How Does Happiness Work in Age of Wonders: Planetfall?

Age of Wonders: Planetfall is a popular turn-based strategy game that challenges players to build and manage their own planetary settlements while navigating the complexities of intergalactic politics and warfare. One aspect of the game that can be frustrating for some players is the way happiness works, particularly in relation to scoring victories.

In Age of Wonders: Planetfall, the score system is a composite of various factors, including the number of high-population settlements each faction has, as well as their military strength. While this may seem like a fair and balanced approach, many players have found that it can lead to unsatisfying and anti-climactic endings.

For example, a player may win the game on Doomsday victory, having defeated their opponents in battle, only to be told that they have lost due to the AI's superior score. This can be particularly galling if the AI has managed to build multiple settlements with populations of 35+ compared to the player's own settlements with smaller populations.

The problem is that the score system seems to heavily favor factions that spam military units, regardless of their quality or effectiveness in battle. This means that players who focus on building a strong and well-rounded settlement may be at a disadvantage when it comes to scoring victories.

Furthermore, the way that military strength is factored into the score system can also lead to some bizarre situations. For example, if a player has a large army but few high-population settlements, they may find themselves being courted by other factions seeking alliances or showering them with compliments. This can be a frustrating experience for players who feel that their military strength should not be the sole determinant of their success.

Overall, while Age of Wonders: Planetfall is a fun and engaging game, its happiness system can be a source of frustration for some players. By understanding how the score system works and focusing on building a well-rounded settlement with a strong population and effective military, however, players can set themselves up for success and avoid the pitfalls of an unsatisfying ending.

How does happiness work in age of wonders planetfall