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No Game Left Behind: Stardock Brings Update to GalCiv II!

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No Game Left Behind: Stardock Brings Update to GalCiv II!

v2.20 improves AI, Balance, and Gameplay

from GalCiv2 Forums

 

The crew here at Stardock cares a lot about our community and the games that we produce for you.

That's why we're pleased to announce that version 2.20 for Galactic Civilizations II
is available for you today! 

Even when a title is "finished" and put out to market, there are always little things we find that could use a tweak or a change here and there. We also know what it's like to enjoy an old game so much that you keep going back to it, even when there are newer and "better" versions of it out there. 

With help of some awesome community members, the Dev Team has taken all of the suggestions and implemented them into this update. You can find he entire change log (spoiler alert: it's long!) at the bottom of this post.

 

A few words from our CEO and President, Brad Wardell:

"It was awesome being able to work with the fans to integrate years of their own mods and tweaks into the base game. They also gave me a long list of areas where they thought I could improve the AI, which I used to dig into the now 10 year old AI source code base to implement."


We hope you enjoy the update. We have an awesome community here at Stardock and are so very happy that you're a part of it. Have a great holiday season!


Special Thanks

To Antonio "Mabus" Invernizzi, Gaunathor, SilasOfBorg, Kamil "OShee" Bober, DARCA1213, Sam "MarvinKosh" Edwards. Steffem "Maiden666" Jenter, MarvinKosh, Leiavoia, Frogboy and everyone else who helped out!


GC2-ai GC2-combat GC2-diplomacy
GC2-invasion GC2-ship GC2-strategic

Version 2.20 Change Log

[ Gameplay ]

