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Author Topic:   Favorite Secret Projects

presence posted 04-25-99 11:12 AM ET
I have some opinions about the best secret projects to build, and would like to know the opinions of others on this matter. Depending on the strategy and faction you play with, any of them could be quite useful, but there are a few which are instrumental or greatly helpful in most situations. Here's a few off the top of my head:
The Weather Paradigm: Everyone needs to terraform. And this early in the game, that 50% speed increase is really going to help out for a long time.
The Empath Guild: A commlink for every faction is great for tech swapping, which always tends to put me ahead. 50% more votes on the council is even better, and usually lets me get elected governor (at Transcend difficulty).
The Hunter-Seeker Algorithm: Eliminates the need to worry about Probe in social engineering. A great convenience.
The Cloning Vats: No need to worry about growth in social engineering.
That's only a partial list. I like a lot of the projects, and always try to build all except a few, but I tend to rush the ones I like best.
mrdeath posted 04-25-99 01:40 PM ET
Wow.. I love this topic.
I think that the best Secret Project to build depends a lot on which faction you are..
For example, the Planetary Datalinks are a must for the Believers.. but quite useless to the University.
likewise, the Hunter Seeker Algorythm.. awesome for most faction.. but basically duplication of effort from the believers.
IMNSHO.. All factions benefit from the Weather Paradigm and The Human Genome Project. The Hunter seeker is also generally a must build.
I never have found a lot of use for the Empathy Guild.. I just explore till i have contacted everyone... I would rather be building The Command Centre (canadian spelling )
If you are having trouble expanding your population, the Planetary Transit System provides an awesome boost... turning 1 population into 3 is a good deal IMHO.
I also love to build The Ascent to Trancendance.. Now that's a Secret Project that Everyone Wants
Hunterseeker posted 04-25-99 03:17 PM ET
I think we've had this topic before, but it can always use an update. I rarely built the Human Genome Project, because I've always found Recreation Commons, Hologram Theatres, and later allocating energy to Psych more efficient. My favourite is clearly the Hunterseeker Algorithm( not worrying about probes is a GREAT relief). Secondary, I mostly goes for Citizens Defence force( With the Yang, so other can't build it, probe teams are unable to destroy the AI's perimeter defenses). Also, the Virtual World is quite useful to the University. And while we're at it, mrdeath, what is IMNSHO an abbreviation for?
Plato90s posted 04-25-99 03:22 PM ET
IMNSHO = In My Not So Humble Opinion
Don't forget about Telepathic Matrix. It takes out the entire concept of drones, since drones no longer riot. You have a have a city with 70% drone and it will still function like a normal base.
JT 3 posted 04-25-99 05:27 PM ET
I agree with all of these, but there is one more......
SPACE ELEVATOR! Orbitals in half the time with full product able to go to bases that don't have Aeor Complex yet, not to mention Orbital Insertions! WOW!
Still not better than the Vats though.
Plato90s posted 04-25-99 06:02 PM ET
But the Cloning Vats without the Telepathic Matrix can be a recipe for disaster. You can have cities growing out of control and drone riots everywhere.
But in the end game, Space Elevator, Cloning Vats, and Telepathic Matrix means lots of population growth.
Once you build the Voice of Planet, you can also stop worrying about Planet bothering you.
This is the way to achieve those incredible scores of 9000+ and 600%. When your average city size is 40+, those points really come rolling in.
Titan posted 04-25-99 06:51 PM ET
The best secret project I think is the Hunter-Seeker Algorithm. Since I usually play UoP or technology based game with the Peacekeepers, I am at risk to probe teams. Thus it is really helpful.
Another one I like is the network backbone, I love the quote. <organ sounds like Bill Gates, my idol( its sarcasm in case you didnt notice.)
Titan,
Admirer of MS?????????
Orbit posted 04-25-99 09:25 PM ET
The Cloning Vats with the Singulairty Inductor. You usually get this late in the game, and you can just turn those drones into trancendis. Cloning Vats enables you to use Power and Thought Control in Social Engineering without penalties. Population boom so you can trun a 1 base into something actually useful in small amount of time. The Singulairty Inductor gives you quatum converter at every base(doubles mineral output).
Earwicker posted 04-26-99 09:50 AM ET
Sadly, I usually miss the Weather Paradigm � too busy going hard after Virtual World and Human Genome and saving my pennies to get command center one and Citizens Defense when they come around (I want to play a peaceful style, but know the AI will come around and want to play rough).
