Alpha Centauri 2

Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri & Alien Crossfire => After Action Reports => Topic started by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 01:10:17 AM

Title: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 01:10:17 AM

Given BU's call for contributions and feeling manic from a bit too much coffee, I have decided to let the community in on some of my private, secret fun I have when I crank up SMAX.

Now, I have done a LP on another forum with another game under a different handle. Unfortunately, the save for that game got erased and I was a bit embarrased. Hopefully, that will not happen here.

Nor do I claim to be some kind of expert. I typically win about 50 percent of games played on Thinker. A lot of it is pure luck and who I end up next to. I am not some ego freak that feels the need to always own face. So, if I start losing, I have no fear of losing on a public forum. However, feel free to chime in if you think I am using a bad strategy.

The settings are a Thinker difficulty, Huge Planet, Abundant Life Forms, Weak Erosive Forces, Average Cloud Cover, and low water level.

In addition, the the AlphaX text is altered to where the mandatory retirement year is extremely extended.

Patch used is all official and Kyrub's SMAX patch plus which improves terraforming AI and includes bug fixes by the infamous Scient. If you want to try it, I believe it is on Aployton. It is not the 444 AI experiment thread, but in a thread labled "SMAX patch plus". The 444 experiment is SMAC only.

Rules settings are as follows:

AI selection is interesting and it is a totally different dynamic depending on who comes out. I have played Alien games, but I am just not in the mood for it today.

I decided to go with these:

Lal. I will be playing Lal. He is an interesting guy. He is not too overpowered one way or another but he is very flexible. Now I am experienced enough that I can play any faction passable, but i think for a public LP, Lal is a good choice.

Cult Of Planet. This should be really interesting. With abundant lifeforms, ole Fungboy could be really powerful.

The Human Hive. Perhaps the most overpowered AI in the game. Yang spreads like a bad cold and pumps out units. He also does not tend to get along well with our hero, Lal who prefers democracy.

The Lord's Believers. What SMAX game would be complete without some Miriam action?

The Free Drones. These guys are really bad if you leave them be. particularly with Kyrub's patch, the infrastructure they build is massive. I have had SP games where the drones have dozens of sattelites and take forever to uproot.

Spartans. Another militant faction. The real danger is they get Docrine: Mobility first which means they can bum rush you and if you do not have Synthmetal or Perimeters, it could be a problem.

University of Planet. Just because. Zak techs like no other. If left alone, he dominates. However, drone problems and if he attracts the early ire of an agressive faction can spell trouble for him. This game is crowded with psychopaths, so we will see.

Oh yes, the start:

An isthmus to the east. This might be an istmus connected island, but i am not sure. I see 3 pods around I will pop. Even with abundant lifeforms, I am going to go ahead and send the colony pod out as the natives for at least a few turns have a penalty to attack. No resouces, but in the past I have found the first few pods always reveal some.

For research, I am going to go with Centauri Ecology. This provides Former units and opens up the Weather Paradigm special project. If I can pull this off, it will allow boreholes and condensors that will give me an edge in a hostile place. Formers will also help with this fungus.

Great thing about Lal is he starts with the Tech Biogenics. This allows the base facility Recycling Tanks which REALLY helps with early game production. In addition, it opens up The Human Genome Project. Lal already has one additional talent because of attributes, but that project would be icing on a cake if I can slide that in too.

But, I am not going to get ahead of myself. I have NO idea what's out there waiting to clobber me yet.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 01:27:02 AM

Tuns out, this is an isthmus connected island.

One of the pods was a monolith. I really like having these things nearby a base as they repair and upgrade the morale of units. It can be a lifesaver if invaded. Monoliths also provide decent energy, nutrients, and minerals to the base that works them.

I plopped out two scout patrols with a third coming.

One of the pods gave a unity foil. This should be great to hopefully get an alien artifact from some of these sea pods. That is, until an Isle of the Deep wants to take a bite out of it.

The colony pod, I have sent across the isthmus to plop down at the best place I find quickest.

UN headquarters will start the Recycling Tank next.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 01:38:02 AM

The Pod Gods have smiled. The colony pod popped a pod and I discovered Applied Physics which allows laser weapons. Laser weapons are better than hand weapons, but in the long run, it is the difference between a wet noodle and a spit ball. Still, it is one of the requirements for Nonlinear mathmatics which provides the more effective Impact weapons. Who am I to complain about free tech?

I probably should not try my luck further with an unescorted pod and park a bace right there as a sort of "gaurd gate town" to UN island if the continent turns out big or if I am not alone.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Buster's Uncle on September 26, 2012, 01:42:03 AM

Congratulation on AC2's first AAR.

The latest version of the scient-ifficPatch (http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=27) is hosted in our downloads section.

Would  the Theory of Everything forum be a better place for this?  Shall I move it?  Do you mind comments interspersed with your reports, of shall I split this post to a separate comments  thread?

