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IDProjectCategoryLast Update
0003187AI War 1 / ClassicSuggestion - Balance TweaksApr 6, 2011 6:17 pm
ReporterPrezombie Assigned To 
Status newResolutionopen 
Product Version5.009 
Summary0003187: Core shields make small maps much harder than before.
DescriptionOn a really small map, it's not uncommon to see multiple AI core neighbors with core shields, forcing a game where the homeworld can be on alert for hours more than they would have in earlier games.

Additionally, the nerfing of transports has made it neigh impossible to "punch through" two mark VI planets and the AI homeworld, in the event that the homeworld is only a few hops away, rather at the other end of the snake.

Core shields aren't necessary to force a "proper" game on small maps, I'm thinking limit them to 30+ maps like Human colony rebellion. On maybe small maps as they're currently known should be retired altogether, with a blitz style game replacing them.
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Red Spot

Apr 5, 2011 12:09 pm

reporter   ~0011678

You do realise they are an option?
You can have them disabled on a 120 planet map, or enabled on a 20 planet map, if you so choose.

Prezombie

Apr 5, 2011 12:59 pm

reporter   ~0011679

Sure they're an option, but a small map should be playable on vanilla settings, and not need manual nerfing to be beatable, and if vanilla makes a certain game impossible, that game should be changed, either by giving exceptions to the vanilla ruleset, or by replacing that mode with a different one altogether.

TechSY730

Apr 5, 2011 7:04 pm

reporter   ~0011686

Agreed. The pacing of small map games is so different than the pacing the core shield generators try to encourage, that they shouldn't even be around for those small games.

Having core shield generators off for map sizes <=30 planets, regardless of whether you turned them on or not, seems like a good idea.

Red Spot

Apr 6, 2011 11:37 am

reporter   ~0011701

Sorry, but what if I would choose to use them on a 30 planet map, as I did on a 20 planet map? Sorry, but this makes me vote against it.

Prezombie

Apr 6, 2011 2:32 pm

reporter   ~0011716

Perhaps the best stopgap solution would be to give a warning if you try and start a <30 planet game with them on.

"Spire core shield generators are not intended for small maps, and can make the game much more difficult, and possibly impossible. Are you sure you want to start the game?"

TechSY730

Apr 6, 2011 6:17 pm

reporter   ~0011725

Hmm, much better than my idea, but that does leave new players wondering "What on earth a Spire core shield generator?" when that dialog box pops up.

Issue History

Date Modified Username Field Change
Apr 5, 2011 10:33 am Prezombie New Issue
Apr 5, 2011 12:09 pm Red Spot Note Added: 0011678
Apr 5, 2011 12:59 pm Prezombie Note Added: 0011679
Apr 5, 2011 7:04 pm TechSY730 Note Added: 0011686
Apr 6, 2011 11:37 am Red Spot Note Added: 0011701
Apr 6, 2011 2:32 pm Prezombie Note Added: 0011716
Apr 6, 2011 6:17 pm TechSY730 Note Added: 0011725