Questions about being Evil (from the playthrough)

from Stardock Forums
Ok, I read the very entertaining playthrough by Brad. In it, he mentions the benefits of 'being evil'. I wonder what the consequences are, if any.

For example, here (http://www.stardock.com/stardock/articles/galciv/new-6.jpg) the people are unhappy about some strange life-forms sharing the water with them. The options are leave them alone (bad for the planet's morale), construct a barrier (no effect one morale), or eradicate the species (bonus to morale).

The question is, why wouldn't anyone choose the latter of those options? Unless this is a role-playing game (I understand that it is not), there should be some consequences to decision taken.

:notsure:
523 views 11 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top
These are the kind of choices that you make during the game that decide if you are "good, neutral or eveil empire.

The payoff is that being evil is instant gratification (morale boost in this case) but don't expect to be very liked in the galaxy (you'll have harder time dealing with others). Beeing good has long term benifits (only good techs later on) and diplomaticly you will have easier time getting what you want.
Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top
In my game being evil had significant consequences. The Altarians and Torians stood by while I got creamed.

If I had been a good civilization, the Altarians and Torians might have lent me a hand or heck, traded with me at least.

Worse, even if I beat the Drengin, the Altarians and Torians might have united against me while I was weakened anyway.

There are also subtle things like the good technologies being slightly better for some strategies. Evil races can't research Hyperwarp or Benevolence. And there are random events that tend to punish evil civilizations though those are very very rare (i.e. not really a factor).
Elemental: Reforged
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top
The tech tree also differs slightly depending what moral path you choose for your race.
Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top
I think I know what Eddie S is asking. The example about eradicating a species which gives a bonus to moral on than planet should only do so when you have chosen an evil alignment for your empire. If you chose a good alignment then eradicating the species should be bad for the planet's moral. This is just a guess.

Can anyone tell me if I'm wrong or right?
Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top
It's more like a scale. Pick the evil option, you get a bonus but you move more towards "evil" on the scale. Think of it like this... you have an alignment represented by a number. 0 is evil, 100 is good, 50 is neutral. Every time you make a choice it either adds or subtracts from this number depending on what you chose, thus making you more evil or more good. Does that make sense?
Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top
I see, guess I was way off. So I'm to understand that actions through the game choose whether or not you are evil? I though you made this choice during game setup.
Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top
No, the player's morality is determined by the actions they take when a random event pops up. It almost gives the game an RPG element to it. You're empire isn't solely defined by it's stats at the beginning of the game (you actually always start the game as morally neutral). If you're killing off innocent creatures cause they smell, or using pre-existing races as slave labor when you colonize planets, other alien races will treat you like the jerk you are (or team up with you if they're evil too). ;)
Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top
The threat of the random events that 'punish' you for being evil are also a good counterbalance to the benefits of evil morality choices. I have had several games where being evil caused my empire to split into two, with many (most >:( ) of my better planets leaving. Being evil can be fun, but eventually you;ll pay the price.
Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top
I've found it harder to win as evil than as good. No one cuts you slack when you're evil.
Reply #10 from Stardock Forums Top
Is the fun level balanced between the good and evil paths?
Reply #11 from Stardock Forums Top
I think so. The changes are fairly subtle, so winning either good or evil really comes down to how you manage your empire. They're are some nice advantages that come with either side, and both have disadvantages that weight out pretty equally (IMO).