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 01:45:20 AM

I do not mind commets. In fact, comments and observations may make me a bit better. Move wherever you feel it belongs.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Buster's Uncle on September 26, 2012, 01:48:52 AM

 :1st:

Done.  Enjoying this so far, and considering installing a popcorn smilie.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 02:04:59 AM

Yeah, I am a bit scared, too. I will probably NEED comments. Some of these AIs are no joke on Thinker.

Speaking of losing, my little unity foil just popped a pod with the dreaded Isle of the Deep!

IoDs as the SMAX community calls them are some of the most brutal native units in the game for newbie lurkers. They eat any ship most of the time unless it has the "trance" special ability (which you need Secrets of the Human Brain to get). Now sometimes after popping a bad pod, you can simply run screaming like a little girl. Unfortunately, our intrepid foil had no movement.

Worse with IoDs is they are like troop transports for mind worms and spore launchers. I can pretty much predict after eating the foil, they may land near our bases. Sometimes with a spore launcher, the IoD hangs back bombarding with the spore launcher repatedly until a combat ship can be built to exterminate the threat! Being we do not have Doctrine: Flexibility which allows combat sea foils, there would be nothing I can do if that happens fro quite some time.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 02:09:45 AM

But, fortune is with me. Somehow, the foil survives!

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 02:19:52 AM

The next several turns is to really explore where I have landed. From there, I will feel a lot better and can actually see what direction I need to go to get things done.

I could go two projects, but i am going to wait for recycling tanks in both bases and and the tech for formers to be ready before anything else.

I also need to make sure no one like Miriam or Yang is nearby sharpening knives and salivating over roasted mindworm. Oh hell, even Zak could be bad.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 02:25:58 AM

A few more turns gives me a bit more view of where exactly I am and more lay of the land.

I got a bit brave with another sea pod... and yet another IoD!

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 02:51:32 AM

Well, it appears the IoD disembarked mindworms onto the mainland. I will probably be seeing those guys later. The foil has made like Snaggletooth and has exited stage left!

Centauri Ecology is out! We had a choce between Doctrine: Mobility (rovers), Proginator Psych (aquafarms), and Information Networks (network nodes). If someone was bearing down on me, Doctrine mobility would be the answer. But, Information networks would increase research. It is also needed for Nonlinear Math (impact weapons) and Planetary Networks (probe teams and Virtual World project).

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 03:18:39 AM

The pod gods smile yet again. We now have Industrial Base. Industrial Base provides the level 2 armor, Synthmetal. It is not much, but it is a ton better than scout patrols gaurding the cities. It will be a minute till I get to that, though. I rushed the Recycling Tanks in Equity Village to start my first Former with a bit of cash from an earlier pod.

UN Headquaters, I continue building it's tanks. However, I may rush it, too.

I really need to start thinking about expanding yet again and possibly getting Weather Paradigm before the othe AIs wake up and start churning out projects.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 03:31:16 AM

First former is out and i went ahead and rushed the tanks at UN HQ and will put out another former.

At equity village, I am going to go ahead and prototype both the Synth armor and a laser as a synth laser squad.

Once that other former is out and I feel a bit more secure versus mindworms, I will start a colony pod then Weather Paradigm.

I took care of the spore launcher on the North mainland. I see another mindworm to the east of Equity Village. I will be watching it closely.

For exploration, a good picture is coming in view. No other factions.....yet.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 03:42:21 AM

I have initiated the Weather Paradigm project after rushing the second former.

That mindworm still is hanging to the east. I think I will wait for it to come to me.

When the prototype gets through, I will throw out the colony pod from there. That will give the base some time to grow.

By the way, I have been brain farting. It's NOT UN Equity Village... It's UN Planetary Trust! /facepalm.

In other news, I may very well be on my own little area... Still, more exploration will tell for sure.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 03:54:43 AM

Nice! An Ogre. These things can roll over early game units but can not be repaired and are weeak versus native life. It will come in handy if trouble comes.

On another note, the power chart just popped up. I have never considered this before. Is 2120 the date when power graph shows up? Or is there another trigger?

Anyways, it appears I am doing okay with only University leading.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Buster's Uncle on September 26, 2012, 03:56:34 AM

I think I'd be careful with that foil.  If you're on a smallish island as it appears, it would be nice to be able to move a colony pod onto the mainland sooner, rather than a lot later - probably too late...

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 04:09:30 AM

It IS a small island!! Confirmed.

This may be tough. I am thinking Zak is isolated, too. The power graph shows Domai has the best military. No telling what's going on there. Miriam has territory.

You are right. Till Doctrine: Flexibility, I may want to keep that foil, which is a huge advantage and not be as aggresive with it.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 04:23:54 AM

Popped a pod and have a Unity Rover.

I hurried the Synth laser Squad so I can get a colony pod next.

