i am used to twitchy RTS games like WC, C&C and SC -- this is my first slower RTS and my first 4X game. i was really excited about the concept but i have had a hard time getting into the game...
it seems too easy... and like playing a chess game against a slow opponent who refuses to yield... the game seems "decided" hours before it actually ends...
Well, Sins definitely isn't a twitchy RTS, and it is more like a chess game, so you're right there.
a game against one normal AI on the random-small map takes me about 2.5 hours to play... is that normal?
Starting off.. probably. I would say it's pretty easily possible to win a random-small in about an hour if you play to win quickly.
what is the quintessential SOASE game? should i be playing larger maps with many opponents? smaller maps with a harder AI? any tips on how i can find a path through the game that will entertain me...
This really varies, so it's kind of hard to answer. Multiplayer is faster than single player, so that's an option if you want action quicker. Playing harder AI will definitely help keep things challenging. But the game isn't really designed for 1v1 against AIs, it's more for throwing a bunch of AIs and either going FFA (unlocked teams) where you and the AIs fully use diplomacy and bounties or locking teams (which eliminates diplomacy). Myself, I tend to load up Random Huge (Multi), stick 9 unfair AIs on FFA and go to town. These games take a while, but they are fun.
Eventually they do get to a point where you know you can't lose so you're just playing mop-up. The AIs do surrender early at times, but it's usually still pretty late in the mop-up process.
ALSO: it's very unclear to me what the different things in the tech tree do... i have been avoiding looking online b/c i like to discover that stuff for myself... but the pace and scope of the game make me wonder whether the feedback loop is tight enough for me to really learn the value of these techs on my own... what do you guys think? should i just look a tech tree up online and learn how these techs actually affect the game? or do you think it is more fun to derive their value through trial and error?
There really isn't much trial and error needed with techs. Most of them have pretty good descriptions that tell you what they do. Their worth for you you'll only find by trying them out. In longer games, you research everything anyway because you can (have enough time and money), but in short games or MP, tech choices can make or break it. Are there any techs in particular that you find confusing?
