Does Influence even work?

Can't figure it out...

from GalCiv2 Forums
For some reason I keep getting enemy planets with high influence on them that refuse to flip to my side.
Even after years sometimes...

I even have the Mind Control Center built. This is severely driving me nuts
Can anyone shed any light on this matter?
11,370 views 10 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Fixed the screen size sorry
Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Influence does work. I've had planets flip in my games., in fact I had about 5 last night.
I wish I could give you a great reason why but I thought it also had to do with the enemy's approval.
also, some races won't flip - 100 % loyal.

Sorry I can't be of more help.
Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion
Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Hmm...they may also have built the Propaganda Center? Other than that I am at a loss too. I've had similar situations, but (not by a factor of 40!)
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
The way that influence switching works is mysterious to me, largely because I've seen it explained several times, all of which contradict each other. Basically, there is a chance to get it switch once the other empire has 4X the influence, but it's random and effected by both how much influence the other empire has, and what the approval rating of the planet is.

The approval rating thing might help explain both those planets, since they are both very happy.

But I agree that the Mind Control Center seems to not do much. Unfortunately, the description isn't specific as to what it does, and since the mechanics of switching are so opaque, I have no idea if it's broken or just useless.
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
It seems to have something to do with your overall influence. They can be very resistant until you research up the cultural conquest branch. Once you have colored up about 60% of the map they will often start falling like dominos.

It has also been said that there is a roll each turn on a heavily influenced planet but I have seen planets with -5 flip and some with -60 not flip so I am not sure how or whether this algorithm works as it is intended to work.
Reply #6 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
It really is a combination of effects, a) you're nearby planets/bases have 4x the influence of the affected planet b)whether they have any buildings/galactic marvels that decrease their chances of defecting, c) their morale (and I'm guessing its empire morale aswell as planet morale as they seem to be different numbers sometimes) d) racial bonuses (the Thalians (sp?) take forever to flip, while the Korx do back-flips to join me) and (though I'm not sure that this is legit --could a dev give a yay or nay?) e) the proximity of the race's homeworld to the planet trying to be flipped (I've had alien planets surrounded and still nadda).

But trust me influence works...and the more you have the faster it appears to work, by mid-game I've got about 1 planet a turn jumping over to my side--which can get to be a micromanagement nightmare.
Reply #7 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
As far as I know, the Mind Control center increases economic output by 100% and has no effect on culture or influence. We both know what the tooltip says and what the building is SUPPOSED to do, but.....yeah. Build it on your Economic Capital.
Reply #8 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Do they have a re-education center on that planet?

Maybe some random event, or anomaly gave them, or those planets a really high loyalty bonus.
Reply #9 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
As far as I know, the Mind Control center increases economic output by 100% and has no effect on culture or influence. We both know what the tooltip says and what the building is SUPPOSED to do, but.....yeah. Build it on your Economic Capital.

Doesn't matter really where you will build it since it will double your taxes galaxy-wide.
Reply #10 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
...it will double your taxes galaxy-wide



Really? Are you sure? Because a) I'm pretty sure it didn't when I built it (but I was also already winning that one, so wasn't paying that much attention) and b) that's not at all related to what it's supposed to do.

Devs? Bueller? Bueller?