However, theres some interesting things going on out there somewhere. Both Domai and Zak's power is dropping and Miriam's rose. It seems i have the best military now for some reason.

What evils lurk...

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 04:33:22 AM

Hurried a Colony Pod. It will be out next turn.

Information networks is out.

It looks like I need to beeline Doctrine Mobility to Docrine Flexibility.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 04:44:00 AM

US Education Agency is founded in a strategic location that will serve as kind of a "panama canal" for a future navy.

I have also hurried up a second pod from Planetary Trust.

Someone is kicking Sparta in the tail. Yang now has most territory.

The foil feels like a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 04:55:14 AM

Well a few turns later, and one more colony, I loaded up the foil with the Unity Rover and was going to explore that land south... when lo and behold... a city belonging to Miriam!!!

Looks like she wants to trade...

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 05:13:23 AM

Now, I can usually trust Miriam about as far as I could throw her.

But, I see no problem with getting Doctrine Mobility for Centauri Ecology. It is just one less step towards Doctrine: Flexibility.

I also trade Industrial Base for Social Psych. Reason being is my bases are growing and I have neglected drone control techs. it will be nice just to be able to throw up a rec commons if red faces appear. As much as I hate giving Miriam Synth defenders.

Of course, she then first demands then wants to trade a map for biogenics. I scoff at that. I also do not sign a treaty of friendship for I have no idea what shennanigins she has been up to.

 

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 05:28:17 AM

Weather Paradigm complete! We have completed Planet's first project.

Somewhere, Zak is working on the Virtual World. Makes sense. VW is almost a required project for him.

UN HQ is going to need a rec commons soon.

I also know a little more about Miriam's territory.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 05:42:44 AM

Doctrine Flexibility is out. High Energy Chemistry is next as it is a step towards Doctine: Air Power and for some reason, Nonlinear Math was not offered as a choice.

My research rate is poor. I really need to start throwing up Network nodes.

I also need to begin thinking about amassing some troops.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 05:51:02 AM

I have found New Jerusalem. It appears to be to the west of the south landmass connected by an isthmus.

I am sure Miriam is going to gripe about the Unity rover there, but right now knowledge is more important. Plus, i have not seen any Believer navy units.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 05:58:26 AM

Must...resist...urge..must resist! Unity rover has spotted a undefended new Believer city.

Hoever much as i would love to, it is just not practical right now.

UN HQ has now started Human genome project.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 06:08:37 AM

Another colony pod has gone near the sea energy source in the Northeast of my island.

Miriam has offered to trade map for Information Networks, tried to threaten for Information Networks, then tried again to get me to sign a treaty, then demanded unity rover leave.

Of course I will not have it.

But, it appears Miriam may be isolated too unless there is something more to the south land mass.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 06:15:18 AM

Unfortunately, a mindworm attacked and got the undefended new city. Dont ya hate when that happens? Oh well, as soon as I get a que freed up, I will send another colony.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 06:33:25 AM

So now Miriam has the merchant Exchange at New Jerusalem. Not that the Exchange is a particularly powerful project. But, if it comes to blows, I will know where a prize lies.

Miriam is becoming too powerful and the charts show she is stockpiling military. No boats yet.

Meanwhile, I put out two colonies to fill out my island and have explored a bit more west.

I have a feeling I am going to have to invade Miriam for humanitarian reasons one day. The first of my navy is being built with a synth laser foil being constructed in the drydocks.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 06:39:45 AM

Then again, hello!

I guess she does and transports may be being built at this moment. I need to get on the ball.

At least it is not impact stuff.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 06:46:31 AM

Oh yes! Human Genome Project is done now. In response, two of my cities have entered Golden Age!

Still no word from the other factions...

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 06:53:07 AM

Unity Rover seems to have fallen into a dimensional gate somewhere far away!

The first of my navy is out, and i found out Zak had the first boat.

Latest exploration:

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 07:02:09 AM

High Energy Chemistry is out!

The next choice was tough. Planetary Networks would give me probes where I could at least infiltrate miriam's datalinks. However, I decided on Nonlinear math for impact weapons. Ethical Calculas would have been nice, too for Children's Creche and Democracy.

Worse comes to worst, though, I can always start churning out chemical weapons troops now that I have High Energy Chemistry. it's a minor atrcocity, but because I have no trade yet, it would not matter. Although i am sure Miriam would not be happy.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 07:25:10 AM

Orange transport going somewhere....

Notice the power charts. Yang and Miriam have shot WAY up. I stayed stable and Zak still has an empire out there.

Domai has money, but seems to be having issues.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 07:36:47 AM

A laser foil sent north has contacted the Drones.

He asked for Doctrine: Flexibility for his world map, which I did not care for. I also am out teching him as he had no tech to trade.

That orange transport is also STILL sitting there. I start another synth sentinal at UN HQ just in case. What's it going to be sister?

