Slowing Down AI Expansion

Atrocities · #1 March 6th, 2003, 01:06 PM

Over the Last few months I have grown quite to like a game that has a much slower pace. I feel that the AI expands to rapidly, IE it explores 20 systems to my 2. I would like to slow down the AI a bit, cause it expand less quickly, while giving it the chance to max out its current planets.

I have played the Proportion mod, and I like a lot that the mod has to offer, but it has way to much to offer. Way to many component and engines. I like the pace of the game, and such, but was thinking that there might be a better way. I just don't have a clue as to what that could be. Any suggestions?

What I want is a game that allows me to slowly expand my star empire without the fear that the AI will have already explored the entire galaxy.

I hate giving the AI the added bonus of technology as I feel the AI should keep on par with me. What I expect from the AI is a more concentrated effort at exploiting its current resources without expanding to rapidly by exploring space and exterminating my colonies. Since most of my colonies are about 1/10th the tech level of the AI, this becomes routine, and I have to be careful of AI contact.

I would hope that by the time Aaron releases SE V, the AI politics / diplomacy and Anger / demenour system is vastly improved.

(Tangent)
I like the Intel system, but feel that it needs a lot more features and balancing to be useful both in SP and MP games. (Especially MP)

The AI is tough, no doubt

PsychoTechFreak · #2 March 6th, 2003, 01:29 PM

Quote:

I have played the Proportion mod, and I like a lot that the mod has to offer, but it has way to much to offer. Way to many component and engines. I like the pace of the game, and such, but was thinking that there might be a better way. I just don't have a clue as to what that could be. Any suggestions?

The slow pace of the game is mostly coming from the population restrictions (heavy/slow colonizers, QNP, population modifiers, 1 pop unit = 1000kT and such) and the extremely strengthened home planets (cargo, shield, high-armored troops/WP). A better idea than this would be hard to find. Just it has somehow to be restricted to build colonizers over the planets, e.g. with higher organic needs for colony pods + a lower organic output of SYS (which I doubt the AI uses in that way).

EDIT: What about a no WP connected setup?

In general, my personal opinion: The speeds and too efficient engines plus resupply capabilities could be much lower. It should be impossible to cross the complete quadrant within the first 100 years or so. It could even take some months up to maybe 1-2 years to even reach the next WP.

[ March 06, 2003, 12:20: Message edited by: PsychoTechFreak ]

Fyron · #3 March 6th, 2003, 07:58 PM

Proportions does not have QNP. QNP includes no limits on engines, so you can fill any ship with engines if you want to.

JLS · #4 March 6th, 2003, 08:30 PM

[quote]Originally posted by Atrocities:
[QB]

Quote:

Over the Last few months I have grown quite to like a game that has a much slower pace.

Agreed

Quote:

I feel that the AI expands to rapidly, IE it explores 20 systems to my 2.

I don't know what Mod you are referring to here�

How far can the AI go when he only has Supply storage bays of about 600 or less.
Most AI exploration ship designs I have seen have only 2 engines yielding about speed 6 with 1500 supplies tops. Now also consider the AI turns Back to his resupply base when the exploration ship is about half full of supply. The AI may be hard pressed to explore one or two systems from his home system. Until the next resupply depot is built.

The AI exploration wows are further compounded when he fleets in 2 or less years with ships having less efficient engines and possibly one to none in regards to Supply Bays.

I use tankers (Small transports) that are full of supply bays and search with them and refuel my scouts at the same time. I believe most humans out explore the AI by far.

Some AIs go into partnerships sooner then a Human would, to this example the AI would see more, and there are of course the Ancients Trait this may be a benefit for you, Atrocities in respects to your explorations.

Many �unlimited QNP engines� sure may allow players to farther and faster but I have never played with unlimited engines and irregardless the AI still will turn back to base, when his min supply range is triggered.
EDIT: Did and like it alot in P&N from gold CD!

Quote:

I hate giving the AI the added bonus of technology as I feel the AI should keep on par with me.

I am with you here�. But if we use the search function here on the forum, we may see hundreds of Posts on how the AI can�t compete!

Quote:

I would hope that by the time Aaron releases SE V, the AI politics / diplomacy and Anger / demenour system is vastly improved.

Agreed, Along with AI better utilizing minesweeping, Combating plagues, ship training�etc....

[ March 06, 2003, 23:05: Message edited by: JLS ]

oleg · #5 March 6th, 2003, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Imperator Fyron:
Proportions does not have QNP. QNP includes no limits on engines, so you can fill any ship with engines if you want to.

Wrong

Proportions does have QNP + restrictions on number of engines. Honestly

Fyron · #6 March 6th, 2003, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oleg:

quote:
Originally posted by Imperator Fyron:
Proportions does not have QNP. QNP includes no limits on engines, so you can fill any ship with engines if you want to.

Wrong Proportions does have QNP + restrictions on number of engines. Honestly

Which makes it not QNP. It makes it pseudo-QNP, yes. But, QNP has no artificial restrictions on number of engines. You can devote as much of your ship as you want to engines. So, it can not be QNP if it has artificial restrictions on engines, which Proportions has.

[ March 06, 2003, 20:00: Message edited by: Imperator Fyron ]