(Optionally) Randomize research every game to improve replay-ability. Research pack components would be randomized ("shuffled') during game generation.
Constraints
- Components should be based purely on total time required to obtain resources and craft the items, within a range based on difficulty. Sum([Time to mine + time to craft]) > minimum & < maximum
- Components for the next tier need to be available to the player in the current tier
- Components must be the same for all players
- Science pack components should not be visible in the research tree: they should only be revealed once researched.
Variations
- Difficulty - Low / Medium / Hard / Custom - Min and max time range for required research packs change based on difficulty settings
- Reusable "seed" to replay specific configurations
Considerations
- Choosing the components based purely on time allows components added by mods to be included.
- Optional flag should be added to item class prevent a mod'ed item from being included as a research pack component.
- Research pack components should be generated when the first player researches the pack, to prevent other mods from "peeking" at all of the components (cheating)
Overview
So the game mostly revolves around research. I realized with the research revolution that everything I think I know about a good factory design is going to be worthless. I'll be forced to rethink all of my optimized layouts. It would be like playing a whole new game. Then I realized, this should be how EVERY game should be!
At some point you're going to master the perfect factory and the game will lose its novelty. Different research pack components means a different factory each time.
Especially with respect to multiplayer, it reinforces the premise of strategy which is that the fastest or smartest player doesn't necessarily win, but the one most able to adapt his strategy to changing requirements.
Well before I'm at science pack #3, I'm ramping up circuits in anticipation for the next pack. You can't do this if you don't know what you need for your next pack, which adds to the challenge.
I'll probably create a mod if this doesn't pick up official support. If you like the idea, please post a reply so I know. The more popular the idea, the more likely I'll dedicate some time to coding it
