Lets compare map setups for the best "star system" variety

Come in and share your favorite setups!

from GalCiv2 Forums
I've been testing a whole lot of medium map games to try and find some that have the greatest variety of solar systems i.e. Stars with 1-4 planets instead of just five or zero.
I'm sure there are others out there that have already refined their game setups for larger maps (and smaller) and I'd really love to get your feedback. After all, I can't do it myself, as there are over 56,250 variations to choose from (956,250 combinations if you consider that the # of races and minor races make a difference). This will also help new players zero in quickly on the game-type that will suit their interest most.

For myself, I like stars with the most variety possible. Maybe 10% starts with no planets, and the remaining start having an equal distribution of 1 to 5 planets.

So please list your own (just copy/paste what you see below, then write in the setting used in the space underneath it). Then describe your results.

1. Galaxy Size:

2. Habitable Planets:

3. Number of Planets:

4. Number of Stars:

5. Star Density:

6. Total # of Opponents (minor & major races):
6,019 views 7 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
OK, I'll start:

1. Galaxy Size:
Medium

2. Habitable Planets:
Rare

3. Number of Planets:
Occasional

4. Number of Stars:
Common

5. Star Density:
Scattered

6. Total # of Opponents (minor & major races):
2

With only 2 opponents, this yielded a very nice selection of star systems. I had a few with 0, and a couple with 1, 2, 3, & 4. Slightly less than half of the star systems had 5 planets.
Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Here's mine:

. Galaxy Size:
large/v. large

2. Habitable Planets:
common

3. Number of Planets:
common

4. Number of Stars:
abundant

5. Star Density:
Scattered

6. Total # of Opponents (minor & major races):
8 (yeah, I love them long games!)

The setup I just mentioned will basically assure that you get a rather crowed, yet manageable galaxy. Not too big, not too tiny, just nice. It might take a while to finish though...
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Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Mine:

1. Galaxy Size: gigantic

2. Habitable Planets: common

3. Number of Planets: abundant

4. Number of Stars: abundant

5. Star Density: scattered

6. Total # of Opponents: 8 minor & 8 major races

8. abundant anomolies & asteroids

9. tech trading: OFF

10: Tech Speed: Very Slow

I like long, epic games wher the techs last longer due to research speed.
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
1. Galaxy Size: Gigantic

2. Habitable Planets: Abundant

3. Number of Planets: Common

4. Number of Stars: Occasional

5. Star Density: Scattered

6. Total # of Opponents: Max

8. Abundant Anomolies & Asteroids

9. Tech Trading: On

10. Blind Exploration: On

11. Tech Speed: Slow

12. Allow Surrender: Off

That's my current game. I turned anomalies and asteroids down to minimum (to reduce visable clutter) and did a lot of Ctrl+U and Ctrl+N on maps as I changed the options and see what affect it has on map generation. With the above settings, there is a good selection of useful planets without the "planet spam" that abundant everything gives you. The important thing is to look at the AI too and not just your own little corner of the galaxy. You don't want a setup where more then 1-2 of them are starved for worlds while others get a purple star with a Class 26 in there starting sphere of influence. Once I was happy, I went back, set anomalies and asteroids back to abundant and started playing on the next map I got.

I leave tech trading on, because there are times it's helpful. I'd recommend leaving it on unless you can't stop yourself from taking advantage of the AI (especially if you have Super Diplomats.)

I used to leave blind exploration off, but then I saw Frogboy comment in another thread that effectively, it's always on for the AI. I turned off surrenders because I got sick of the way the AI decided who to surrender to. You should only be allowed to surrender to an ally, or someone you are at war with.
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I decided to test something:

If you run the following map setup:

1. Galaxy Size:
Huge

2. Habitable Planets:
Abundant

3. Number of Planets:
Rare

4. Number of Stars:
Common


You end up with nearly all the stars had no planets period. Maybe you all knew this already, but number of planets trumps habitable planets. I thought maybe they ran independant before.
Reply #6 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
1. Galaxy Size: Gigantic

2. Habitable Planets: Rare

3. Number of Planets: Rare

4. Number of Stars: Rare

5. Star Density: Tight Clusters

6. Total # of Opponents (minor & major races): 9 major, 8 Minor

This really doesn't give you a very good planet variety. But I like the feel of the game, as it gives it a big empty space feel. Engines and life support really play a huge role in this type of game. The AI isn't the best at it, but I like it.
Reply #7 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I don't understand why you'd end up with poor planet variety? Is it becase stars are rare too? And are almost all the found planets habiable?