I have to disagree with the Baron. A SMART modder will EMPHASIZE certain technologies based on AI State but not completely ignore ANY critical technology.
Think about it a second.. a HUMAN player will generaly start the game out researching infrastructure items... and SOME military techs.. enough to satisfy thier need to feel secure from attack. However, if a war breaks out, Military tech becomes paramount in the race to get a tech edge in combat. A smart human player will try and sneak in infrastructure items that will enhance production even in war time to try and avoid being outpaced economicaly by his enemies.
The fact that the AI's all have ONE research list makes them pretty 'middle of the road' and very predictable. What the Baron is talking about is MANIPULATION of the enemies research queues, which could be a problem but its less of a problem than the 'middle of the road' approach.
My experience tells me that middle of the road is a BAD tactic in a 4X game.. the key to victory is to balance growth with military strength.. which SOUNDS like a middle of the road approach doesnt it? Well, its not exactly. I have observed, over and over, that focusing on growth early with just enough military strength to ward off invaders is rewarded in the long run. 4X games are often won by the BEST ECONOMY.. which 'middle of the road' isnt going to get you. The player who can keep pumping out infrastructure the longest before switching to a wartime footing WILL have the stronger position in the end. The balancing act is keeping enough defenses to protect your growing economy until you need to switch to evil empire mode
and kick everyones @$$
Rob
Re: AI State.
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