Endgame

[Edratman]

I also don't finish games. Can't remember the last game I finished, probably been a year or more.

The problem for me is the time I spend doing a turn near the end. I'll sneak 2 hours in at the end of the night and only get 2 turns in. So I start a new game, let the last one languish on the save game list for a couple of months (because I'm going to go back and finish it), then delete all of them and start the cycle again.

I switched to easy research a few months ago, just so I can use more high level spells. I also find the AI is much tougher on that research level.

[MaxWilson]

Really? I've been thinking about easy research for the same reason, but I was reluctant because it felt like changing "the rules" for the sake of my own convenience. If it helps the AI I can justify it on those grounds.

-Max

[thejeff]

I'm pretty much in the same boat. I've started playing smaller games. No more than 6-7 opponents. That tends to keep the turns a playable length and keeps most of the game where the AI is still vaguely competent.

I still don't finish most of them.

Started playing with victory conditions too, but I find that annoying. Either I'm already bored with it or they kick in while I'm still having fun.

[Wrana]

I've also began to change victory conditions (use VPs, to be exact). Though it actually allows to skip what is usually called lategame.
I think the reason is twofold: first, the MoM had a quite beautiful ending, together with point systems which allowed to mark how good your performance was this time; second, it contained some interesting quirks possible to use in lategame only (artifact creation, Spell of Mastery), together with some targets which you could take only at this levels (strong nodes & dungeons). Also, it had initial restrictions in research which could be partially lifted in endgame.

[Taqwus]

Trying summons I've never cast before, using odd combinations of equipment, fielding bizarre jokes (Bob Dylan the Gargoyle with the Stone Sword; an army of mechanical men led by a mechanical man in a flying ship; making a hydra prophet; wishing for a blood slave, GoRing her, and turning her into an SC in a massive investment of gems...).

[Zeldor]

Juggernauts on flying carpets rule actually.