The importance of relationships....how great?

from Stardock Forums
I've found in my last few games I care less and less about what other races think of me if I'm not going for a Cultural or Diplomatic victory. It seems to matter far more how my military stands. If my Military rating is high, then no one dares bully me even if they hate my guts. If my Military rating blows, then even my best buds will be knocking on my door asking for tribute now and then. I have noticed that those that hate me ask for tribute more often than those who don't, but my point is that in any game where I plan on being a front runner in military strength, relationships seem to be of little value. To be honest I haven't even really see them affect diplomatic trades much if at all.

I'd like, at the very least, to see relationships have a greater effect on trade negotiations. An AI that hates you should ask for an arm and a leg for a good technology, and an AI that loves you should be willing to part with the same tech much cheaper.

Maybe I undervalue the importance of good relations...but it seems to me that being Mr. Nice is far less effective than just having a good military to back you up. Feedback?
113 views 2 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top
Well, it's a question of can you be the military leader? If you can, great, you're right, then you get to play America where if diplomatic negotiations go your way, great, if not, oh well, do what you want anyway. But if you can't, those relations become very important. I have gotten through weak starts many times because stronger friendly races kept gifting me with ships while I was being bullied.
Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top
I've yet to have ships gifted to me by AI friendlies unless:

1. I'm already at war.
2. I'm at war with the most powerful AI race at the moment.

I've also received ships as gifts from neutral AIs under these conditions, so again I haven't personally found relationships to be highly crucial...but it would seem your experiences have differed. Thanks for the feedback.
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