another NEWBIE question - What do you think of modding?

from Stardock Forums
I started playing this game several days ago. It has certain charm and it rings a distant memory of "Deuteros" and "Supremacy", my favorite Amiga games.

Immediately I came on this site to collect patches and noticed hundreds of files for improving the gameplay. Now, I don't mind modding games like 3D shooters, where you can very soon see the effects of modding.
But I fear that modding strategy games can seriously jeopardize the game balance without you knowing it.
When it comes to games of this type I tend to be kind of purist and play the game as it is (including official patches), believing that the authors made the best possible gameplay, after thorough testing. Also, I believe that total control over the game variables (in programming sense) diminishes the feel of challenge that makes you want to play the game in the first place.
On the other hand I realize that some mods are VERY popular here. Are they worth the trouble installing, since I haven't exploited the original game yet?


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329 views 6 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top
Zorran,

I play a modded game and like it a lot. However, as you suspect it can change the game play. There are of course two schools of thought if not more. The first being that you should learn and play the game without mods. This will allow you to learn what the AI can and cannot do, which is the key to winning. The second is ... it makes no difference. Go ahead and add the mods. The Devs obviously expect that to happen otherwise they would not have included the capability in the game.

For myself, I think mods can obscure the AI's behaviour and make it more difficult for the new player to understand the game and win. That being said however, the counter to this is there are several good threads in the Strategy forum (button on the left of your screen) that mitigate the problem.

Check this thread for some of the more popular mods: http://www.galciv.com/forum.asp?BID=GM&id=183722

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top
Well, I'm using mods and I do create them too.
In my point of view mods add great possibilities to the game. And for being honest I must say that I would have stoped playing long ago if there'd not be the capability to mod the game.
Multiplicity - Control multiple PCs using one keyboard and mouse
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top
But I fear that modding strategy games can seriously jeopardize the game balance without you knowing it.
End of quote


Ah Padwan you're wise beyond your years - probably.

Play the game to death first, add a few mods, see what they do, if they don't improve the game for you remove them and try some different ones, try not to fall into the trap of using loads and loads of mods as (IMHO) an excess can spoil the game.

For example too many PQ improvement mods make the game far too easy as you can use marginal planets that the AI ignores, you also run the risk of >40% PQ which invalidates the game if you want to submit it to the multiverse.

Don't forget there is nothing to stop you from modding the mods as they are plain text files, but also don't foget the mods also apply to the AI so don't be silly.

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Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

The best idea is to add mods that only add enjoyment in your initial tries. Things like Anomaly extra's, colonization events & UP votes. These types of mods do not detract from the original gameplay, only increase your enjoyment.

Later on you can try adding other types of mods. Remember to add them to the mods folder so you can always switch them off if you want to.

Dream Warrior - Stardock Library Manager

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top
I am a big moding fan and would like to try it for myself dose aneone know were i can get the modding tools for galciv
Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top
this is an inofficial version, but it works good http://www.diplomats-empire.com/writer/writer_004.htm

I use it for my projects, enjoy the building