Projects Biased Towards University

Defiant47

Peace Sentinel
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Jan 2, 2007
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Is it just me or are a whole lot of wonders biased towards the University. (The possibility exists that there are plenty biased for other factions as well, but I mostly play University)

For example (in decreasing power):

The Virtual World (Network Nodes count as Hologram Theatres) - All University bases have Network Nodes by default
The Hunter-Seeker Algorithm (immunity to probe teams) - University is very susceptible to probe team attacks, and even more susceptible if you go with knowledge; this bonus is immense
The Human Genome Project (1 extra talent at each base) - With University gaining a drone for each 4 population in a city, this is extremely helpful once again
The Supercollider / The Theory of Everything (+100% labs at this base) - This one is pushing it, but you could say that it's the most useful to the University from the research bonuses.
 
I wouldn't say these projects are 'biased' towards University, it just so happens that University is particularly weak (by design) in these areas. So, whereas other factions do gain a bonus with these projects, University's particular characteristics allows them to benefit "over and above" with them.

The same could be said for some of the other projects in regard to the other factions. The Maritime Controller seems particularly useful for the Pirates. Hunter-Seeker Algorithm is best if the data angels build it, just to keep it out of other factions' hands, etc.

But I do agree that the projects you listed are excellent ones for Uni.
 
Does HSA prevent data theft, or just make it difficult? I know it prevents subversion, but that really is only useful against a builder Deidre or Morgan.

As I recall, HSA means that pretty much any probe attack of any kind will be thwarted.
 
The HSA obliterifies any attempts by non-algrythmicly enhcanced probe teams. XD Which means for about 80% of the game... XD... probes? What are those...
 
But I'm pretty sure that you can still infiltrate the datalinks of a faction with the Hunter-Seeker Algorithm.

I'd say that only the Virtual World especially is sacred for the University, with the Hunter-Seeker being the only other one strongly slanted for them.
 
So then can anyone think of some other projects that are biased towards another faction. The only one I can think of is Ascetic Virtues for Morgan: Size 4 to 6 is a bigger jump than Size 7 to 9.
 
The Virtual World is a huge bonus for all the factions, since all of your bases are going to have network nodes at some point, or at least they will if you play like I do.

The Command Nexus is probably "biased" towards the Spartans, since building it adds to their +2 morale, making them virtually unbeatable in combat (assuming technology levels are roughly equal). Whenever I play as the Spartans, +2 morale + Command Nexus + Cyborg Factor = you lose the war quickly and painfully.
 
If you look at all of the projects, it looks like the designers tried to throw a couple of bones to each faction. I agree about about the Virtual World for the University, but remember the Hunter Seeker Algorithm came in the Alien Crossfire expansion. It wasn't put there to aid the University. The production notes say it was a response to players' feedback that probe teams were too cheap and practically unstoppable. The algorithmic enhancement adds minerals to the cost of probe teams, but if equipped, it can get through the Hunter Seeker project. As for the project that gives extra talents, don't you think that is a bigger bonus to the Peacekeepers?
 
Is Genome Project biased towards Peacekeepers?

One reason to say yes is that they can start construction on it before other factions. If completed that gives them 2 Talents per base. On Transcend that means bases can reach size 4 without Pysch consideration versus 2 with martial law factions and 1 otherwise. On the second easiest, you can reach size 9 versus 7 for martial law and 6 otherwise.

Now other factions basically get the Peacekeeper bonus by having HGP. That means on Transcend you get 2 pop without Psych rather than one. I am not 100% on these numbers, but its up to you guys to decide what they mean.



Another biased project has to be the Command Nexus for The Hive. They have the starting technology for it, tech slowly early due to energy woes, and have an industry bonus. Plus they are one of the best beneficiary factions for CN(Spartans, Hive).

It turns what is usually a horde of troops, into professional horde. Normally the Hive cannot support an exorbitant training program involving a Command Center in most of its bases.

The Spartans can really use this(although its not as important as for Hive) to create super-elite military. Also the lack of expenses really helps them focus it elsewhere. A +%50 military over everyone else can make up most technology gaps.
 
One nice thing about the Genome with Peacekeepers is how easy Golden Ages can be.
Talent/Worker/Drone
Ex (On Transcend).
Pop 3: Normal- 0/1/2 Peacekeeper with HGP and 1 police : 2/1/0 = GA
Pop 4: Normal- 0/1/3 Peacekeeper with HGP and 1 police + Rec Commons : 2/1/1 = GA
Pop 5: Normal- 0/1/4 Peacekeeper with HGP and 1 police + Rec Commons: 3/2/0 = GA
Pop 6: Normal- 0/1/5 Peacekeeper with HGP and 1 police + Rec Commons : 3/3/0 = GA
Pop 7: Normal- 0/1/6 Peacekeeper with HGP and 1 police + Rec Commons : 3/3/1
Pop 8: Normal- 0/1/7 Peacekeeper with HGP and 1 police + Rec Commons : 3/3/2
Pop 9: Normal- 0/1/8 Peacekeeper with HGP and 1 police : 4/3/2

If you add a Hologram Theatre, you can achieve a GA with 9 pop.
 
I just played most of a game last night rushing for HGP with the Peacekeepers. All I have to say is wow. On Librarian(third hardest), it was really easy for me to GA in the 3-5 pop range. That helped a ton with growth without having to invest in anything, although adding Creche's just boomed it. Allowed me the research and production edge required to win against Santiago during the Particle Impactor of the game.
 
...but remember the Hunter Seeker Algorithm came in the Alien Crossfire expansion. It wasn't put there to aid the University...

No, the HSA was in the original version, so even though the expansion introduced another faction who may want it, it's still most useful for the University
 
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