Proportions Version 2.4 released

[PvK]

Yes, that's a good idea, Dogscoff. It could be done in a couple of ways (though it would be labor-intensive, unless the new mount abilities can be used to block analysis, which I bet they don't).

One is to add some racial traits that just give uniqueness. Another is to add several techs that can be researched to gain uniqueness. As long as your opponent doesn't take the same uniqueness traits or techs, they won't be able to analyze your components. It adds a bit of mystery to the thing, too.

The main problem is having to make more component models just to add uniqueness. Mounts would be a reasonable solution, except they probably don't block analysis, and they would bar combining with other mounts unless you made meta-mounts, which would could easily cause more interface hassle (and work for the modder) than it would be worth.

Perhaps a better solution is simply to add many variant tech branches and requirements throughout the tree, that actually do things, and so also reduce the likelihood that other empires will have the correct set of requirements to be able to take advantage of the captured tech. It's still a lot of work, but at least you can accomplish two effects at once.

PvK

[PvK]

Originally posted by Baron Munchausen:
Here again we see the need for automating the process of creating SE IV data files. Someone needs to build an editor with functions to write out entire classes of components or facilities based on formulas.

True. Someone has made one that will do series of constant increases per level, which can save time and avoid typos. Best would be something where the user can tweak levels individually and very easily. In several game projects I've used Excel, then save as CSV, then program a parser that can read or translate the CSV into data the game can use. It would make sense to do the same here, but would of course be a spot of work. It may be worth it, though.

PvK

[Baron Munchausen]

Originally posted by dogscoff:
thinking about "exportable" racial techs for trade, here's another idea:

how about a set of components that *aren't* exportable. For example, you have shields V, which is ahead of your enemy and you so don't want him to capture your ship and analyse it. How cool would it be to have the option of an "Unanalysable" Version of the same tech. There would be a penalty (greater tonnage, or or more expensive or something) and probably would require you to research "Unanalysable technology" or something. This would be a really cool trade off, since the ship would be great at first, but as your opponent's tech progresses the Unanalysable components would start to get more and more pointless and you'd have to retrofit.

It could probably be modded (don't ask me how) and might add a cute twist. Opinions?

This is going in the wrong direction. The current SE IV 'racial specific technologies' system is just a crutch to make up for poor game design. As is often stated on the MOO 3 Boards, 'the laws of physics are the same for everyone'. You might add a tech to make things more difficult to analyze, but not 'impossible'. It is possible to analyze anything one way or another. If you want to prevent your stuff being analyzed, prevent it from being captured with better security measures. Self-destruct devices and security stations, mainly. I wish MM would make Boarding Parties retake a ship that mutinies, or add some new tech to do the same thing.

[capnq]

As is often stated on the MOO 3 Boards, 'the laws of physics are the same for everyone'.

Whoever is saying that needs to read more SF.

There are lots of stories where humanity discovers that the "laws" of physics as we understand them are only localized phenomena, and change drastically at other places in the universe.

[PvK]

Other examples would be species who have a trait that gives them the unique ability to create or to use a certain technology, such as psychics or time sensitives, or religious connections.

Pirates, nomads, and space monsters are also good examples of where "racial" tech areas can make sense.

I would like to be able to have logical-OR prerequisites for tech areas and components, and not just logical-AND conditions. As is, you have to duplicate components if you want to have multiple paths to a certain tech.

PvK

[Schwarzbart]

Ups just see that the Religios trait in your mod isnt worth his points any more
Dont know if it was always the chase that you have to research to techlevel 9 to get the realy effect of the Religios Talisman witout geting anything worth the point of research bejond lvl 3.
I just have to pay 625k Research point to get to lvl 5 and get what? Only a 55 Size +20% to hit Item? Perhaps If you add 50% more to hit to this Items then they are worth theyr points and theyr size.

The major advance of the Religios race was the Talisman but with this you even can put it complet out and set the Religios Race Trait to perhaps 400 or even less points at beginning.

[oleg]

You are wrong. Religious is the most powerfull trait IMHO. The key is nature shrine. For a long time 99% of your income comes from Homeworld. Nature shrine, build in home system can give you a big edge. Certainly, you will not scrap Cultureal center to build value improvemnt plant !!

[Fyron]

Multi-plex Tracking (2) upgrades to Secondary Fire Control.

[oleg]

One more thing about religious trait:
Low level, non-automatic hit Rel. Talisman stacks with Sensors. You get extra to-hit bonuses for some (prety stiff actually) ship space. Still, it is something worth to have.

[Schwarzbart]

Originally posted by oleg:
You are wrong. Religious is the most powerfull trait IMHO. The key is nature shrine. For a long time 99% of your income comes from Homeworld. Nature shrine, build in home system can give you a big edge. Certainly, you will not scrap Cultureal center to build value improvemnt plant !!

Hm you are right that you dont scrap a Cultural center but you are surly scrap a useless Space Port or Resuply Center at your Homeworld for this.