Humanophage
Arcane
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2005
- Messages
- 5,068
Generally, most elements in 4X strategies take a backseat to combat. For example, Dominions is really about the combat programming. AoW is chiefly about combat on the tactical map and producing units. And so on. If you compare them to grand strategies, they are the equivalent of Hearts of Iron.
What are some 4X strategies that de-prioritise combat, especially against other 'symmetrical' players? That is, if the regular 4X is HoI, what are the more holistic Victorias?
It seems that Civ and its mods are one of the few options where development and exploration are equally important. For example, Fall from Heaven 2 is truly majestic because it is a fantasy 4X that isn't just about conquest but also has good development. SMAC is more combat-oriented than Civ, but sort of fits the bill. Haven't played Imperialism II in a while, but I had the impression that it was pretty diverse in this respect. Another exception is Thea, which does have massive amounts of combat, but it is a part of exploration rather than conquest - Eador is also a bit like that, where some of the tougher fights are against NPCs.
(Bonus if it's not in space, half a bonus if it's not fantasy)
What are some 4X strategies that de-prioritise combat, especially against other 'symmetrical' players? That is, if the regular 4X is HoI, what are the more holistic Victorias?
It seems that Civ and its mods are one of the few options where development and exploration are equally important. For example, Fall from Heaven 2 is truly majestic because it is a fantasy 4X that isn't just about conquest but also has good development. SMAC is more combat-oriented than Civ, but sort of fits the bill. Haven't played Imperialism II in a while, but I had the impression that it was pretty diverse in this respect. Another exception is Thea, which does have massive amounts of combat, but it is a part of exploration rather than conquest - Eador is also a bit like that, where some of the tougher fights are against NPCs.
(Bonus if it's not in space, half a bonus if it's not fantasy)
Last edited: