Espionage Tree?

from GalCiv3 Forums

I was posting something in another thread about boarding parties and had a thought about espionage.

What if there was some sort of Espionage Tree. This is a fleeting idea that may not be a very good one - but whenever I play GalCiv2 and other games like it I feel kinda disconnected from the espionage. You activate it and something happens every now and then - it's not very engaging.

What if there was a Espionage Tree for each alien race that had branching paths you could send each of your spies down. This tree could contain all the basic empire stuff one would want to know as well as some wild cards that are specific to the infiltrated empire/current game. Each new tree branch could contain risk factors and variables that you can weigh before deciding to proceed. Some worse than others. This tree could potentially not only contain gathering of info but contain actions as well (i.e. plant evidence to frame the Drengins for stealing from the Korx, destroy a mining facility and make it look like an accident).

I think this could bring structure and better management to the espionage system. I love the new Ideology Tree and feel the use of these trees helps the player focus and see the bigger picture.

Thoughts?

2,016 views 5 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv3 Forums Top

If something like this is implemented, could it be optional for lower skill levels? It sounds like a major game element that may take time to learn how to deal with.

This may also be a good idea for any major part of any game like the GC series that has a lot of major parts.

Reply #2 from GalCiv3 Forums Top

Quoting Lucky, reply 1

If something like this is implemented, could it be optional for lower skill levels? It sounds like a major game element that may take time to learn how to deal with.

This may also be a good idea for any major part of any game like the GC series that has a lot of major parts.
End of Lucky's quote

 

I think it would be alot easier for lower skill levels (like myself lol). I suppose it could be automated if you didn't want to deal with it. But you just pick from a chart/tree which things you would like your spy to focus on next.

Elemental: Reforged
Reply #3 from GalCiv3 Forums Top

Quoting AuraBoy, reply 2
I think it would be alot easier for lower skill levels (like myself lol). I suppose it could be automated if you didn't want to deal with it. But you just pick from a chart/tree which things you would like your spy to focus on next.
End of AuraBoy's quote

One of the things I find overwhelming about a game I am new to is how to use (exploit?) the many differing mechanics of the game. While I am not advocating a "tutorial" (I have found these to be much too brief and incomplete to learn any more than the bare rudiments of a game) I think switches at lower skill levels that would allow newbies to practice some of the more difficult aspects of a complex game in isolation from the other aspects would be a big aid in learning the game. If GC3 was the first to do something like this, I think it would most certainly increase the fan base quickly,

Please note that I am not talking about turning on or off victory conditions. Those are at a much higher level than I am thinking about.

 

Wow. Trying to think of examples of what I am trying to get at is driving me bonkers. Does anyone else feel that some mid-level game learning assistance would be useful and have any ideas of what it might look like?

Reply #4 from GalCiv3 Forums Top

Hmmm...

Reply #5 from GalCiv3 Forums Top

Quoting DARCA1213, reply 4

Hmmm...
End of DARCA1213's quote

Thought provoking post DARCA.

 

Anyway, this is an interesting idea. Paul has said they have big plans for espionage, which is why it won't be in the base game. I'd be interested to know what they are thinking. I completely agree that espionage is often too passive, and usually doesn't pay off for the resources required. I like the idea of having your spies working toward specific goals rather than a generic "espionage level."