I'd also have to put in a good word for Xenoempathy Dome and the Maritime Control Center. Both make it much easier to move around, giving a much-needed boost to exploration and greatly aid the mobility of my military.
Gotta agree on Hunter-Seeker Algorithm � most useful and most devious effect, coolest video and quote. Once the game moves into conquest mode (after I get gang-sneak attacked by Morgan, Yang, and Santiago), I spend every turn dreaming of Pre-Sentient (gives choppers too, right (don't have the stuff with me) -- can there be a better tech? Oops, wrong thread). It sure gives peace of mind knowing that the AI will have to win back those lost bases the old-fashioned way, not mind-control them.
(Side note: add to the AI cheats list the ability to mind control my units and bases despite having NO energy credits. Huh? When it costs me 2700 credits to buy some rats-assed size 3 Spartan base it bugs me that Santiago can use her treasury of 55 energy to buy back a base. Grr. So gimme that HSE get back to work . . .)
pentalarc posted 05-13-99 02:22 AM ET
First of all, the Hunter-Seeker Algorithm is almsot required, so that one is a bit out of a discussion of hte best secret projects.
My favorites are also my favorite combo. While it's not as obvious as the Theory of Everything/Supercollider combo, I think it's even more effective:
Come to think of it, I think more than great Secret projects, I think it should be best combos.
Best combo: Planetary Transit System/Cloning Vats/Ascetic Values
Runner Up: Cloning Vats/Network Backbone/Virtual World
Pentalarc
Where Five Roads Meet He Stands
Urban Ranger posted 05-13-99 01:09 PM ET
I must say Weather Paradigm is one of the best. Not only it allows you to perform most terraforming tasks at double speed, you can also drill boreholes. Together with the fact that resource limitations don't apply in resource squares, drill a borehole early in the game in a mineral resource square really puts you ahead.
Urban Ranger posted 05-13-99 01:13 PM ET
Another great combo:
command nexus/cyborg factory/cloning vat
A max of +8 morale with Power and Thought Control. Start the steamroller, guys.
Gixxer posted 05-13-99 01:18 PM ET
My required SP:
Weather Paradigm
My vote for Tide Turner:
Xenoempathy Dome
My favorite Combo:
Command Nexus/Maritime Control Center/ the one that gives you the bioenhancement center (Cyborg Factory, maybe?) I play as the Spartans and this combo builds units as elite!
I find I usually don't have a problem by not getting the H/S algorithm, but I believe it's value lies in keeping it from the other factions.
Beta1 posted 05-13-99 02:46 PM ET
Anyone mentioned the importance of building even the SPs you dont need (eg Perimeter defence for hive, H/S for believers).
If you've got it SOMEONE ELSE HASN'T!!!!!
Why let someone else gain the same advantage as you?
Example: if there are more than three factions in the game I try to build planetary datalinks even if I am way in the lead with Tech - because it stops the computer factions keeping up. Equally as the hive if you build citizens defence you'll never have to fight a whole nation full of defended cities.
High Priest posted 05-14-99 07:37 PM ET
You're forgetting the Super Base tactic...
Merchant Exchange, Supercollider, Theory of Everything, Space Elevator, Longetivity Vaccine (if in FM, buts its probably wise to build it in your super base just in case), and Network Backbone. This in your Headquarters(for no inefficiency) with all possible base facility enhancements can really make you powerful. Of course, you'll need to make you HQ your most productive base before the enhancements.
Usually I get to the ME, Supercollider, Longetivity Vaccine, and sometimes Theory of Everything.
drako posted 05-18-99 02:51 AM ET
How abt Universal Translator? In a huge game, I get about 40+ alien artifacts. Since I have on average less than 15 bases, building this SP will mean a sudden increase in tech. Usually after I build this SP, the game is as good as over.............
Beta1 posted 05-18-99 07:27 AM ET
High priest, You ever seen the asteroid impact random event - your setting yourselfup for a big hit there. Also one well placed PB - boom, no secret project. I've even taken AI bases with multiple projects with "commando" raids, razed the city and legged it again. If I cant have the cloning vats - noone can.
Bob Probert posted 05-18-99 07:58 AM ET
I like the Hunter seeker algorithm and the Virtual World best. Virtual World is just super if you are (like me usualy) playing the UoP.
Igor posted 05-18-99 09:06 AM ET
I like Human Genome Project to prevent epidemic (like research hospital in every city) and decrease bureacracy problems (more than 100 bases on huge map..). HSA is useful but not so important when using Fundy.
