Potential Problem and Change to the Idea of Super Abilities as a Solution

from GalCiv2 Forums
I noticed a potential huge problem- and a design flaw (no better way to put it) in TA with the implementation of tech trees and super abilities.

If super abilities are turned off, the Krynn cannot learn counter Espionage.

I did double-check the Yor and Iconians who get techs as super abilities, and they can research those fine, so this is an isolated problem, but here's my issue.

Why are super abilities now needed with the Racial Tech Trees?

Every single super ability could be given as a tech or series of techs, which would be more balanced. It feels like it's a poor,anachronistic design mechanic that was thrown in.

The only super abilities that may be tough to emulate are the Altarians ability and the Draths, and I can think of solutions to them.

2,528 views 6 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I see where you're getting at with this one.

However, each race has to be good at something, right? Super abilities add a little flavor to each race as well as strengthen and balance it. There are only a few abilities that need to be reworked in my opinion, but overall I don't see too much of a problem with them.
Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I shivver at the thought of someone with multiple Super Ability techs. Super Diplomat meets Super Isolationist...toss in some Dark Influence buildings and you got yourself a huge influence range with 3 speed max.
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Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I noticed a potential huge problem- and a design flaw... If super abilities are turned off, the Krynn cannot learn counter Espionage.
End of quote


Not true.  The tech "Counter Espionage" _is_ in the Krynn tech tree.  It branches off of Diplomacy II.  When Super Abilities are turned on, they get this tech at the start of the game, but with Super Abilities turned off, they just have to research their way towards it like all the other races.


Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Oops, was checking wrong branch of the tree. Sorry about that.

Glad to see you thought of the potential problem.



Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Why are super abilities now needed with the Racial Tech Trees?

Every single super ability could be given as a tech or series of techs, which would be more balanced. It feels like it's a poor,anachronistic design mechanic that was thrown in.
End of quote


I can see the logic, to an extent, but here are a couple of counter-arguments. First, it would add to the visual clutter of the tech tree, since they'd be just dead-end starter techs that couldn't be traded or upgraded (I assume, otherwise they'd be too powerful). Ideally, I think a research "tree" should be just that... a tree with branches that lead to future developments. Even the current dead-end starter techs like Precursor Library seem a little odd to me, floating isolated at the left edge of the tech tree.

Second, while some of the Super Abilities are actual technologies like Dominator and Annihilator, others seem intrinsic to a race's biology or mental abilities, like Breeder, Adapter, Diplomat, even Warrior (fast battle reflexes). I like the idea of having some unique alien qualities that are outside a purely technology development line.
Reply #6 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
How would you turn super abilities off if they were just techs? I like to play with them on, but some don't.