Precursor settings for new games (QOL, challenge and fairness)

[Tannhäuser Cake]

Not too long ago, we got a setting for choosing the endgame crisis. Considering that development, and the impact that precursors have on a game, it would seem reasonable to also allow us a similar option for them, at least in single-player games. When a player really wants a specific precursor, it can be a choice as important for their intended gameplay as their chosen Origin, but the game currently forces them to restart over and over until they get the precursor they need. Needless to say, restart scumming can be a very frustrating experience that harms the enjoyment of the game. From a game balance perspective, allowing us to pick a precursor in the new game settings would not make the game easier (when compared to the restart scumming already available).

However, one aspect that has not been discussed as much is that some may prefer to play with no precursors at all, in both single- and multi-player games. The way the precursors are currently implemented, they are restricted to human players only. The immense rewards received from finishing some of the precursor quests can completely tilt the game in the player's favour, making the outcome of the game a foregone conclusion. Playing as the only empire with access to precursors can feel like cheating against the AI, and playing with precursors disabled can offer a greater challenge and satisfaction. Similarly, players may prefer to disable the precursors in multi-player games for the sake of fairness.*

Suggested precursor settings:

• Random (same as now)
• Disabled (no precursor for anyone)
• Specific precursor (at least for single-player games)
  • Yuht Empire
  • Vultaum Star Assembly
  • First League
  • Irassian Concordat
  • Cybrex
  • Baol
  • Zroni

* at least until such a time that we get a next-level precursor system where the AI can participate, where all precursor chains are simultaneously open to all empires, and where empires can choose to cooperate in precursor quests - or something like that

 

[Ninjamestari]

The precursors might need a tad of rebalancing if one is allowed to choose their own, but other than that, especially for single player purposes, I'd like to have this option.

 

[Ohirra]

It's a quality of life improvement if nothing else. Sometimes it feels like I spend more time restarting a game than playing a new one.

 

[Ninjamestari]

It's a quality of life improvement if nothing else. Sometimes it feels like I spend more time restarting a game than playing a new one.

Yeah, don't do that, it'll teach your brain to think in a VERY unproductive manner that will eventually spill over to your real life in small and insidious ways.

 

[Me_]

Sounds simple and reasonable. Rather than balance, I would argue that they feel a bit too repetitive at this point. Maybe it is time to add one or two more.