I like each progect in late game save Space Elevator for HUGE eco-damage (why dont use space if it so nice?). Moreover, only several years to Graviton theory(?).
Cloning Vats is the best project in late game IMHO.
I fond of next combination Human Genome/Planetary Transit/Longevity Vaccine (less drones, I rarely use FM).
And Empath Guild for infiltration.
dandolo posted 05-20-99 01:28 AM ET
depends on the faction you choose. i think the weather paradigm is the most universally useful.
Eris posted 05-24-99 09:50 AM ET
The Hunter-Seeker Algorithm, even as the Believers. +1 Probe != 100% probe defense.
The Virtual World. I'm going to build Network Nodes anyhow. Having them be dual purpose is nice.
/If/ I'm not busy doing something else and no one gets to it first, I do build the Weather Paradigm. Less for the speed of terraforming (I usually have enough formers vs slow enough city growth that this isn't really a problem) than for the ability to build condensers w/o the technology. Though the +terraforming speed is nice, granted.
Space Elevator. Singularity Drop Squad *plunk*
I have to vote for the Xenoempathy Dome, too, although I don't make it a priority, just a "Hmm, I have a city that could be spared to building projects, what's on the list of available ones?" high choice.
Neural Amplifier AND Dream Twister, in combination. Or either. Yes, I use Mindworms and Isles of the Deep as units.
Darkstar posted 05-24-99 03:11 PM ET
Hail Eris!
(Couldn't resist. Again.)
If playing a war machine: Command Center, Citizen's Defence Force, Cyborg Factory, and Maritime.
The CDF is mostly to keep it out of the hands of the soon to be conquered.
The Maritime because I love the Vid, and think its cool to drop in the War Machine's Heart.
In general:
Weather Paradigm and Human Genome. I don't care who you are, the universal bene's of these two make them very high on the list.
When playing Hive, I like to also build Merchant Exchange to boost the energy.
When playing UoP, I like Virtual World.
-Darkstar
Eris posted 05-25-99 09:17 AM ET
All hail discordia!
If I played on the more difficult levels, I have to admit I'd probably be going for Human Genome, but at the easy levels, where I still am as I've only had the game for about a week and a half, keeping people happy is just NOT an issue.
Also, don't forget, boys and girls, that if you can't build a Secret Project, you can always capture it. :P
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Author	Topic: Favorite Secret Projects
presence	posted 04-25-99 11:12 AM ET I have some opinions about the best secret projects to build, and would like to know the opinions of others on this matter. Depending on the strategy and faction you play with, any of them could be quite useful, but there are a few which are instrumental or greatly helpful in most situations. Here's a few off the top of my head: The Weather Paradigm: Everyone needs to terraform. And this early in the game, that 50% speed increase is really going to help out for a long time. The Empath Guild: A commlink for every faction is great for tech swapping, which always tends to put me ahead. 50% more votes on the council is even better, and usually lets me get elected governor (at Transcend difficulty). The Hunter-Seeker Algorithm: Eliminates the need to worry about Probe in social engineering. A great convenience. The Cloning Vats: No need to worry about growth in social engineering. That's only a partial list. I like a lot of the projects, and always try to build all except a few, but I tend to rush the ones I like best.
mrdeath	posted 04-25-99 01:40 PM ET Wow.. I love this topic. I think that the best Secret Project to build depends a lot on which faction you are.. For example, the Planetary Datalinks are a must for the Believers.. but quite useless to the University. likewise, the Hunter Seeker Algorythm.. awesome for most faction.. but basically duplication of effort from the believers. IMNSHO.. All factions benefit from the Weather Paradigm and The Human Genome Project. The Hunter seeker is also generally a must build. I never have found a lot of use for the Empathy Guild.. I just explore till i have contacted everyone... I would rather be building The Command Centre (canadian spelling ) If you are having trouble expanding your population, the Planetary Transit System provides an awesome boost... turning 1 population into 3 is a good deal IMHO. I also love to build The Ascent to Trancendance.. Now that's a Secret Project that Everyone Wants
Hunterseeker	posted 04-25-99 03:17 PM ET I think we've had this topic before, but it can always use an update. I rarely built the Human Genome Project, because I've always found Recreation Commons, Hologram Theatres, and later allocating energy to Psych more efficient. My favourite is clearly the Hunterseeker Algorithm( not worrying about probes is a GREAT relief). Secondary, I mostly goes for Citizens Defence force( With the Yang, so other can't build it, probe teams are unable to destroy the AI's perimeter defenses). Also, the Virtual World is quite useful to the University. And while we're at it, mrdeath, what is IMNSHO an abbreviation for?
