Technologies

[Matt_Lane]

[QUOTE=Poor Bloody Infantry] However, since this feature has been announced, what technologies do you think we are likely to see?


From the screenshots I think we can assume Watt's steam engine is a shoe-in; I would guess things like rifles and bayonet technologies are also pretty likely.

Otherwise, how about the first hot-air-balloon flight, which would give access to observation balloons to use in battle?

Or maybe the invention of Harrison's chronometer, which would make long distance voyages easier?

I was interested (although not hugely surprised) to see the mention of later 19th-century technologies being accessible; maybe ironclad ships, or even early machine guns, might sneak in as top-end technologies?[/QUOTE=Poor Bloody Infantry]

Steam trains and ironclad ships are a little out of the time frame but if you invest in technological development I don't see a problem in them being available towards the end of the game. I would be sorely disappointed if machine guns made an appearance as they would require several additional technological steps to acquire them.

Some technological steps I would like to see would be;

Newcomens Atmospheric Engine
Watts Steam Engine
Spinning Jenny
Flying Shuttle
Power Looms
Trevethicks High Pressure Steam Engine
Paddle Steamers
Steam Railways

I'd imagine that each step would increase a nations productivity but for certain government types public unrest would increase as jobs were lost and economic migration kicked in.

Military technology developments could also include;

Socket Bayonets
Rifles
Rockets
Shrapnell shells
Horse Artillery
Observation balloons
Minie Rifle

And at sea;

Bomb ships
Marine Chronometer
Copper sheathed hulls
Cannonade
Submarines

I'd love to see observation balloons and submarines make an appearance but I can't imagine the games engine would be able to handle them. Also it would open the possibility of the AI spawning stacks filled only with balloons or subs.