Predator class

[WackenOpenAir]

I only see 2 things that are real advantages for predator level, both caused by the same thing:

-More AI cities (conquering is faster than filling gaps, so more territory score)
-Faster AI tech, espescially beneficial for space and UN victory, maybe neutral for conquest domination also caused by the AI having more cities.(advantage you get to knights faster, but equaled out if it gets the AI pikes it might have never had otherwise)

Extra AI starting militairy units are no advantage

Since i think predator should not be a strategic choise, it should simply not include extra settlers for the AI.
If noone plays predator when it is purely a disadvantage instead of a tactical choise, then that proves this whole discussion is justified and predator class probably should be removed.
I think it should only be for those who feel uncomfortable playing at the chosen difficulty level. Therefore, i think both the bonusses and score penalty could be increased with high difficulty gotms.

For conquest class i think the same applies, i think it should not be a tactical choise (not for better or for weaker players). Therefore, i think the bonusses should not equal the 15% score penalty and thus conquest players should have virtually no chance to get top3.

The way it is now, i think the conquest bonusses are worth less than 5% score, so no problem of tactical choise there. (with 15% penalty, over 13k Jason would be needed for gold, i don't think that is made possible by the conquest bonusses)

 

[AlanH]

For conquest class i think the same applies, i think it should not be a tactical choise (not for better or for weaker players). Therefore, i think the bonusses should not equal the 15% score penalty and thus conquest players should have virtually no chance to get top3.

The way it is now, i think the conquest bonusses are worth less than 5% score, so no problem of tactical choise there. (with 15% penalty, over 13k Jason would be needed for gold, i don't think that is made possible by the conquest bonusses)

Conquest class can't win any of the fastest or highest score awards. It's really only a gentle way into the competition for people who are not yet comfortable at the difficulty level of their first game or two. Like training wheels on bikes. Once you've reached a position in the top 50% in any game you are required to remove your training wheels and play for real.