Plato90s	posted 04-25-99 03:22 PM ET IMNSHO = In My Not So Humble Opinion Don't forget about Telepathic Matrix. It takes out the entire concept of drones, since drones no longer riot. You have a have a city with 70% drone and it will still function like a normal base.
JT 3	posted 04-25-99 05:27 PM ET I agree with all of these, but there is one more...... SPACE ELEVATOR! Orbitals in half the time with full product able to go to bases that don't have Aeor Complex yet, not to mention Orbital Insertions! WOW! Still not better than the Vats though.
Plato90s	posted 04-25-99 06:02 PM ET But the Cloning Vats without the Telepathic Matrix can be a recipe for disaster. You can have cities growing out of control and drone riots everywhere. But in the end game, Space Elevator, Cloning Vats, and Telepathic Matrix means lots of population growth. Once you build the Voice of Planet, you can also stop worrying about Planet bothering you. This is the way to achieve those incredible scores of 9000+ and 600%. When your average city size is 40+, those points really come rolling in.
Titan	posted 04-25-99 06:51 PM ET The best secret project I think is the Hunter-Seeker Algorithm. Since I usually play UoP or technology based game with the Peacekeepers, I am at risk to probe teams. Thus it is really helpful. Another one I like is the network backbone, I love the quote. <organ sounds like Bill Gates, my idol( its sarcasm in case you didnt notice.) Titan, Admirer of MS?????????
Orbit	posted 04-25-99 09:25 PM ET The Cloning Vats with the Singulairty Inductor. You usually get this late in the game, and you can just turn those drones into trancendis. Cloning Vats enables you to use Power and Thought Control in Social Engineering without penalties. Population boom so you can trun a 1 base into something actually useful in small amount of time. The Singulairty Inductor gives you quatum converter at every base(doubles mineral output).
Earwicker	posted 04-26-99 09:50 AM ET Sadly, I usually miss the Weather Paradigm � too busy going hard after Virtual World and Human Genome and saving my pennies to get command center one and Citizens Defense when they come around (I want to play a peaceful style, but know the AI will come around and want to play rough). I'd also have to put in a good word for Xenoempathy Dome and the Maritime Control Center. Both make it much easier to move around, giving a much-needed boost to exploration and greatly aid the mobility of my military. Gotta agree on Hunter-Seeker Algorithm � most useful and most devious effect, coolest video and quote. Once the game moves into conquest mode (after I get gang-sneak attacked by Morgan, Yang, and Santiago), I spend every turn dreaming of Pre-Sentient (gives choppers too, right (don't have the stuff with me) -- can there be a better tech? Oops, wrong thread). It sure gives peace of mind knowing that the AI will have to win back those lost bases the old-fashioned way, not mind-control them. (Side note: add to the AI cheats list the ability to mind control my units and bases despite having NO energy credits. Huh? When it costs me 2700 credits to buy some rats-assed size 3 Spartan base it bugs me that Santiago can use her treasury of 55 energy to buy back a base. Grr. So gimme that HSE get back to work . . .)
pentalarc	posted 05-13-99 02:22 AM ET First of all, the Hunter-Seeker Algorithm is almsot required, so that one is a bit out of a discussion of hte best secret projects. My favorites are also my favorite combo. While it's not as obvious as the Theory of Everything/Supercollider combo, I think it's even more effective: Come to think of it, I think more than great Secret projects, I think it should be best combos. Best combo: Planetary Transit System/Cloning Vats/Ascetic Values Runner Up: Cloning Vats/Network Backbone/Virtual World Pentalarc Where Five Roads Meet He Stands
Urban Ranger	posted 05-13-99 01:09 PM ET I must say Weather Paradigm is one of the best. Not only it allows you to perform most terraforming tasks at double speed, you can also drill boreholes. Together with the fact that resource limitations don't apply in resource squares, drill a borehole early in the game in a mineral resource square really puts you ahead.
Urban Ranger	posted 05-13-99 01:13 PM ET Another great combo: command nexus/cyborg factory/cloning vat A max of +8 morale with Power and Thought Control. Start the steamroller, guys.
