Newbie Question: Neutal Races

[Arkcon]

Originally posted by ckotchey:
Ok, maybe I just overlooked it somewhere, but...

What exactly is a "neutral race" that I keep seeing mentioned in these postings? Are they in some way different than other computer-controlled races? I see that there is a separate "neutral races" folder in the game installation, along with a "generic race" folder. So what is this "generic race" in comparison to a "neutral race" compared to a just-plain-old "race"?

I've also noticed in some of my single-player games, there are some races that never go through wormholes - are they somehow related?

Yeah, you'll recognize the neutral race by their ships. The all use the same generic ship set -- and it is generic, just a dull silvery gray streamlined shape. Their description may also give you a hint about their plans to stay put.

But they're like any other AI -- they get angry at you because you were born, because you built ships and colonies in places they'd never go anyway, and if they can't reach you -- there's always intelligence projects

Most people think that they are way too easy for the average player to steamroll over. In a way, war with them is kinda cheezy. Drop troops on one of their domed worlds and they're an easy source of a race that breathes a different atmosphere. You can trade colonization tech with them easily. And like all races, the start with a homeworld. Capture two neutral homeworlds and you've got a lot of resources and production for your real wars.

I try to role play at least a little bit. Genocide just seems wrong to me. If only I could force them to accept subugation or protectorate -- but you have to beat them to submission first, and them get them to like you

[ August 17, 2002, 12:30: Message edited by: Arkcon ]