  • General
    • The Capital now increases Morale to 35 (up from 25) and Economy to 25 (up from 10)
    • Advanced Hulls is now unlocked from Basic Logistics
    • Life Support is now unlocked from Advanced Hulls
    • Several techs moved to improve AI use
    • Mind Control Center moved to Concept of Malice
    • Shrine of the Mithrillar now gives a 10% population growth bonus civ-wide
    • Shrine of Tandis now gives a 10% morale bonus civ-wide
    • Information Warfare tech now requires Advanced Diplomacy (instead of Planetary Invasion)
    • Temporal Mechanics cost increased from 10 to 30
    • Hyperion Packages cost increased from 10 to 30
    • Entertainment Center now requires Innovative History
    • Slave Pits, Slave Labs, Collectives and Maintenance Grid have had their costs adjusted
    • Research Matrix bonus decreased from 12 to 10
    • School maintenance increased from 1 to 2
    • University maintenance increased from 2 to 3
    • Space Weapons no longer grants a Military bonus
    • Economic Direction Unit bonus reduced from 50 to 25
    • Ultra Spices now requires Extreme Entertainment instead of Xeno Cultural Trends
    • Merchant Trade Complexes cost increased from 800 to 1100
    • Buffed Tier 1/2 starbase attack modules and battlestations 4; removed Singularity Armor
    • Neutrality Learning Center cost increased from 500 to 1000
    • Cultural Enlightenment no longer has a pre-req; moved to Pure Research
    • Healing Pools now requires Planetary Improvements; cost decreased from 300 to 100
    • Nano Materials now requires Basic Space Construction
    • Advanced Philosophy now requires University
    • Enhanced Adaptation cost increased to 150/450/600
    • Robust Hull Construction now provides 15 HP (up from 10)
    • Precursor Library cost decreased from 400 to 100
    • Miniaturization techs bonuses updated to be better
    • Empathic Tactical Center now grants a defense bonus of 25% instead of an attack bonus of 20%
    • Various weapons rebalancing
    • Plus much much more adjustments. See the Progressive Changelog for more.
  • Terran Alliance
    • Changed default alignment from 50 to 75
    • Now start as Mercantile political party
    • Starts with +10 Economics, -10 Social Production, +25 Trade and 12 Logistics (up from 6)
    • Starting techs changed to: HyperDrive, Industrial Revolution, Fusion Reactors, Traditional Research, Innovative History, Capitalism and Basic Space Construction
    • Terrains gain a 10% bonus to propulsion and diplomacy research
  • Drengin Empire
    • Now starts game as War Party political party
    • Starts with: +10 Military Production, -30 Diplomacy (increased from -25), 20 Loyalty (up from 0) and 14 Logistics (up from 7)
    • Starting techs changed to: Fusion Reactors, Ruthless History, HyperDrive, Stellar Cartography, Specialized Research, Capitalism and Traditional Slavery.
    • Propaganda Machine is now a special project
    • New invasion tactic added (version of Information Warfare)
    • Drengin suffer a 50% penalty to trade techs; and a 100% penalty to diplomatic techs
  • Altarian Resistance
    • Now starts game as Pacifists political party
    • Starts with: +10 Luck (up from 0), 10 Logistics (up from 5)
    • Starting techs changed to: HyperDrive, Industrial Revolution, Fusion Reactors, Traditional Research, A History of Benevolence, Stellar Cartography, Capitalism and Basic Space Construction.
    • Social Matrix is now a special project
    • Altarians gain a 20% bonus in Labs research
  • Arcean Empire
    • Now starts game as War Party political party
    • Starts with: +10 Economics, +10 Morale, +20 Military Production, +30 Ship HP (up from +20), +20 Soldiering (up from +10), +25 Courage, +20 Loyalty and 20 Logistics (up from 8).
    • Starting techs changed to: Glorious History, Fusion Reactors, HyperDrive, Industrial Revolution, Stellar Cartography, Traditional Research, Capitalism and Basic Space Construction.
    • Stellar Forge and Cathedral of Valor are now special projects
    • Arceans now gain a 20% bonus to Hull and Logistics research
    • Arceans now gain:
      • 15 HP from Superior Hulls (up from 10)
      • 20 HP from Master Hull Building (up from 15)
      • 15 HP from Reinforced Hull Design (up from 10)
      • 15 HP from Hardened Hull Design (up from 10)
  • Torian Confederation
    • Now starts as the Populists political party
    • Starts with: +30 Loyalty, 16 Logistics (up from 8)
    • Starting techs changed to: Torian History, Fusion Reactors, HyperDrive, Stellar Cartography, Inherited Technology, Capitalism and Basic Space Construction.
    • Can now research Advanced Aquatic World Colonization cheaper
    • Aquatic Transport Station is now a special project
    • Torians now suffer a 20% penalty to Hull research
    • Changed Advanced Computing requirement to University (from Scientific Method Implementation)
    • Changed Planetary Improvements and Enhanced Adaptation to require Basic Space Construction
    • Added Basic Space Construction with cost 75
    • Xeno Communications now requires Cultural Enlightenment
  • Yor Collective
    • Now starts game as the Industrialist political party
    • Starts with: -30 to Diplomacy and 12 Logistics (up from 6)
    • Maintenance Grid and Distributed Energy Matrix are now special projects
    • New invasion tactic: Terror Drones (Cost 250, 20% bonus to attack, 25% improvement damage)
    • Yor now can a 20% advantage in Labs research
  • Dominion of Korx
    • Now starts as the Mercantile political party
    • Starts with: +15 Economics, +10 Diplomacy and 12 Logistics (up from 6)
    • Starting techs changed to: A History of Mercantilism, HyperDrive, Stellar Cartography, Industrial Revolution, Fusion Reactors, Traditional Research, Capitalism and Basic Space Construction.
    • Festival of Capitalism, Mercenary Academy and Freighter Command are now special projects
    • Korx gain a 20% bonus to economic research
  • Drath Legion
    • Changed default alignment from 75 to 50
    • Now starts as the Populists political party
    • Starts with: +25 Espionage (up from 0) and 16 Logistics (up from 8)
    • Starting techs changed to: Way of the Drath, Industrial Revolution, Basic Space Construction, HyperDrive, Fusion Reactors, Traditional Research, Stellar Cartography and Capitalism.
    • Drath gain a 20% bonus to diplomatic research
  • Thalan Empire
    • Now starts as the Technologists political party
    • Starts with: -50 Population Growth (increased from -30), +40 Loyalty and 12 Logistics (up from 6)
    • Starting techs changed to: Fusion Reactors, HyperDrive, Stellar Cartography, New Propulsion, Artificial Gravity, Xeno Biology, Xeno Medicine, Xeno Engineering, Hyperion Packages, Temporal Mechanics and Interstellar Construction.
    • Gaia Vortex and Church of Valor are now special projects
    • New invasion tactic: Mechanized Warriors (Cost 250, 50%/90% min/max bonus to attack, 100% improvement damage)
    • Thalan suffer a 50% penalty to trade and diplomatic research
  • Iconian Refuge
    • Now starts as the Federalists political party
    • Starts with: +10 Morale (decreased from 20), +20 Research, 0 Espionage (decreased from 100), -5 Soldiering (decreased from 0) and 16 Logistics (up from 10)
    • Precursor Library is now a special project
    • Expert Engineering is now unlocked after Advanced Hulls
    • Soil Enhancement, Xeno Biology and Space Mining moved to the Enhanced Adaptation tree
    • Iconians gain a 20% bonus to terraforming research
  • Korath Clan
    • Now starts game as War Party political party
    • Starts with: -30 Diplomacy (decreased from 0), +10 HP (decreased from 20), +30 Soldiering (increased from 10) and 14 Logistics (increased from 7)
    • Starting techs changed to: Fusion Reactors, Ruthless History, HyperDrive, Stellar Cartography, Specialized Research, Traditional Slavery and Black Market.
    • Graft of Ages is now a special project
    • New invasion tactic added (version of Information Warfare)
    • Korath suffer a 50% penalty to trade techs and a 200% penalty to diplomacy research
  • Krynn Consulate
    • Now starts as the Universalists political party
    • Starts with: -15 Research (decreased from 0) and 12 Logistics (increased from 6)
    • Starting techs changed to: HyperDrive, Industrial Revolution, Basic Space Construction, Fusion Reactors, Traditional Research, The Path, Stellar Cartography, and Capitalism.
    • Super Spy Training Center, Temple of Espionage, and Oracle of Krynn are now special projects.
    • Krynn suffer a 20% penalty to labs research but gain a 20% bonus to government research
  • Minor Races
    • Changes to various minor races that play more into their background lore. Watch out for the Snathi!

