far superior to America at the start of the war, but reversed after the US invested a heap of RnD into their aircraft).

So, with military R&D, a civilization could research extra stat points for their units (within a reasonable limit); new units would be built with these upgraded stats, and existing units could be upgraded at a city for a cost.

The current unit stats as they stand in Civ 3 are probably too course-grained to support this.

This also opens the possibility of selling military technology to neighboring civilizations; this is akin to USSR selling MIGs and submarines, or USA selling Abrams tanks or AEGIS ships.

The trick would be integrating these features without over-complexifying it.

 

[Philips beard]

Great idea! I love it! You should also be able to name your new unit types, and perhaps have different graphics to choose from, for that unit.

 

[Senturion]

That's a good idea. I would actually like to be able to sell units outright. I think that would be a good way to represent selling MiGs or AEGIS ships. Maybe you could get a little residual money for spare parts or something like that.

 

[sir_schwick]

I agree completely with this idea. Also combine it with the idea that whenever techs appear, you also get to choose from a list of 'tactical' units that have specific roles. Each civ would have different tactical needs. One might focus on heavy spear infantry(Hoplite) or horse archers(Szekley). The big change would be multiplying current unit values by at least 5. Then gradients are not overpowering but show up over many many combats.