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 07:43:54 AM

Now, I see. It is fixing to be time to get off my lawn!

I move a laser squad and the ogre to UN HQ!

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 07:58:15 AM

In typical Miriam fashion, she walks a laser infrantry up to UN HQ and demands 50 energy! Of course, I turn her down. She decides to "let that pass". I then tell her to "get off my lawn".

Needless to say, I am now at war. My laser infrantry makes quick work of hers. She still has that scout patrol out in the coastal woods that took out a sensor array. His doom will be coming soon. Not using the ogre yet, but probably a scout patrol or synth sentinal of my own.

I cannot help but think, if this was multiplayer, i would probably be 5 shades of screwed as a competent player would have sent 2 or three transports with all laser squads. This invasion force is a joke.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 08:09:48 AM

Well, that is taken care of. I need to show Miriam a passage from the holy book of Lal: Real Invasion. But not right now.

One of my transports has an artifact!

Also... I think I see whats up with the Drones. And I though I was having starting troubles.... If that is an island like I think it is...

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 08:21:39 AM

Yeah... this is just sad. Kyrub... Scient...Buddha.. Jesus.. Tom Cruise? If a player starts in that boat he needs to beeline Centauri Ecology and Doctrine; Flexibility. There is no excuse even on Gilligan's Island to have nothing going on.

Although Mary Anne WAS hawt.

I keep imagining everytime Domai tries to build a boat to get off the isle, a fat dude in a captian's hat yells "GILLIGAN!!!" and the ship explodes.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 08:27:08 AM

Ooooo... another one.

I will cash these in immediately when the nodes at the base they end up at finish.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 08:33:27 AM

the naval battle begins.

Nonlinear Math is here, too... but she now has impact foils.

Next up, Planetary Networks and probes.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Flygon on September 26, 2012, 08:34:29 AM

I actually feel sorry for the Drones.

This seemingly happens every game I play, with them in it.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 08:50:05 AM

Quote from: Flygon on September 26, 2012, 08:34:29 AM

I actually feel sorry for the Drones.

This seemingly happens every game I play, with them in it.

It happens only to me occasionally.

Many times though with the Drones, they turn into vast infrastucture project building machines.

One game, they managed to beat me to Cloudbase Academy and Orbital Spaceflight. Then... I swear... maybe 40 sattelites! Then, the nukes poured down on Yang....

Now I do know there is another glitch with the AI, being a vassal, and a spore launcher I have seen before. It's where one spore launcher paralyzes an entire empire!

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 09:01:19 AM

Artifact #1 is cashed!

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Buster's Uncle on September 26, 2012, 01:15:32 PM

I'm a builder, so maybe it's just me, but I'd settle off that island PDQ.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 11:24:12 PM

Yeah, BU, I have been going big military. I am also a huge proponent of large air. Now my previous roommates that introduced me to AC were TOTALLY different in strategy. One was a Zak specialist who built and built. The other was a Yang ICS monster.

The sea, I was not too worried about. It is a formidable barier between me and Miriam. For now... Although i have seen AIs like Yang raise land to come get you. With Miriam's suppoert rating, she probably has swarms by now.

However, expansion will play a part in it because even when the invasion comes, I have a feeling it is going to last till Doctrine: Air Power.

Research now is Ethical Calculas to help with Lal's one weakness: ineffeciency. Planetary networks opened up the first economic choice, Planned. But, that is not what I had in mind.

I am definately going to sneak a colony onto that Island above New Jerusalem as a future airbase.

I am also looking at that landmass to the east with the minerals. Two cities have broken off to throw out colony pods just for that purpose. Impact rovers are being prototyped and a prbe foil will be cooking soon.
 

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 11:39:16 PM

More incoming. Get real. A recon rover and an impact infrantry?

Not doing so hot Naval front. Laser Foils just are not cutting it against Miriam's plasma armored impact foils. Luckily I will have some of my own out.

Oh yeah... Sea Lurks are annoying.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 11:48:43 PM

Not to ressurect a dead internet meme..

But yes, really.

I do upgrade a lone scout patrol gaurding planetary trust in case that rover has ideas about skating around UN HQ.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 26, 2012, 11:56:17 PM

Lost a synth laser infrantry against an impact squad in athe forest outside UN HQ. Had to use the ogre and it got damaged. Ill deal with the rover shortly.

I do not like Miriam infrantry outside of bases because of Miriam and infrantry's bonus to attack.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 12:13:40 AM

Zak now has Virtual World.

Artifact #2 is cashed in, but only gives me Projenator Pysh... a fairly worthless tech.

Two Plasma Impact infrantry have landed at my staging area at Humanity Base in the south. I have a bunch of syth laser squads there. Yeah, this is going to hurt.

That rover just sits there.

Come on Impact prototypes!

