Birth of the Federation

gameleaper · November 20, 2014, 11:14:49 AM

I saw Birth of the Federation AAR on the grog main page, I have seen stuff about it before but never looked into it, but I would like to

bbmike · November 20, 2014, 11:19:45 AM

bbmike patiently waits for Martok to show up... 8)

bbmike · November 20, 2014, 11:24:18 AM

Actually gameleaper, here's the link to a previous discussion on this!

gameleaper · November 20, 2014, 11:47:19 AM

bbmike thanks a lot!

Martok · November 20, 2014, 03:57:56 PM

Someone mentioned me? :D

Yes, I definitely recommend checking out that thread from last year (that bbmike linked to) if you haven't already. Of course, I'm also happy to answer whatever questions I can (although I should warn you that my technical knowledge is extremely limited at best).

BOTF is an old game, but if you enjoy Star Trek and strategy games to any degree, it's worth checking out IMHO.

Anguille · November 21, 2014, 03:11:24 AM

Have fun with this classic!

Shelldrake · November 21, 2014, 06:21:37 AM

Quote from: Anguille on November 21, 2014, 03:11:24 AM
Have fun with this classic!

+1 Still a great game, especially with mods.

BanzaiCat · November 21, 2014, 07:36:19 AM

BotF is a very easy game to get into. I'd played it like mad 10+ years ago and got right back into it no problem. As it stands now I only play it every several months to get the write-ups done, but for an old game it's amazing.

As they say in the other thread...if you get into it you really need to add mods to it. The "All the Ages" mod I'm running for the front page AAR is AWESOME because it is exactly what BotF should have been in the first place, chronicling the rise of the Federation from infancy to Borg. I cannot recommend it enough, though there's plenty of other mods for the game out there that are worthy as well. O0

endfire79 · November 21, 2014, 01:53:11 PM

I need serious pointers for both, I keep getting steam rolled even on small maps :)

BanzaiCat · November 21, 2014, 01:56:50 PM

Endfire, I'd recommend advancing your chosen side a bit to give you an advantage. In the start-up screen, it asks you what time period you want to start each faction. I can't recall the settings offhand, but you can advance your own faction up a notch or two. That should give you the breathing room to play around without having to worry about getting conquered too early. Then you can tone it down when you think you have the hang of it.

gameleaper · November 21, 2014, 03:38:57 PM

thanks guys ! this is a great looking 4X, Id love to see it on gog, Id buy a new updated for modern PC version.

gameleaper · November 21, 2014, 03:45:03 PM

Quote from: Martok on November 20, 2014, 03:57:56 PM
Someone mentioned me? :D

Yes, I definitely recommend checking out that thread from last year (that bbmike linked to) if you haven't already. Of course, I'm also happy to answer whatever questions I can (although I should warn you that my technical knowledge is extremely limited at best).

BOTF is an old game, but if you enjoy Star Trek and strategy games to any degree, it's worth checking out IMHO.

thamks, I like old games, they are more elegant than new over-complex games.

Martok · November 21, 2014, 04:01:42 PM

Quote from: endfire79 on November 21, 2014, 01:53:11 PM
I need serious pointers for both, I keep getting steam rolled even on small maps :)

Well you're actually more likely to get steamrolled on small maps, so first off I recommend the largest map size in whatever version you're playing (especially if it's vanilla).

Other tips (in no particular order):

Research just one field at a time. Don't split up your research points between all 6 (or even just 2) techs.

If there are any un-terraformed planets in your home system that can be terraformed (gas giants can never be), use your starting colony ship to terraform said planet(s) right away to boost your home system's maximum population.

Build enough factories (Mass Replicators if you're playing as the Federation) in your home system to employ at least half your maximum population. This will allow you to construct ships in something approximating a reasonable amount of time.

Don't bother putting any population points into intel structures (Databanks if you're playing as the Federation) until you've encountered the Cardassians, Ferengi, and/or Romulans.

When colonizing a new star system, it's generally best to found the colony ASAP. As such, you generally shouldn't bother terraforming every single planet before colonizing it. Instead, try to only terraform the "juicer" worlds -- oceanic (O-class) and jungle (L-class) planets especially, as they both have a high population/terraform-time ratio. Leave barren (J -lass) and volcanic (Y-class) planets for a second colony ship you deploy later for "follow-up" terraforming work.

I could/would add more, but I can feel the sleep meds kicking in now...

airboy · November 21, 2014, 04:19:12 PM

Is it possible to purchase this game, in a format that works on modern operating systems?

I don't want to steal it. I also don't want to fiddle a bunch to make it work on modern operating systems.

GOG really needs this title.

Anguille · November 21, 2014, 04:27:00 PM

Quote from: airboy on November 21, 2014, 04:19:12 PM
Is it possible to purchase this game, in a format that works on modern operating systems?

I don't want to steal it. I also don't want to fiddle a bunch to make it work on modern operating systems.

GOG really needs this title.

I think the cd version still works but it's almost impossible to get one....and if yes, it's way too expensive (e-bay) and so. I agree it would be nice to see it on gog.

Cheers