question about the culture-thing

[zyathus]

Hi,

i got a question about this culture/racial-point thing. As far as I see, selecting a special type a of culture is like is like spending racial-points. So e.g. if i select scientist (which is +5 on research), is it like spending +5% in the racial-points-menu?
If yes, which culture is best to choose?
I noticed, that artisans have +10 on happiness, so is it better choosing artisan, then decrease the happiness in the racial points menu an spend the now extra gained racial-points for e.g. intelligence? Since artisans have 10 extra points, it seems a little unfair, while scientists have only 5 extrapoints.

Another question is, what is meant by the extra points on space-combat (e.g. warriors)? Is it defense and attack?

sincerly
daniel

[Fyron]

As far as I see, selecting a special type a of culture is like is like spending racial-points. So e.g. if i select scientist (which is +5 on research), is it like spending +5% in the racial-points-menu?<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Yes, it is exactly like that.

If yes, which culture is best to choose?<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Actually, the best thing to do is to get 125% in both Aggressiveness and Defensiveness, and then take the Berzerker culture. Nothing beats a 35% bonus to ECM and Combat Sensors. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Another question is, what is meant by the extra points on space-combat (e.g. warriors)? Is it defense and attack?<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">The Space Combat bonus applies to both attack and defense.

[ June 02, 2002, 19:04: Message edited by: Imperator Fyron ]

[capnq]

In the Extras folder on the Gold CD, there's a "Cultures Balancing" mod by Jourin; it changes the values so that each culture is worth the same net value of racial points, so that there isn't a "best" choice.

In the unmodded game, the "best" choice will depend somewhat on your preferred playing style.

[Fyron]

Regardless of whether they are "balanced" in respect to racial point costs, the one with the highest Space Combat bonus is always the best (unless something stupid is done to it, like giving it massive penalties in all other areas). And they can only be "balanced" assuming no racial points spent, do to the scaling factor that makes higher levels cost more.

[Lupusman]

Actually, with the religious Talisman, the beserker advantage only increases the defensive half, since you'll hit every time anuway. At that point, the 10% happiness would be a better choice.

[Fyron]

Assuming that you want to take Religious, of course.

[capnq]

And assuming your Religious race can survive long enough to research the Talisman (Religious Technology 4). I've never managed that in a PBW game.

[Lupusman]

Part of it is luck, and the other part is making sure you have friendly neighbors, but so far I'm two of two while playing religious. Just have to take low key until the Talisman arrives, that's all.

[Fyron]

Or, take max racial ECM + Sensor bonuses, research all the related components, and destroy your neighbors before they can build up.

[LGM]

If you are playing a high ship limit, then Merchant might be better to get to 5% maintenance more cheaply. After 110, maintenance get rather expensive. 200 per point if I recall. Maybe it is only 100.

I have always thought that culture modifiers should have separate attack and defense modifiers. Warriors better in both, Beserkers should have a defense negative.

Neutrals should get +1 on everything, except Happiness, Attack, and Defense.