I may want to start building stuff with nerve gas.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 12:26:56 AM

The battle for UN Humanity base is brutal. I lost 4 Laser Squads. I moved a former in to buy time and hurried the first Impant Infrantry, who then hurt one of them severely before being destroyed.

Miriam's two heavily armored Impant Infrantry are looking hurt. Unless more lands, I should hold out.

Fortunately, next turn, an Impact Rover from Planetary Trust should be out.

I have decided against spreding south and a transport foil is en route to pick up 2 colony pods to take to one of the landmasses to the east.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 12:39:26 AM

Ethical Calculus is out. Not changing civics just yet as cash is low and I am having to rush things.

Next up will be Gene Splicing to get rid of nutrient restrictions.

Defenders at Humanity base are now a skeleton crew. But, the calvary is coming!

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 12:55:58 AM

A lone laser foil exploring far east discovered a Probe Team of Zak's. Unfortunately, sunspot activity prevents talking. I would love to hear from him to see what's up. Also, his techs!

Miriam did indeed land more troops which were dispatched by the Impact Rovers in the nick of time!

I also think I see borders of something on the eastern landmass. I may go Northeast with colony pods,

My luck.. It would be Yang! If Miriam is not bad enough.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 01:10:20 AM

Oh my.

Sunspot activity ended and I was able to talk to Zak. I sell the commlink of the Drones for a little chump change. He then asks for Proj Psych as a favor. I thought I could earn points by giving a worthless tech like that to him, so I did. However, Zak was pretty condecending and refused to trade tech and called my researchers whiney.

I talked to the drones. They offered a map for Doctine: Flexibility which i refused. At this point, I am shaking my head. DumDum Domai? Most folks would have had that by now. He also offers a treaty I turn down.

THEN.. Miriam calls up and asks me to help fight Zak even though I really have not seen any of his bases! She even offers to declare truce if I give her 50 credits. No thanks as a newly minted plasma impact foil destroys a transport of hers loaded with Impact Rovers headed to my lawn.

Sorry for no screen shots... all this diplomacy happened so fast.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Buster's Uncle on September 27, 2012, 01:11:58 AM

That last screenshot, just east of the island - that's where I would have been aiming a colony pod all along.

When you said "I moved a former in to buy time and hurried the first Impant Infrantry", I initially read that as "Implant Infantry".  Oh the jokes.  Good lord, the jokes.  ;goofy;

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 01:25:48 AM

Quote from: BUncle on September 27, 2012, 01:11:58 AM

That last screenshot, just east of the island - that's where I would have been aiming a colony pod all along.

When you said "I moved a former in to buy time and hurried the first Impant Infrantry", I initially read that as "Implant Infantry".  Oh the jokes.  Good lord, the jokes.  ;goofy;

Yeah, BU. I have city borders set up that displays red. There is something over there. But, I do not think it is Yang. I am thinking the mass to the Northeast. In fact, next turn a base will be there.

Wierd thing is this is SUPPOSED to be a low sea level map. But, so far, this is one wierd little map. Not complaining. The exploration between fighting off the Orange hordes has made things really interesting.

My keyboard on this laptop sometimes messes up. The "N" key for one. It leads to strange misspellings. Implant Infrantry :D lol.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 01:40:19 AM

A bit better picture.. Which, by the way, I know where University Base is.

What's strange is to the north of University Base is where I saw probe teams heading somewhere... that mass where Zak is may loop around.

Being this is a low sea level map, Miriam, myself, and Domai may be just some large sea that is the biggest on the planet!

I do need to see what's there. A halfway competent trading partner could turn the course of the war with Miriam.

Or it could be Yang....

I also do not know what is up with Sparta or Planet Cult.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 02:24:04 AM

Ladies and gentlemen, I should really keep my mouth shut. Remember when I talked about AIs raising terrain to build bridges to get you?

Well, take a gander...

Miriam had like 4 formers raising the Terrain. She was also offshore artillary bombarding the main force.

I can expect swarms soon...

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 02:47:53 AM

Zak called up and a round of diplomacy. At first he wanted High Energy Chemistry for a map of Drone territory. I almost spit up my coffee laughing.

Then, we agreed to trade High Energy Chemistry for Docrine: Loyalty. Might be useful for Perimeter Defenses. Bad trade, but worth it. He then offerd a treaty.

Now usually, according to some guide writers, it is not good to contact a faction twice, but I felt if I was to offer to coordinate battle plans, I might get a map out of the deal for free. But, to my shock, he wanted a pact!

So pact brothers now, we are. And... better maps.

Still no Sparta, Planet Cult, or Yang.

BU.. that red line was a sea colony of Zak's. But, that land mass is smaller than we thought. A colony is northeast, though.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 03:05:36 AM

Yang somewhere has the Command Nexus.

And, the lone Laser Foil has located a small base belonging to Santiago. It did not go well. She demanded money, then declared vendetta. At least now I know where the University probe was going.

