Zoythrus

For the record, I wasn't talking "a mathematical formula", but more of a game design one.

10* Port gives 2* at a Custom House.

But we made Ports 5, so we couldn't give you 2 for it, since it's too easy to aquire. So we brought it down to 1*, but that was too low.

So we threw out the CH altogether

Are you implying that decorations aren't real? :P

Like a² + b² = c², but more complex.

But I'm going to respond anyway!

The difference is that now you have to fight others for it.

Starfish were used to replace Whales because we didn't like the concept of just getting a risk-free 30 stars out of thin air. Now you have to actually be there with a unit and get it before anyone else. You can even steal Starfish in someone else's borders!

Because Polytopians pilot the boat, not the Polytaurs

Who says it's the Giants who pilot the Juggernauts? They probably have a crew of sailors who get them where they need to go, and the Giant attacks nearby areas as they move.

Yes. I imagine the Polytaurs need handlers, just like the Cymanti bugs. You don't see them because they're not relevant, but that doesn't mean they're not there.

I don't think the Demons have the dexterity to be able to do so. Big hands, stiff movement, and overall, lumbering undead. I don't think they're zombies, mind you, but I also think it's far easier to just have dedicated sailors pilot the ships.

Also, they can't possess a boat. That doesn't make any sense. How unrealistic! :P

I consider the Demons to still be physical beings. Magical? Yes. Ethereal? Yes. But still physical enough to be able to slash at people and do physical damage.

Granted, they're probably a little on the stiffer side, so slashing is all they can do. :P

Yes, but like, you try using dead, shadowy hands to operate a sail. :P

The Polytaurs are decently capable of most simple tasks.

Sailing a ship is no simple task, so they need some help.

Ultimately, a lot was wrong with the old gameplay style. A lot of things were getting in the way of new development, and we had backed ourselves into a corner.

As we were developing the Ancients, we quickly learned that the gameplay leaned pretty heavily on the viability of certain techs and other things. Forest chopping is very powerful, whaling is powerful, custom houses are powerful, and instead of continually trying to bend around them, we just decided to do what needed to be done.

Ports were made cheaper in order to get people on the water faster and to encourage a better flow/integration of naval stuff.

We changed Custom Houses because we didn't want a building of that power being naval only. They were defining the economy too much and were too restricting. You either have spaces for them or you don't, and we wanted something better. Also, since Ports were now cheaper, the formula for CH's didn't apply anymore, so they had to be changed anyway.

...

There aren't currently any plans.

It's part of trying to balance land vs Coastal cities. Land cities have growth and economic options, while coastal cities have access to water (ports and navies).

Yes, the changes have been positive and well-received by many. +130K Perfection scores are still possible, as we even made it easier to get temples out and upgraded.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask!

Send me a DM and we'll chat about it

When they're done

Polytopia Legends :P

The Ancients.

We just design them and see what sticks.

There, answered it for you. :P

Feel free to send me a DM and we can solve this together. :)