Influence in Depots XML files

DePol Haulage · Post by **DePol Haulage** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 6:56 am

Has anybody experimented with INFLUENCE parameter in the Depots XML file? I searched around for this but did not find any reference to it as yet.
I have changed the numbers in the global Depots XML but could nto see any effect during gameplay.
I was hoping that reducing the number will also decrease the depot's radius and thus allow only one station to be placed in a city but that did not happen and AI was able to buld their stations in 'my' cities..

This would create the exclusive rights situation to a resource similar to RRT1

I also wonder if there are some other undocumented parameters in existance but being withheld by Firaxis for whatever reason but which when added to various XML files, would dramatically alter the game experience (just a consipracy theory there:) )

snoopy55 · Post by **snoopy55** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 4:03 pm

DePol Haulage - I've also played with that number, but not found much of a strategic use for it. The diameter doesn't say "This is my area, stay out!", it says more of a "You have to place track within this area to access this town or Annex." As in real life, more than one railroad can access the same town or Annex. The only way you can stop an AI from getting into 'your' city or annex is not letting them play or buying them out.
As to 'seeing' a difference, it would have to be a large number change, 50, 100 or more, to be seen. But making the INFLUENCE radius smaller will only leave the AI putting it's station closer to yours, even going so far as to placing it on top of yours.

DePol Haulage · Post by **DePol Haulage** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 5:37 am

Hey snoopy, so far I only made that number to be '100' throughout the XML file. I have not tried smaller values.
When you experimeted with it, did you actualy see the AI building stations on top of yours or are you speculating that this could happen?

I also came accross a parameter in the global brdges XML (i think) wehere it was possible to prevent bridges to be used to go accross an already existing track. In theory this should make it more difficult for AI to connect to 'my' stations if I have some track around it.
Have you tried it already?

snoopy55 · Post by **snoopy55** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 7:17 am

I'm probally speculating as I can't remember the maps I've played against AIs. I myself have dropped stations almost on top of AIs stations without any problem.
Make a map with 4 starting cities with a 50 INFLUENCE number, put a Grain Farm or two in it, and a Food plant in 1 city, and see what happens with you and 3 AIs

DePol Haulage · Post by **DePol Haulage** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 11:15 am

OK, I reduced influence to a measly value of 10.0 and as a result the stations have ignored more than one track coming into them. When I doubled the track at a station, no train wanted to use it. Looks like according to the game, the additional track did not 'exist' and was used as a decoration.
I think thats about it for this topic...