And, oh yes.. The heathens have come calling...

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 03:15:00 AM

The first wave has been fought off with the loss of 3 Imact Speeders.

...and She raised terrain again! This makes things rough as there are now 2 possible cities I have that could be attacked.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 03:22:32 AM

Make that three. With rovers, the land is flat all the way to Planetary Trust. Fortunately, a rover saw it and stopped the blitzkrieg. Of course, after a former fell.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 03:31:55 AM

Humanity base may be fixing to be lost. 3 stacks. 3 Synth Impact rovers, 6 Plasma Impact Infrantry vesus my 4 Impact Infrantry.

The defenders at Planning Authority should hold out better.

But, if Humanity Base falls, the next line of defense will be Education Authority.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 03:47:55 AM

A quick talk with Zak gives Polymorphic Software. But artillary is not too helpful right now.

Humanity base is now in enemy hands.

Miriam offers truce for Docrine: Loyalty. Sounds tempting, but Miriam would probably take it and then go back to attacking.

By the way... NO... I am not giving up. Worst would be I still have two colonies one to the east and one northeast If things get bad.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 04:10:39 AM

Planning Authority fell and Miriam was beginning to mass outside of Education Agency.

She asked for truce for 50 energy again. I told her I could pay 20 and she accepted.

I am not sure how long it will last. She does not seem to be moving any troops away.

BUT... AC2's first AAR shall not end in defeat... for I am going to unleash chemical weapons. All future rovers and infrantry will be armed with this.

Not Lal-like? What if your way of life was threatened by a mad woman?

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 04:31:46 AM

A few turns later, Miriam and I are still at truce. Although she does keep large contingents of troops outside Education Agency.

Gene Splicing is out. Next will be Synthetic fossile Fuels.

I have also found another artifact!

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 04:42:46 AM

However, Zak calls and asks I resume the war. Which I do. Now with chemical weapon rovers!

They cleave through Miriam's troops!

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 04:51:22 AM

What a difference. Yeah, sanctions.

But, we are making a hole.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 05:10:58 AM

Like layers of an onion, my chemical troops were peeling layer after layer of Miriam's defenses of the former UN settlements. Yeah, chemicals.

But then we recieve word of this. She obliterated a base i was on the way to liberate, publicly executing 30,000!!!!!

For this, i will hunt this monster and wipe her from Planet!

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 05:37:27 AM

Zak called, and we now have Adaptive Doctrine. He also gave the commlink to Cha Dawn. We find out Cha Dawn is fairly weak and in a war with Yang somewhere. I sell him Doctrine: Loyalty for 60 to speed more production.

The Great Miriam War has see sawed yet again. After executing 30,000 Peacekeeper civilians, a large amount of defenders came in a third wave, pushing us back to Education Agency.

Also, our colony on the northeast landmass has a Spartan visitor! Not much I can do, as my hands are very full.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 05:59:05 AM

Miriam now has the Plantary Transit system in New Jerusalem.

The battle is now swinging back to my favor as the Believer troops get gassed more.

Zak gives us Optical Computers.

The lone Spartan Infrantry is just hanging at the Northeast colony. The colony will have a regular impact rover soon to take care of it. No need to gas Sparta....yet.

Oh and maybe I should present you guys the more complete world map. Yang and Cha dawn remain elusive and Zak lost a sea base to Miriam.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 06:17:43 AM

Bye Northeast Colony! One Spartan Impact turned into a bunch plus Sparta Arty.

And... another see saw back to Education Agency. Sigh.

Good thing is alien artifact #3s network node on the east island should be coming soon.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 06:33:07 AM

We now have Synthetic Fossil Fuels!

Alien Artifact #3 yielded Advanced Military Algorithms.

...and we traded a tech for Cyberethics from Zak!

Oh yeah... NE colony is lost to Sparta.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 06:55:05 AM

A foil probe team of mine snuck in and got Industrial Economics from Miriam. However, Great Zion, formerly a UN base seems to have a dozen units in it. It appears this is where each wave gathers. i steer my rovers clear of the fields in front of it and rotate my offense east.

Oh yeah, talking to Zak, we know where Yang and Cha dawn are.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 07:22:02 AM

A tactical error on my part. i rotated and completly destroyed a new city she had placed on the east coast then rode to Time of Salvation using chemicals to bring it from city size 3 or 4 to 1.

Miriam marched up with about 10 units and took Education Agency, a heavily fortified city leaving production centers vulnerable with missiles in prototype!

This war is nasty.

BTW... I do an AAR.. I NEVER RELOAD!

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 07:40:05 AM

We steal another tech from Miriam.
 I forgot to screenshot it, but it was one of the resonance armor techs.
The offensive petered off.

Offshore artillery is killing improvements.

A 4th artifact is waiting for a Node.

The defenses at the occupied Education agency are too strong!