[ Graphics ]

  • Updated race colors for Iconian Refuge and Krynn Consulate
  • Improved Rally Point indicator
  • Various UI tweaks

[ AI ]

  • Each race's AI has been tuned to better match their background lore and relative strengths
  • All AI opponents will now use the maximum amount of CPU possible
958,292 views 224 replies
Reply #101 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Quoting Sto6612, reply 100

But the reply I got Stardock Customer care:

"I'm not seeing any expansions for GC2 on your account. Just the base game. Unfortunately I wouldn't be able to upgrade you to the Ultimate Edition. If you had the expansions, I'd be able to though."

Can't get the update ;) I would love the see the new improvements on this.

 

Juha

Do you own Dark Avatar and Arnor? If so, you'll have to work with Stardock to get them to acknowledge this to get the update. Otherwise, well, you missed your opportunity to get GalCiv2 Ultimate for $4 (which is beyond cheap if you don't own the expansions).

-HM

Reply #102 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Thanks for the explanation.  While I understand the thinking behind weakening SBs, seems to me that the real fix would be to remove the tumor from the AI's brain: de-prioritize SB attacks.  Starbases are rarely determinate anyway.  (Likely easier said than done if the AI doesn't distinguish Fleet from SB, though.)  I haven't accounted the Repair effects, though I will note that even if they are effective, there will be a net change to the viability of remote SBs.  Too bad I missed the discussion of this as there are several facets ... 

Guanthor, I could swear I pushed past Point Defense and got no enabled module, but I'll check again.

--

Okay, a couple more checks:

* Thalan tree has NO tech that will increase the population that a world can support? 

* Thalan must slog through Xeno Eng, Planetary Adaptation, Stellar Production, and the Adaptation techs before it gets any production improvement (other than the Hyperion Unit)?  That's 4000 RPs to the first factory under Very Slow, and at a rough estimate would take two years or more!  Is this a change from the 2.04 tree?  If so, what is the rationale?\

 

BTW, contrary to the list of changes above, Thalan does not start with 12 Logistics, but 6 as previous. 

The other changes are tough to check from within the game, but I don't recall that Trade research was unusually expensive.  I do note that the Diplomacy penalty has had a major effect on Tech Trading. 

