Chapter 3: R &
D
Discover
Discover research leads to bigger and better engines for your military
units which, in turn, increases the rate at which you can move your units.
Additionally, the field of Discover opens the gateway to such advanced
projects as orbital spaceflight and the incredibly powerful weapon, the
planet buster.
The first few levels of Discover
research are critical in the early goings of the game, but as it progresses,
advancements become more elusive because further research into other categories
will be required.
Biogenetics (D1)
Biogenetics is a vital technology, especially if your new city is struggling
for a growth rate. One of the earliest base improvements you can build
to pump up your nutrient intake is the recycling plant. The only way to
gain access to this improvement is through researching Biogenetics, which
not only lets you build a recycling plant at any base, but opens the door
to the secret project The Human Genome Project.
Secrets of the Human Brain
(D2)
After you've researched Biogenetics, Secrets of the Human Brain will be
the next available path. Secrets of the Human Brain allows for greater
defense against mind worms and psi combat, but you also get a free technological
discovery. Considering the time involved in researching new technologies,
gaining a freebie should not be underestimated. Anything you can do to
increase your knowledge without investing valuable time is a great benefit
to your empire. It's for this reason that you should do everything possible
to make sure you are the first to research this topic.
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TIP
The first faction to research Secrets of the Human
Brain gains the added bonus of a free technological discovery!
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Build
The Build category of research opens the door to outfitting your military
units with armor and leads to a whole host of improvements that will benefit
your base. Base research should be conducted as early as possible, especially
if you feel threatened by a rival faction. Without armor, your units are
doomed to obliteration on the battlefield!
Industrial Base (B1)
Once researched, you can outfit your military units with synthmetal armor,
increasing their defense against attack. Additionally, you'll open the
door to the secret project The Merchant Exchange, a valuable item for
generating more energy at the base in which it is built.
Industrial Economics (B2)
For the energy hungry, Industrial Economics is an absolute must. This
technology will let you build an energy bank at any base, increasing the
economy by 50 percent. Additionally, you can then shape your political
structure into a free market economy that will enhance your cash flow
at the risk of irritating the Planet. Social engineering is explained
in detail in Chapter 5.
Next: Conquer
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