Dark days.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: NewAgeOfPower on September 27, 2012, 07:45:53 AM

Just read all 5 pages.

Yeah, Island start, starting next to Miriam, and not a good location either. Ouch.

I used to lose 70% of my Transcend games, now I win 80% of them. I play a semi-ICS hybrid Zak. I know, it sounds weird, but it works wonders against AI!

Just don't start next to an alien faction. Hell, you can start next to Yang or Miriam, and still crush them (as long as you don't get screwed in terms of location...)

Never let Miriam or Yang out-base you, if you can help it. Drop your own trustworthiness if necessary.

Beeline Industrial Auto, always always always...

Once shooting starts, War Production > almost any other production. Its quite hilarious when you have the tech disadvantage as Zak against Miriam  :danc: and you still crush her. Then your tech skyrockets as you switch back to builder mode and have a dozen extra bases that she donated to your research cause.

Along with herself, of course.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 08:14:37 AM

Yeah, New Age. I feel it.

I did not screenshot it, but on the offensive push Miriam had 2 crawlers I killed! Might be kyrub's tinkerings with the AI.

Yeah.. I was muttering that under my breath about crawlers. I did not anticipate being way out produced and having to fight so desperately. Most of the wins with Lal on Thinker have been when I get crawlers going. I mean, I am spraying down with chemicals and still they come like roaches faster than I can spray.

Lal also does not seem to handle this kind of stuff well. I would almost had preferred Morgan or Roze! Hell, then again not even Sparta would not have issues with this start.

This is still not over, though. I am hard headed. On the eastern island, I now have three bases and it is near Zak's sea bases. Of course losing weather paradigm and HGP will suck. Then, I am looking at Naval war and a long climb back on my feet.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 08:20:09 AM

Planetary Trust has fallen.

I gas the unit that captured it bringing Trust to city size 2.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 08:28:05 AM

BUT... our heroic warriors never give up! reinforcements from UN HQ liberate it!

And a foil probe from the eastern Isle steals more tech! Adaptive Economics.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 08:37:45 AM

A network node is rushed and a new tech is discovered.

Our liberation of Planetary Trust was hallow as next turn we were crushed under Miriam's machine.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 08:51:26 AM

Our intrepid foil probe steals Industrial Automation!

Believing Forces are right outside UN HQ and knock over easily the sole defender.

Brother Lal is awoken by his honor gaurd. They load him, his family and personal aides into a secret transport to the Eastern isle to begin the process of setting up a new base.

Lal vows to return.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 09:02:46 AM

Before I press TURN COMPLETE, I wanted to go off on a little nerd rant.

I love this game. Even losing, in my mind this is like a space soap opera. A political drama, as you will.

On my hard drive, there are certainly more attractive games. I could crank up WoW. Eve is still there, too. I even have a few FPS games and other TBS games modern and classic. But THIS game is deeper than those.

Now, do not get me wrong. There are some things that could make this game better. For one thing, like Buster's Uncle, I read too much space forums and tech sites. I do not think ANY game modern or classic has ever gotten Low Earth Orbit, interplanetary (I am talking earth-moon or earth/mars), or space programs right. I will elaborate one day in another thread.

BUT.. the theatre of the mind... I am not an ego person or would give up. But this game is a novel.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 09:11:30 AM

Foil Probe has stolen doctrine: Initiative as UN HQ falls and Miriam gains control of the Weather Paradigm and HGP!

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 09:19:08 AM

UN Commerce committee has fallen.

Plus a bit of a look at eastern isle.

We got a lot of building to do to recover.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 09:25:30 AM

Equality Village is now down. Very shortly, I will be kicked out of the landmass with Miriam.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 09:30:22 AM

We are officially kicked off our lawn...

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 09:37:33 AM

Going along, trying to rebuild... then big transport..

I stand no chance...

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 09:46:42 AM

I am going to go ahead for this AAR and conceed defeat.

Funny thing, I have never seen an AAR or LP except one where the player lost.

Yeah... only one. There is a guy on youtube called GrimithR that one time did an alien xfire game with 2 of his custom factions. He got stomped by Marr.

But, if you always won, would it be any fun?

Lessons:
1. Starting on an island next to Miriam sucks.
2. IA probably was needed a bit quicker.
3. Never give up. Sore losers really suck in games. Its the reason I rarely multiplay these TBS games. I played with some real emo ragers several times with other TBS games. Not to mention quitters.

Hope you enjoyed it.

Do not worry. I am hard headed. I might start another AAR so you can laugh at my noobishness!

