Symmetry vs. balance

from Sins Forums

With all this crap about moving SBs vs. non-moving ones, it occurred to me that many people are confusing symmetry with balance.  They think that to have balance, you must have direct symmetry.  "This race has a moving SB, make the other races having moving SBs.  This race has a torp cruiser, make all races have torp cruisers."  Otherwise, the game isn't balanced, they think.

Incorrect.  It means the game isn't symmetrical.  Balance and symmetry are two different things.  You can have an asymmetrical game that is still balanced.

1,464 views 8 replies
Reply #1 from Sins Forums Top

I agree.

I mean Advent gets that very very cool allegiance module, which just rocks your economy (and not just credits).

I like it much more then the Vasari SB.

Reply #2 from Sins Forums Top

Ditto You could have a race that has NO capitals just frigates.  Or tiny swarming ships smaller than most frigates but larger than bombers.

Siege of Centauri
Reply #3 from Sins Forums Top

Hoping that we'll see less symmetry myself as the expansions are released. A good example of an asymmetrical strategy game is the Dawn of War series, although I like Sins much more :)

Reply #4 from Sins Forums Top

How ever int he dawn of war serriers the sides are pourly balanced. At least the 40k was.

 

Reply #5 from Sins Forums Top

Also there's Universe at War, with three very different races. If anything, the Sins races are already too similar, keep the moving starbases for Vasari only!

Reply #6 from Sins Forums Top

There is a fine line between symmetry and balance... making 1 races sb mobil adds a clear advantage that is not offset by torp cruisers... when adding a major structure such as a star base -  there has to be both, the line has been crossed.

Reply #7 from Sins Forums Top

I agree, Universe at War: Earth Assault *IS* the most asymmetrical game I am aware of.  All 3 factions (especially Novus and Hierarcy) play very differently.

Quoting Cptn_Miller, reply 6
There is a fine line between symmetry and balance... making 1 races sb mobil adds a clear advantage that is not offset by torp cruisers... when adding a major structure such as a star base -  there has to be both, the line has been crossed.
End of Cptn_Miller's quote

As of right now, top cruisers clearly win.  Nothing can stand up to them (structure-wise, that is).  As such, I think a lot of the complaints about the SB's have less to do with real balance concerns, and more to do with "coolness factor."  In other words, a moving starbase is just plain cool to most people, where as torp cruisers, while highly effective, are just boring old cruisers.

 

Reply #8 from Sins Forums Top

Well, neither dow nor uaw should be mentioned in the same sentance as the word "balance" .

 

 

 

However Agent of kharma has a valid point:

 

Symetry isn't required for balance.

It's the lame, the easy way.