Siege of Centauri
Reply #103 from GalCiv3 Forums Top

Quoting DMF, reply 102

While I understand the thinking behind weakening SBs, seems to me that the real fix would be to remove the tumor from the AI's brain: de-prioritize SB attacks.

If we could have done that, we would have. It's hard to change the AIs behaviour without access to the source-code. We are just glad that Frogboy was willing to fix some of the more serious bugs in the AI code.

Quoting DMF, reply 102

Okay, a couple more checks:

* Thalan tree has NO tech that will increase the population that a world can support? 

* Thalan must slog through Xeno Eng, Planetary Adaptation, Stellar Production, and the Adaptation techs before it gets any production improvement (other than the Hyperion Unit)?  That's 4000 RPs to the first factory under Very Slow, and at a rough estimate would take two years or more!  Is this a change from the 2.04 tree?  If so, what is the rationale?

That's how it always was. Okay, we added Xeno Engineering between Artificial Gravity and Planetary Adaptation, but that's the only difference as far as number of techs and tech-cost is concerned.

Quoting DMF, reply 102

BTW, contrary to the list of changes above, Thalan does not start with 12 Logistics, but 6 as previous. 

Did you previously play as the Thalan on this computer? That would have left a .raceconfigxml in the My Docs-folder, which is overwriting the new values. It's the only explanation I have for this. The Thalan definitely have a Logistics of 12 now. I've checked the files.

Reply #104 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Quoting Gaunathor, reply 103

Did you previously play as the Thalan on this computer? That would have left a .raceconfigxml in the My Docs-folder, which is overwriting the new values. It's the only explanation I have for this. The Thalan definitely have a Logistics of 12 now. I've checked the files.

Ofc. But I suspect that this error will happen in alot of games since not many know to delete these files or do clear/save on any stockrace.

Reply #105 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Boy (or whatever)!  You can say that again!  Yes, of course, I've played Thalan on this computer.  I've played all the races and a couple of my own.   I've played GC since the early OS/2 days and this is the first I've heard of .raceconfigxml.  (Actually, it's existence may explain why I can't seem to get rid of my Yor-based custom race.)

You suggest that .raceconfigxml is not being overwritten.  Do you mean that 2.20 installation did not overwrite the file because it already existed?  If so, that is a big problem with the upgrade procedure!  Either significant portions of the upgrade are not being applied, or (perhaps) some backward compatibility could be lost. Stardock really needs to address this.  Heck, just Release Notes would be enough.  But maybe $%&(# Steam can't work that way.

Anyway, what do I need to do?  Delete some files?  Which ones?  Reinstall?  Will it affect my existing game?  Or should I just buy a new computer?  Yeah, right.

 

Reply #106 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

No, it doesn't. You see, the game actually uses 2 folder: one for the installation itself, and a second for "personal"/constantly-changing data. The place of these folders might change in accordance with your OS.

On my rig, you'll find the personalized folder under User/MyDocuments/MyGames/GC2TwilightArnor

There you need to delete ALL *.raceconfigxml-files.

Reply #107 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Ah yes.  No effect on the current game, but a new game shows Logistics correctly.  Tech tree is a little different too.

Really, this is something that should be done automagically at install.

Thanks for the help.

 

Reply #108 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Quoting DMF, reply 105

You suggest that .raceconfigxml is not being overwritten.  Do you mean that 2.20 installation did not overwrite the file because it already existed?  If so, that is a big problem with the upgrade procedure!  Either significant portions of the upgrade are not being applied, or (perhaps) some backward compatibility could be lost. Stardock really needs to address this.  Heck, just Release Notes would be enough.  But maybe $%&(# Steam can't work that way.

Stardock was made aware of this but chose to keep old races instead of removing them. Their reasoning is that some people are really attached to their customizations.

Quoting Gaunathor, reply 103

While I understand the thinking behind weakening SBs, seems to me that the real fix would be to remove the tumor from the AI's brain: de-prioritize SB attacks.

Oh how I wish that we could have done so! If you play your cards right you can still exploit the hell out of this behaviour.

I dream of the day Stardock releases the source code for this game to the public. It'll be the end of my social life for years to come because a) I'm a programmer, b) I friggin' love coding, c) I have always wanted to cut my teeth on game coding.

