Monday, June 13, 2011

9 Things Learned from "Civilzations: Revolutuion"

My apologies to my long-term Facebook friends who have already read this. 

1. Being in possession of nuclear weapons is a good way to end open hostilities with another country. This I learned very quickly the first time I built the Manhattan Project wonder, all other empires gave me an offer of peace, even the Arabs. who I was in the middle of a century long war with.
 Addendum:  The UN rather negates this with nuclear disarmament treaties and what-not, but having them at least counts.

2. To ensure the survival of a nation, a strong military is needed. I don't mean armed militia either. I mean state-of-the art military technology with the capability of have large amounts of its units out in the field on a campaign, and still have large forces at home on defense and ready to cycle in to replace casualties.

3. Don't go to war until you are ready and able to support the strong military in number two. If you go to war to early, you won't be able to support them. Take to long, and they'll invade and you'll be stuck on defense. (tip, if this happens pull an Inchon, invade them somewhere else

4. Always stay one technological step ahead of your enemies, and allies. A technological advantage would be fighting spear men with riflemen, (Which is common). This advantage also gives you a plus to other advantages, such as mining, medicine, whatever it may be. Always keep researching, and there are other advantages as well, just look at what came of the space race.

5. Be willing to accept peace terms, but never offer them, unless you truly are ahead. Weakened enemies will, eventually, realize their mistake and sue for peace. Accept their offer. It will make your country look better and spare you from inner turmoil from too many casualties. It also gives you time to recover your strength.

6. Never crumble to hostile threats, unless it is a better idea than to fight. I generally spurn threats received from AI enemies, because I  am always far more powerful than they are. No, that wasn't hubris. I am generally always ahead of them in technology by a slim thread. That gives me an advantage. I also know I probably spend more on military units than I should. Sometimes, however, you are unable to fight due to another war, or some certain problem you're having.

7. Always maintain friendly relations with your citizens. Keep the people happy with good education, jobs, and cultural things. It'll keep them educated, happy, and prosperous, thus increasing your chances of scientific breakthroughs and reducing the risks of them becoming disgruntled and rebelling.
Addendum:  Just make sure you support the stuff, rather than give it to them.

8. Be sure to back up your threats, bluffs, etc. If you threaten to attack a country, and they want proof, you better give them proof, or else. "Or Else" means the realization that you can't back up your threats and will lose most of your power.
Corollary:  Never make a threat unless you can and are willing to back it up. Mean business.


9. Know your targets and priories, whether it be by spies, satellites, or high atmospheric planes. You must always know the priority targets that you would strike if necessary. Cities, industrial facilities, etc. Know your targets, and in what priority they lay. In "Revolution" I always head straight for the capital. More simply, have good intelligence.

Perhaps some embarrassing moments in history could have been avoided if leaders played this game, or read Sun Tzu's The Art of War (More on this book to come soon, think of this as a humorous introduction)


From a hidden bunker,
Varon

Monday, June 6, 2011

Hymn to the Fallen: D-Day Memorial

You will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world. Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped, and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely....The free men of the world are marching together to victory. I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty, and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory. Good luck, and let us all beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking. General Dwight D. Eisenhower
                                                                            
                                                                  
     On June 6, 1944, 160,000 soldiers from the Allied countries of the United States of America,  England, and Canada underwent the largest amphibious operation in the history of warfare. Today is  67 years after the invasion.      The invasion was hurt by mistakes, bad weather, and plans that could never work. The American paratroopers were scattered over the French countryside, unable to reach each other or their targets. Despite that, they fought valiantly and confused the Germans.
    Omaha beach was assaulted by the United State's 1st Infantry Division, and they were against Hitler's finest. Only be many acts of heroic sacrifice were the bluffs taken and the Germans beaten back.
    By the end of the day, there were 10,000 Allied casualties. What was the reward for the cost? The Allies had gained a strong foot-hold in Europe and were advancing towards Berlin.

 Remember the fallen. God Bless America!