Number of turns important?

from Elemental Forums

So I know the importance of turns when building or training units, and moving around the map, but in the grand scheme of things or the big picture, does the number of turns matter?  What I mean is, is it a point of the game to win a game in a lower number of turns, or does the number of turns that a game lasts not really matter?

I don't have too much experience with turn based games with the exception of turn based RPGs on the DS.  I have briefly played HoMM5 and a bit of Civ, so I understand the mechanics of TBS games, but even in them I often wonder if I should be hurrying to do certain stuff because of the number of turns that has passed by.  Or can I just casually and relaxingly play the game, and not worry about the eventual number of turns that has passed, or how many a game might last through?

elemental
10,110 views 4 replies
Reply #1 from Elemental Forums Top

In 4x games number of turns is very important, especially from a conquest POV because:

1) you want to conquer the enemy before he conquers you

2) you want to build a stronger army faster than your opponent, otherwise you'll lose against a competent opponent

3) you want to research that advanced tech that gives you a bigger military advantages over your opponent first, or get crushed if he develops it first.

I'm a strategy game player and less a RPG'er so my answers are based on my own 4x strategy & wargame experience. "Timing" is always a critical factor in strategy games. Of course the AI is incredibly weak in this game so it doesn't matter too much, but if you plan on playing multiplayer you'd do better to move fast or you'll lose.

As far as level of victory points is determined in this game, I have no idea. Most strategy games reward you with more points the faster you can win, but typically give more points for other things (population size, # cities controlled, AIs vanquished, etc..)

Reply #2 from Elemental Forums Top

I personally relax and let things unfold. However, I never go a turn without actually doing/planing something.

Ashes of the Singularity II
Reply #3 from Elemental Forums Top

I find myself torn in two.  To "win" you have to 'conquer' the universe (World), etc.

However, i elos enjoy building, creating, etc.  Sometimes, it is fun to juts look at how my people have changed the face of EWoM's current world.  Very early, walking down those unexplored valleys is a journey, and fun.

 

I wish the game had more ot that in it.  But it is, in the final analysis, a 4X, and conquering (forging alliances, etc) is part of it.

Reply #4 from Elemental Forums Top

Upgrades that improve turnaround time on unit and city/planet/nation enhancement building are typically the most important thing to focus on in 4X games. That way when the idiot AI throws 800,000 complete rookie canon fodder units at you, you can start cranking out the ultra elite adamantium halfling slingers just fast enough to eradicate them without a scratch and then wipe out their now-completely undefended towns. My impression of Stardock is that they do a better job of making you balance your strategies a bit but I'm not sure this game is there yet from what I'm reading. 'Meh, I'll probably pick up a copy today anyway.