Buying Extra Strength Production

[KGB]

This request is something I've wanted for a long time and others have asked about it as well.

I'd like the ability to buy extra strength production. Something along the following lines:

+1 strength for +25 gold
+2 strength for +50 gold
+3 strength for +100 gold

where the gold needed is cumulative so to get +2 strength you'd need to spend 75 gold and +3 you'd need to spend 175 gold. For 3+ turn units that cost can double (+50, +100, +200).

This would only be available when you actually buy new production in the city (not later as an upgrade). So when you click to buy a Lt Infantry for 100 you'd see options to add extra +1 strength for 25 gold, +2 strength for 75 gold and +3 strength for +175 gold. This can be something as simple as radio buttons on the 'buy' screen showing 10 strength - 100 gold, 11 strength - 125 gold, 12 strength - 175 gold, 13 strength - 275 gold.

Neutral city army production can also be potentially randomized to give extra production strength with a formula something like 50% - normal, 30% - +1 strength, 15% - +2 strength, 5% - +3 strength.

This would bring Warbarons into line with all prior warlords games where extra strength production was possible on units.

KGB

[LPhillips]

How practically useful do you see this being?

I have a tough time gauging it, except that it's obviously a potential game-changer on small or poor maps.

[KGB]

LPhillips,

As you noted it all depends on the game.

In some larger FFA/Team games I end up with fewer cities but lots of gold and no way to spend it on more/better units because I lack cities. This would let you buy slightly better units with your gold. In another game maybe you will decide to spent a bit more on your Spider and instead forgo a Pikemen for Lt Infantry. Other times you'll spend nothing on stronger units.

Obviously a side benefit is that it's one more thing that renders all the battle calculators a little less useful since you won't know the units strengths if they are hidden.

KGB