MP Option: Fleet Cap On

posted on March 2nd, 2010, 4:59 pm

I recently have been trying my hand at taking on Dominion Merciless 1v1. So far, I seem to lose around the mid-game when the Dominion's numbers build up to somewhat ridiculous amounts. So I spent most of today thinking of a way of keeping Dominion numbers down, and having a fun game at the same time. So here is my proposal: Optional Fleet Capping in Multi-Player.

This would solve the over-spamming problem consistently used by the AI, as well as promoting the choice of vessels you use for what tasks, as there's a limit of course to the amount you can create.

The capping would operate on a points system, where in game options you choose the FleetCapPoints (FCP) and this corresponds with the amount of point assigned to a vessel. So it may look something like this:

Points chosen for game: 200

Now, here is where the ships come in. Smaller vessels of course have less points, and there potentially could be an option to research more points. So, here is a brief example of idea of ships and there points.

A-20 Attack Destroyer (Bug): Value: 2 points (PTS)
V-13 Battleship: 15 PTS

Scout Cube: 4 PTS
Cube: 60 PTS

Saber: 2 PTS
Phalanx: 18 PTS

Rhienn: 3 PTS
Tavara: 23 PTS

K’beajQ: 4 PTS
Negh'Var: 17 PTS

Well, as you can see thats just an attempt at showing the points ranges. This of course will need some tweaking, although I'd really like to see this option added. I think it would greatly increase the strategic elements, as you have to choose more carefully what ships to build. rather than pure spamming of vessels 

posted on March 2nd, 2010, 5:10 pm

But I hates ze caps .

  This is a "Food" system like Warcraft 3.  Each unit has a value that adds to a total.  Once that total is reached you can't build anything more.  I no likes . 


Of all things, it actually ENCOURAGES spam because you end up going for ONLY the most powerful thing to fill your allowance.

posted on March 2nd, 2010, 5:12 pm

no hard caps in Fleet Operations

posted on March 2nd, 2010, 5:14 pm

Just set the AI to Hard or Normal.   It's possible to beat the Merciless AI, and it's fun, too!

posted on March 2nd, 2010, 5:18 pm

Theres a reason I listed this as optional...

Besides, I think that a cap encourages selective production of vessels. If say theres a 10 cap left, you'll have to work out the best combination, without sacrificing power.

posted on March 2nd, 2010, 5:39 pm

I see your point, but i my experience with other games a ship with caps just ends up being used differently.  The idea is that you CAN spam V-13's or Neghvars if you want, you're just gonna get boned by a player with better tactics.

  Also ... if you're concerned about the AI ... well it's just the AI and it's gonna throw out billions of each kind of ship.  My favorite part about the AI is that they let you get SO many vets .

posted on March 2nd, 2010, 6:17 pm

you could do a similar thing by making a supply resource modifier.