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: sisko on September 27, 2012, 10:08:52 AM

Quote from: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 09:46:42 AM

Hope you enjoyed it.

it was an ejoyable experience, even though you lost to the AI.
looks like kyrub did a great job at boosting their abilities.  :hunter:
thanks a lot for taking the time to write ac2's first AAR.  i hope there are many more to come!
we need content in here and this is definitely content.  ;b;

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 10:30:07 AM

Quote from: sisko on September 27, 2012, 10:08:52 AM

Quote from: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 09:46:42 AM

Hope you enjoyed it.

it was an ejoyable experience, even though you lost to the AI.
looks like kyrub did a great job at boosting their abilities.  :hunter:
thanks a lot for taking the time to write ac2's first AAR.  i hope there are many more to come!
we need content in here and this is definitely content.  ;b;

Yeah, Sisko. The Kyrub enhancements are no joke. These guys use crawlers and condensors. Only thing is before Kyrub disappeared was that he was in the process of teaching them boreholes. The AI of this mod is nasty indeed.

I have heard the SMAC 444 version is worse since he did not put ALL the improvements in for SMAX. I heard in vanilla, the AIs are cutthroat with that.

But the SMAX version is rough as it is. I have seen with this mod a Domai with 40 sattellites and nukes. I have seen a Deidre with crawlers on condensors and huge cities. Not to mention a Cha Dawn come at me with 10 stacks of mindworms that took a quarter of my empire till I hit back with needlejets!

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Buster's Uncle on September 27, 2012, 12:39:17 PM

 :1st: :clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap:

Quote from: Green1 on September 27, 2012, 09:02:46 AM

Before I press TURN COMPLETE, I wanted to go off on a little nerd rant.

I love this game. Even losing, in my mind this is like a space soap opera. A political drama, as you will.

On my hard drive, there are certainly more attractive games. I could crank up WoW. Eve is still there, too. I even have a few FPS games and other TBS games modern and classic. But THIS game is deeper than those.

Now, do not get me wrong. There are some things that could make this game better. For one thing, like Buster's Uncle, I read too much space forums and tech sites. I do not think ANY game modern or classic has ever gotten Low Earth Orbit, interplanetary (I am talking earth-moon or earth/mars), or space programs right. I will elaborate one day in another thread.

BUT.. the theatre of the mind... I am not an ego person or would give up. But this game is a novel.

Yeah; I strongly maintain that what makes this game special is the creative stuff. 

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: NewAgeOfPower on September 27, 2012, 04:45:54 PM

I will say, I usually play on largish maps, with 30-50% water to avoid getting island-locked. I play with high Native live to punish myself, of course.

Other than the critical SP/Research Base, I'd recommend packing your other bases pretty tightly, semi-ICS style. And then with some nice IndAuto make 2-4 crawlers at each city- depending on who are you starting next to.

I don't know if this works well for Lal, but it works wonders for my Zak play.

Yeah, this game is definitely the best Civ type game I've seen. Definitely one of the deepest, most replayable games...

But there are dozens of games that deserve a remake/sequel/something that haven't. Still, hope springs eternal.

Title: Re: A Let's Play of SMAX
Post by: Green1 on September 28, 2012, 07:01:08 AM

Quote from: NewAgeOfPower on September 27, 2012, 04:45:54 PM

I will say, I usually play on largish maps, with 30-50% water to avoid getting island-locked. I play with high Native live to punish myself, of course.

Other than the critical SP/Research Base, I'd recommend packing your other bases pretty tightly, semi-ICS style. And then with some nice IndAuto make 2-4 crawlers at each city- depending on who are you starting next to.

I don't know if this works well for Lal, but it works wonders for my Zak play.

Yeah, this game is definitely the best Civ type game I've seen. Definitely one of the deepest, most replayable games...

But there are dozens of games that deserve a remake/sequel/something that haven't. Still, hope springs eternal.

Hey, high native life is not punishment, it's fun and adds even more tension to early game! I am a huge advocate of high native life. SMAX haters, the spore launchers and towers add a lot. Native life in AC make the barbs in the civ series look like wusses (of course, with the exception of 1BCCiv's occasional Large map 4 civ, raging barbs, classical start maps they had years back for Civ 4)

Sequel, I agree. But, I am thinking we are borderline abandonware. I am also not sure if Reynolds did something some would be pleased. There was a interview on Apolyton where it would go towards Civ 4 unit promotion and eliminate unit workshop. Also, did you know the extensive terraforming (land up/down) almost did not make it in and NO civ game has ever reintroduced that feature? It was almost implied that the feature would not make the cut, either under a Civ 5 style system. Oh yeah, can you say DLC Steam packs for SMAX factions like the Pirates or Aki or Roze. Also, Reynolds talked about Civ 4/5 unique units/ unique buildings per faction for a possible AC2 in addition to 86ing terrain and unit workshop. Do not worry, though. Reynolds won't get his hands on it any time soon. The only thing i could see that would make it rock is if it is developed like Stardock's Fallen Enchantress where they bring in established fan figures like Scient or Kyrub and develop hand in hand with the community. However, unlike Stardock and the original WoM debacle, it is not done till done. publishers be damned.