Re: Galaxy variations From: mike@geophys.hokudai.ac.jp (Mikhail A. Menshov) Date: Fri, 14 Jun 1996 00:00:00 +0000 I am very glad my small remark sparked such a lively burst of Galaxy-connected discussions recently Well, after reading some of the follow-ups I feel I must reiterate my position, which I first thought was obvious enough not to require much explanation. I repeat once again that some "minor" changes may alter a game to the extent when it no longer remains the same game in spite of it's semblance with the original. One must be particularily careful with things that influence the process of transformation and balance of power during the game, because it can make the victory either too precipitous or virtually impossible. Galaxy has been long tested and adjusted to be intensly competitive from the very beginning through the end. Because advantages/disadvantages of various patterns of actions are excellently balanced and it is very difficult (but finally possible) to gain a lead. Are variations possible? Of course. Look at the Blind galaxy, which is clearly distinct from the conventional game (and hence it's different "brand" name). But it doesn't change basic principles of Galaxy. I can be mistaken, but I think, for the same reason that bycicles are no longer invented today. Now about the shortcomings of the game that the new improvements are intended to eliminate. The initial distribution: not a bad idea at all and experiments are quite possible here. I must even admit, I would gladly play in a Galaxy where, for example each player has a few planets distributed in a way that each one has different players as it's neighbours. But will "fairer" distributions of the planets be critical for the game? No. There are too many other accidental factors involved and so far as any player has a chance to win, any distribution will do. (And BTW, two "bycicles" are already invented: "elliptical" and "toroid" galaxies) What is the main shortcoming of the Galaxy, though? Of course the fact that many players are kicked out at the early stage. But if you come to think about it, there is NO other way to let the strongest fight each other is the end. Those who don't like this are just not encouraged to play, and I personally don't see the third way. Stimulating alliances (in whatever form) will only lead to a situations where more independent players are eliminated early in the game, later on alliances with only a few members are wiped out and finally all the game is reduced to competition in numbers, not in skill and daring. I saw some of Frans's improvements to be directed at both disbalancing the game and changing it's "individualistic" nature. And that was the point of my original posting in spite of the fact that I have failed to make it clear in my rush. I do admit that I was unjustifiably rude towards Frans, but it doesn't mean that my remark was groundless Now Jacco <jacko@jacobean.demon.co.uk> writes: >>Good luck in your searches, but none of the latest new ideas has >>impressed me as something good for the game;-) > >Who do you think you are? GOD? On the contrary. I am a Galaxy fan and I try to protect it from what I see as and arbitrary modifications exceeding reasonable limits which in my opinion must exist. It was Frans and you that have been slightly carried away after discovering that it is possible to change the game in whatever way you like. I think you must have felt God-like when you discussed new improvements (and "improvements" too);-) I still maintain that there must be some respect for the game and those many people who carefully created it (in spite of the fact that authors may even encourage modifications) That is why I suggest that creating a different game would be better then altering the existing one in this case. I think my remarks would not call such a sharp reaction on your part were there not at least a grain of truth in it-:) And of course I never thought it is possible ever to stop such experiments:-/ But I want and will argue about principles of modifications, because it is my right as one of the players. Having said what I said I won't intrude into this thread any longer. Do it the way you like guys, and have fun. Frans, I apologize one again for offending you. My tongue is a bad and an ugly one sometimes, but only because I am "carried away" too. See you all in new games some day Mike Referenced By Up