Allas, it probably won't happen. But who knows.

Reply #109 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

i played a game where the AI just made 1 type of weapon and I was able to counter it by making just 1 type of shield and putting a 1 attack weapon on my ship.

am I missing something or is the game intentionally balanced so that the AI can never win a fight if I spam defenses?

Reply #110 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Quoting The_Biz, reply 109

i played a game where the AI just made 1 type of weapon and I was able to counter it by making just 1 type of shield and putting a 1 attack weapon on my ship.

am I missing something or is the game intentionally balanced so that the AI can never win a fight if I spam defenses?


The AI picks a gun and sticks with it. I have seen it switch to another weapon type when you build defenses against it. Spamming defenses will go a long way but their effectiveness diminishes as the game progresses.

 

Reply #111 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Some AIs downright ignore defenses while others research them in correlation of what weapons are used for ships on the actual map.

So you can have different experiences, varying from game to game.

The value of defense mods have been approx. doubled. This makes them borderline OP at the beginning of a game, but their usefulness sinks incredibly when logistics/fleetsize begins to mount.

Quoting MabusAltarn, reply 108

I dream of the day Stardock releases the source code for this game to the public. It'll be the end of my social life for years to come because a) I'm a programmer, I friggin' love coding, c) I have always wanted to cut my teeth on game coding.

Why don't you do it? Because I recall that you decompiled it previously, just for legal reasons you wouldn't dare publishing anything (which is understandable). The thing is that - there are SO MANY bugs still prevalent in the game - so which are gamebreaking. If those could be done, those fixes could be circled around from one hardcorefan to another. Just think about how many private/retro/hardcore fan-installed servers or editions there are even from popular games. The publishers actually like that. Better than if people move to other games....

We even had a list of bugs, and its far from a complete one...

Reply #112 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Sto6612, reply 100

Derek you wrote:

"If you don't own Galactic Civilizations II: Ultimate Edition, but you own an earlier version through Stardock feel free to contact support and we will upgrade you to the Ultimate Edition for free so you can get the new patch."

But the reply I got Stardock Customer care:

"I'm not seeing any expansions for GC2 on your account. Just the base game. Unfortunately I wouldn't be able to upgrade you to the Ultimate Edition. If you had the expansions, I'd be able to though."

Can't get the update ;) I would love the see the new improvements on this.

 

Juha

Sorry about that! Communication error, I'll get you fixed up shortly.

https://store.stardock.com/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=/myaccount/products 

Reply #113 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting The_Gear, reply 112


Quoting Sto6612,
reply 100

Derek you wrote:

"If you don't own Galactic Civilizations II: Ultimate Edition, but you own an earlier version through Stardock feel free to contact support and we will upgrade you to the Ultimate Edition for free so you can get the new patch."

But the reply I got Stardock Customer care:

"I'm not seeing any expansions for GC2 on your account. Just the base game. Unfortunately I wouldn't be able to upgrade you to the Ultimate Edition. If you had the expansions, I'd be able to though."

Can't get the update ;) I would love the see the new improvements on this.

 

Juha



Sorry about that! Communication error, I'll get you fixed up shortly.

https://store.stardock.com/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=/myaccount/products 

 

Thanks The_Gear!  And sorry for the mix up Sto6612, we will get you hooked up!

Reply #114 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Still can not update!! where do I get it? I click update it brings me to this webpage, Great no help.

Reply #115 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting corphicks, reply 114

Still can not update!! where do I get it? I click update it brings me to this webpage, Great no help.

http://download.stardock.com

 

Reply #116 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

The last install all the AI races built Beams.  This time they all build Missiles.  Nobody builds defenses. 

Is it too much to ask that races behave differently?

 

 

s/ King of the Gun

 

 

Reply #117 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting corphicks, reply 114

Still can not update!! where do I get it? I click update it brings me to this webpage, Great no help.

You have the Steam version, so make sure to opt-in to the 2.20 build.

Right click GC2 in your Steam Library, select properties, select the Beta tab, and then from the drop down, 2.20. Click close and Steam will start downloading the necessary files.