Gixxer	posted 05-13-99 01:18 PM ET My required SP: Weather Paradigm My vote for Tide Turner: Xenoempathy Dome My favorite Combo: Command Nexus/Maritime Control Center/ the one that gives you the bioenhancement center (Cyborg Factory, maybe?) I play as the Spartans and this combo builds units as elite! I find I usually don't have a problem by not getting the H/S algorithm, but I believe it's value lies in keeping it from the other factions.
Beta1	posted 05-13-99 02:46 PM ET Anyone mentioned the importance of building even the SPs you dont need (eg Perimeter defence for hive, H/S for believers). If you've got it SOMEONE ELSE HASN'T!!!!! Why let someone else gain the same advantage as you? Example: if there are more than three factions in the game I try to build planetary datalinks even if I am way in the lead with Tech - because it stops the computer factions keeping up. Equally as the hive if you build citizens defence you'll never have to fight a whole nation full of defended cities.
High Priest	posted 05-14-99 07:37 PM ET You're forgetting the Super Base tactic... Merchant Exchange, Supercollider, Theory of Everything, Space Elevator, Longetivity Vaccine (if in FM, buts its probably wise to build it in your super base just in case), and Network Backbone. This in your Headquarters(for no inefficiency) with all possible base facility enhancements can really make you powerful. Of course, you'll need to make you HQ your most productive base before the enhancements. Usually I get to the ME, Supercollider, Longetivity Vaccine, and sometimes Theory of Everything.
drako	posted 05-18-99 02:51 AM ET How abt Universal Translator? In a huge game, I get about 40+ alien artifacts. Since I have on average less than 15 bases, building this SP will mean a sudden increase in tech. Usually after I build this SP, the game is as good as over.............
Beta1	posted 05-18-99 07:27 AM ET High priest, You ever seen the asteroid impact random event - your setting yourselfup for a big hit there. Also one well placed PB - boom, no secret project. I've even taken AI bases with multiple projects with "commando" raids, razed the city and legged it again. If I cant have the cloning vats - noone can.
Bob Probert	posted 05-18-99 07:58 AM ET I like the Hunter seeker algorithm and the Virtual World best. Virtual World is just super if you are (like me usualy) playing the UoP.
Igor	posted 05-18-99 09:06 AM ET I like Human Genome Project to prevent epidemic (like research hospital in every city) and decrease bureacracy problems (more than 100 bases on huge map..). HSA is useful but not so important when using Fundy. I like each progect in late game save Space Elevator for HUGE eco-damage (why dont use space if it so nice?). Moreover, only several years to Graviton theory(?). Cloning Vats is the best project in late game IMHO. I fond of next combination Human Genome/Planetary Transit/Longevity Vaccine (less drones, I rarely use FM). And Empath Guild for infiltration.
dandolo	posted 05-20-99 01:28 AM ET depends on the faction you choose. i think the weather paradigm is the most universally useful.
Eris	posted 05-24-99 09:50 AM ET The Hunter-Seeker Algorithm, even as the Believers. +1 Probe != 100% probe defense. The Virtual World. I'm going to build Network Nodes anyhow. Having them be dual purpose is nice. /If/ I'm not busy doing something else and no one gets to it first, I do build the Weather Paradigm. Less for the speed of terraforming (I usually have enough formers vs slow enough city growth that this isn't really a problem) than for the ability to build condensers w/o the technology. Though the +terraforming speed is nice, granted. Space Elevator. Singularity Drop Squad plunk I have to vote for the Xenoempathy Dome, too, although I don't make it a priority, just a "Hmm, I have a city that could be spared to building projects, what's on the list of available ones?" high choice. Neural Amplifier AND Dream Twister, in combination. Or either. Yes, I use Mindworms and Isles of the Deep as units.
Darkstar	posted 05-24-99 03:11 PM ET Hail Eris! (Couldn't resist. Again.) If playing a war machine: Command Center, Citizen's Defence Force, Cyborg Factory, and Maritime. The CDF is mostly to keep it out of the hands of the soon to be conquered. The Maritime because I love the Vid, and think its cool to drop in the War Machine's Heart. In general: Weather Paradigm and Human Genome. I don't care who you are, the universal bene's of these two make them very high on the list. When playing Hive, I like to also build Merchant Exchange to boost the energy. When playing UoP, I like Virtual World. -Darkstar
Eris	posted 05-25-99 09:17 AM ET All hail discordia! If I played on the more difficult levels, I have to admit I'd probably be going for Human Genome, but at the easy levels, where I still am as I've only had the game for about a week and a half, keeping people happy is just NOT an issue. Also, don't forget, boys and girls, that if you can't build a Secret Project, you can always capture it. :P