1) Given that you are going to amp up the exploration phase; consider a sandbox mode that lets you play without other races. This would be a good way to transition newbies into the game in a less intense way. 2) A similar concept would be an economic only game that would have other races but no military action. It could be another evolutionary step for the newbie to slowly introduce more of the game concepts.Depending on the depths of the economic system, it could be an interesting game in its on right.
It should still stay in the Moo2 2 context but perhaps provide richer details in the trading including deciding what exotics to trade and to whom.Techs could open up levels of complexity in trading and possibly ship design could be used to improved trading vessels.
I like the concept, but maybe it could be implimented by Entering the Game as a Neutral Faction, where all Factions Respect your Neutrality, Mainly because you are an Explorer, Trading, or Financial Power House. All the elements of the Game Swirl around you, as you go about your business. Watching an Learning the Who, What, and Why, that Drives the other Factions motivations. As you interact with them while Exploreing, Trading, or Backing them with Resources. So you become the Power behind the Curtain, so to speak, of the Universe. Once again proving that Knowledge is Power.
Staroid -- an interesting variation and one that would also introduce newbies to the game in a less competitive way.
For 1), imagine a game (or game mode) where everything is exactly the same as MoO 2 but AI can't colonize and maybe be forbidden to use thorium fuel (unlimited range). Sort of like city states in Civ 5. That way the player would not be in danger of getting exterminated by AI while still have an opportunity to interact with them.
Ivan -- nice variation to not having AI races at all. It allows the new user to learn even more about the game without the intensity of AI always attacking you. But I wouldn't limit it to just Moo2 features but also include the new bits since they need to learn that also.
This right here ( /\ op ) is where this game could shine, set it apart from all others. what the op suggests is game play set up options this where the future lies!
Please tell me the 4X where getting exterminated by the AI is an issue, because I want to play it !! In my experience, passive AI is the biggest problem with almost all 4X games. It is quite common, even on games hardest difficulties, that a strategy of fast early expansion, completely neglecting military, overwhelms the AI, as it does not punish you for this when it has the chance
Dominus Galaxia (shameless promotion) I too was never completely defeated by AI in mainstream 4Xes but before DSL internet I had a number of MoO 1 sessions I've abandoned because there was no hope of pushing back impossible difficulty AI.
