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I have been wondering about the technology tree in Moon Base Eridani and have come to the conclusion that giving a branching tree to unlock the core buildings is not going to work as the progression of what you need for what is too linear for it to be fun. (Only four or five branches with a scattering of extras)

However, I do want to put the technology tree back in and was thinking of having it as upgrades rather than strictly new buildings. There would be some unique structures in the tree, but most of the technologies would be things that make everything else better. For example a technology to unlock the upgraded types of wires; one to increase the effectiveness of solar panels; one to make height a factor in happiness for apartments and complexes etc.

These would be in addition to technologies that unlock the various vehicles in the game and special buildings.

In terms of unlocking new upgrades, I was thinking that I would use the tested technique of giving one upgrade point for completing a story mission, with extra points coming from 'special' objectives and secrets.

During the sandboxes there would be upgrades to unlock as you increase the size of your colony, effectively making sandboxes completely separate to the main game.

The point idea is like that of Hegemonia right? Please don't! DX

Just let us build some labs, and we chose, and during campaign we have some areas hidden/locked (So we don't see that end tech that moves planets from day one for example.)

You could add many researches that just boost something, 10% laser power/range, double area of effect, etc.
There are many times of trees to inspire from,
Distant Worlds had one massive one that was awesome.
Galactic Civilizations had a more linear one, with several subtrees for each type of research.
master of Orion just gave us some randomized techs for each branch and we had to chose.

sins of a solar empire has a tech tree like you are sescribing eldian.

there are 6 trees each split into between 1 aqnd 3 sub trees. some techs unlock new units others improve already exsisting units. to get higher technologys requires more labs.

Damn, I can't find Eldian's post about "hating the technology style of Sins."

I guess the issue I have is when the player is focusing on a single colony rather than a vast empire, these eon spanning tech trees from first space flight to anti-matter an quasitron drives don't really fit. I am sure I can implement a great tech tree in LOA3 where it would fit much better. My personal favourite was always MasterOfOrion 1.

While I don't hate the Sins tree, it is too simple and small for my likes.

sod it just rip off moon tycoon and give it the enmhanced graphics and a better storyline. hay presto you have a game.

Just invent cold fusion, set it's value to infinite, and you've got money!

Please do that! I loved that game. XD