Spies - first impressions/suggestions (good read)
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GalCiv2 Forums
GalCiv2 Forums
After playing a few full games (Tiny@Tough/9 opp/all-green options) as the new Spy race, I think I've got a few things that might be worth reading 
1. The computer really isn't good at defending against spies. In the first few turns of the game where you see "Someone has built a X capitol!", it's like a red target to shut that thing down. I've *completely* shutdown computer opponents by disabling all factories in their home planet, while they're busy defending their Class 4 planet. The AI needs to get smarter about spies, because it's honestly too easy at the moment with them. Especially if you rush them early.
2. Super Spies ability, what's it supposed to do? I noticed no difference....
3. Placing a spy on a tile should have more meaning then just shutting down that tile - for example, I recently stole a tech even though I had spies only on factories! You should have more chance to steal tech when shutting down research centers, you should maybe steal money when on economic tiles, etc. Maybe even the ability to place spies on starports (not to shut down), but a random chance that you take the ship being built as a pirate. You get the idea - make placement more important.....I'd love to have the ability to create bad morale by placing a spy on a farm.
4. What exactly does espionage affect on spies? Ability? Faster creation? More allowed? Cheaper money towards spy creation? A better explanation would be nice. Also how about a defensive racial ability against spies? Loyalty should affect this, no?
5. No spy improving techs? Neutrals dont get stronger spies? Come on! The first thing I did when I started a new game was check out the tech tree and I was kind of disappointed...there's very few additions even besides spies
6. Maybe I missed it, but can you place spies on starbases? Asteroid plants?
7. What about spies on fleets to make them harder to detect? (Not cloaking but harder to see via sensors).
I'll post some more about other areas once I delve into it more - I'd rather get a better understanding before I scream *OMG! SUX!*, but after 4 games I won with spies on Tough (very easily I might add), I think I've got some experience to chip in with
-Sand
1. The computer really isn't good at defending against spies. In the first few turns of the game where you see "Someone has built a X capitol!", it's like a red target to shut that thing down. I've *completely* shutdown computer opponents by disabling all factories in their home planet, while they're busy defending their Class 4 planet. The AI needs to get smarter about spies, because it's honestly too easy at the moment with them. Especially if you rush them early.
2. Super Spies ability, what's it supposed to do? I noticed no difference....
3. Placing a spy on a tile should have more meaning then just shutting down that tile - for example, I recently stole a tech even though I had spies only on factories! You should have more chance to steal tech when shutting down research centers, you should maybe steal money when on economic tiles, etc. Maybe even the ability to place spies on starports (not to shut down), but a random chance that you take the ship being built as a pirate. You get the idea - make placement more important.....I'd love to have the ability to create bad morale by placing a spy on a farm.
4. What exactly does espionage affect on spies? Ability? Faster creation? More allowed? Cheaper money towards spy creation? A better explanation would be nice. Also how about a defensive racial ability against spies? Loyalty should affect this, no?
5. No spy improving techs? Neutrals dont get stronger spies? Come on! The first thing I did when I started a new game was check out the tech tree and I was kind of disappointed...there's very few additions even besides spies
6. Maybe I missed it, but can you place spies on starbases? Asteroid plants?
7. What about spies on fleets to make them harder to detect? (Not cloaking but harder to see via sensors).
I'll post some more about other areas once I delve into it more - I'd rather get a better understanding before I scream *OMG! SUX!*, but after 4 games I won with spies on Tough (very easily I might add), I think I've got some experience to chip in with
-Sand
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