11-01-2001 21:23									#1
	Eternal China Syndrome Support Apolyton, buy Civilization: The Boardgame

I had a look at the Civ 3 suggestions forum and came across a reference to the Eternal China Syndrome.

Can anyone give me a brief description?

	11-01-2001 23:43									#2
	Inflate your Upload Space

The China Syndrome is a reference to some type of nuclear plant meltdown. There was even an American movie by that name back in the late 70's/early 80's about it. I don't recall the details but I believe it is a play on the idea of "digging to china" which I'm sure is an American concept(/euphonism) that isn't worth explaining...

Anyway, my best guess of an eternal china syndrome would be some kind of idea that a reactor meltdown would become an ongoing problem, rather than a one-time effect within the game? If not, I'm sure someone else will be along shortly with a better explanation. I hoped that helps a little.

	12-01-2001 00:09									#3
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization: The Boardgame

Logical conclusion, Albert B, but not what they mean on Civ 3, I think. As I understand it, the complaint is that if a civ jumps out to an early lead in population and tech (like China in the Real World), that lead continues to widen and that civ will end up winning.

	12-01-2001 18:45									#4
	Support Apolyton, buy GURPS/ Alpha Centauri

That makes sense in context, DaveV, so thanks.

You'll be sad (?) to hear it was linked with ICS as a weakness in the game.

In my own view, imperfect (and a little crude) though all the "balancing" factors are, the designers deserve a great deal of credit for keeping the level of challenge up right through to the end (in an AC game anyway).

	16-01-2001 00:49									#7
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Theben:

Okay, count me as slightly confused. I cannot see how having a superpower AI — especially early on — can benefit the human player in the long run. Then again, I'm not the type to filch techs ... so that's sort of a self-imposed "leveler" from the get-go.

Unless one considers the "nice" treatment one gets for being less than all-powerful a good thing. Which I think it is, as the AI tends to ignore you for hundreds, if not thousands, of game-time years.

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