21-04-2001 05:49									#1
	Helicopters and Marines Support Apolyton, buy Galactic Civilizations: Deluxe Edition

Part 1: Helicopters
Helicopters should be able to transport three paratroopers, and they should be able to paradrop from them. . Helicopters are near useless currently given their low defence, so an added feature (perhaps also adding their defence to 5?) like this would greatly improve them. You could use it as a mobile paradropping machine when those pesky partisans block the way to an unguarded city or when their's a city you have to attack now. It's also a very good idea that can be used for that 'proactive' military idea going around. Any paratroopers you set into a certain 'mode' will automatically paradrop during the AI's turn to a nearby enemy city, either fortifying there or attacking (your choice). Also, a pretty good idea for surprising your enemy. Paratroopers should be given a +1 bonus (for attack) if attacking immediately after paradropping.
Part 2: Marines
Marines!
Marines are supposed be on of the mobile forces around. However, they are grossly underused and underestimated in the game. Perhaps getting marines early in the game and attacking some pesky riflemen is fun (remember, they ignore city walls when they make a naval attack), but later in the game, the most they can do is get a mech infantry in the red. Perhaps increasing their attacking strength would be better for them. Also, they really should get a 'bombardment' bonus if an destroyer/Battleship and etc are around. Say, a +1 for attack if their's a cruiser and a +2 if their's a battleship (any others don't affect the attack). Simultaneous attacks with marines and ships (with this one the marines don't ignore the city walls) should also be available if the marines are on the ground, in which case the ship has to be adjacent to the city (and only a +1 bonus is given).
Note: The ships don't really attack, they only provide support, so they won't do anything except provide a bonus. They do not attack the city, they just give a bonus. They do take 10% damage each attack, regardless of who wins.

Also, anyone know how to use the 'bold' feature when posting?