Reply #118 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Yeah I have a stream version NOW...... I did not. BTW Thanks for the upgrade. The one thing that is confusing me is Why all political parties have -25 espionage?

Reply #119 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

This prevents the Ai from spending to much on espionage. The Ai will  otherwise spend to much on espionage and not on otherthings.

Reply #120 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Quoting admiralWillyWilber, reply 119

This prevents the Ai from spending to much on espionage. The Ai will  otherwise spend to much on espionage and not on otherthings.

Good.  So far I haven't played a full game without the old raceconfig files (so not the total experience of 2.20), but I have to say that the net effect of the tweaks you guys have made is excellent.  E.g. another perversion - building way too many Farms - seems to have been compensated out too. 

Well done!

 

Reply #121 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

[Never mind.  I'll start a new thread for this.]

 

Reply #122 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

u have to download it on google,,,, u get into the stardock web page,  automatic down load..

Reply #123 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Quoting DMF, reply 116

The last install all the AI races built Beams.  This time they all build Missiles.  Nobody builds defenses. 

Is it too much to ask that races behave differently?

 

s/ King of the Gun
 

 

I take it back.

 

This game half the nine are building guns and the other half missiles.  Some are even building defenses (though they are still notoriously unwilling to actually research defense). 

 

I do see a couple issues. 

1) Yor want to build Charging Stalks out the wazoo.  I had to go in and delete the ridiculous ones.  After the initial stalk rush, though, they settled down. 

2) There's about nine wars going and the Drath are rolling in cash.  But they still manage their loot like Scrooge: tax rate through the roof, social spending zero, and they won't purchase anything.  (Makes me want to put them out of their grasping misery. 

3) (problem?)  Drengin declared war on neighbor Drath.  All the other Evil races attacked Drengin within a couple months, shortly joined by the neutral raced.  The Good races sat by and laughed.  Huh??

4) Thalan is knobbled.  NO production improvements for quite a while; worlds limited to 8 billion bugs; no planetary defense techs??  Was someone trying to fix a perceived problem with this tree?

 

Anyway, this new version is fun!  Grab it and play it!

 

Reply #124 from GalCiv3 Forums Top

Quoting DMF, reply 123

(though they are still notoriously unwilling to actually research defense)

That could be because the AIValue for the defence techs is set very low (4). I've set it to 10 in my mod, and the AI is much more willing to research defences. Though the actual behaviour still depends on the individual AI.

Quoting DMF, reply 123

1) Yor want to build Charging Stalks out the wazoo.  I had to go in and delete the ridiculous ones.  After the initial stalk rush, though, they settled down.

Building lots of Charging Stalks is exactly what the Yor should be doing. They don't have spammable econ buildings, so their tax income depends on high population.

Quoting DMF, reply 123

4) Thalan is knobbled.  NO production improvements for quite a while; worlds limited to 8 billion bugs; no planetary defense techs??  Was someone trying to fix a perceived problem with this tree?

No, that's how their tech tree was in the vanilla game too. The way I understand their design is that they start out weak, and become more powerful the longer the game takes. The Thalan have access to some of the most powerful techs in the game, making them a real beast late game. However, the AI often doesn't take full advantage of this.

Reply #125 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Quoting Gaunathor, reply 124

Building lots of Charging Stalks is exactly what the Yor should be doing. They don't have spammable econ buildings, so their tax income depends on high population.

4-5 per planet?  How are they supposed to keep morale up?   The stalk bonuses don't seem sufficient.

As for Econ, the Efficiency studies bonuses are huge, if the AI ever decides to research them.  Tolmekian also adds a really nice Econ improvement at ES4.  Playing Yor under Tolmekian's mod without stalk morale bonuses and lower ES econ bonuses, I never suffered unduly for lack of bucks.

 

Quoting Gaunathor, reply 124

The Thalan have access to some of the most powerful techs in the game,

Such as?  Hyperion Starbases is really nice.  Without the production base to develop anomalies, though, it seems merely a counterbalance.  (Until late, when they can quickly bring up destroyed bases.)  Mechanical Warriors?  Equivalent to two humanoid techs that they don't have, and about as expensive.  What else? 

 

Add:

5) Interface colors.  Iconian ships are now all but invisible against most backgrounds.  Makes me long for the Korath.  What was wrong with white?