multi-play, balance or stock?

i have a game of each going right now

I too have Stock and Bmod games on the go. Balance mod seemed to be the way to go from what I read on the forum. After playing both I now prefer the stock game. Ship designs don’t run out so quickly. I think they go to level three in Bmod, ten in stock. A lot of tech runs out quickly in Bmod. The AI may be better in Bmod but I don’t play solitaire, only multi human players. So the AI is just a side show for me. So all in all I have picked the stock game over Bmod.

Caius

I'm with you totally on the AI comment, Caius...I don't play much single player either, as SEV excels as a multiplayer game.

Having said that, some of the statements above are subject to game setup conditions. What tech cost is specified in the game setup, for example, will play a major role in how fast and furious the tech changes come; number and quality of starting planets could play a role also. "Low" tech cost could very well lead to tech coming too fast and furious for some folks' taste. Set tech cost to "high", and combine that with BM's larger increases in capabilities with individual tech levels, and I don't think I'd agree that tech "runs out quickly". I count myself as one who prefers somewhat fewer levels that individually carry a little more weight as in BM. Toss in "high" tech cost in the game setup to keep the pace reasonable, and it works out great.

While I have to confess that I have not played much stock, from the amount I have played, I prefer Balance Mod. Weapon damages, armor and shield progressions, facility capabilities, etc., all just seem to meld together better. BM has evolved based on playing experience into a...well, "balanced" overall setup. I'm not so sure that the stock game variables have changed significantly since the game was released, though I do recall seeing a few items in the patch summaries. MM has put out a great product IMHO, but usually the guy doing the coding is not the best candidate for refining game variables.

To the original poster, try them both, see which you prefer, and run with it...you'll have fun either way, I'm sure. I just wanted to put in a plug for the Balance Mod.

HI

If you want you can join my new stock game "Clash of the Titans"
See PBW site