The Mod Explained - Part 2: Project: Planet Death II news

The Galaxy Far Far Away has always been a dangerous place, but the Yuuzhan Vong changed it completely, shaped it to their liking. If a planet doesn't suit their needs, they won't hesitate vongforming it, if there's a planet which could change the course of war against them, they'll turn it into poisonous grey goo. And when they need to breed ships, they'll drag a moon onto a planet to make sure to harvest all resources it has to offer.
All for the glory of their gods and their empire.

In order to complete the series of planet-destroying super weapons, this article will, similar to part I, focus on the galactic aspects of each attack. This time we'll have a look at the Yuuzhan Vong's array of death.
Have fun ... or run ... really depends on your preferences. We won't judge you.

Vongforming a planet will cause it to change its environment to one, which is preferred by the Yuuzhan Vong and Vong-like creatures. Usually this process is being watched by a world brain to ensure its success, but the initial seed can be applied as easily as dropping a spore capsule into the planet's atmosphere.

Prerequisites:

• At least one ship capable of dropping a spore capsule in orbit.

Execution is possible during:

• Galactic Conquest mode
• Space Skirmish

Consequences:

• General consequences:
• Diplomatic impact.
• Refugees
• Changed ground map reflecting the new biosphere which favours Vong-like species and affects non-Vong-species in a negative way.
• If the planet is being owned by the Yuuzhan Vong:
• Allows growing a world brain which applies various bonuses to the planet.
• Allows to remove ruins left by the initial atmosphere change.
• If the planet is not being owned by the Yuuzhan Vong:
• Destruction of some or most ground units.
• Destruction of some buildings.
• Reduced land build slots.
• Reduced planetary income.
• Reduced population cap.

Defence:

• Planetary shields provide full protection as the spore capsule can't enter the atmosphere.
• Base shields increase the survival rate of stationed ground units and buildings.

Sometimes a planet is not valuable or even dangerous to the Yuuzhan Vong - Ithor being a known example - but still an invaluable asset to their enemy. On those rare occasions the Yuuzhan Vong decide to take the planet out of play completely. One capsule of reproducing poison is enough to depopulate a planet and turn it into a barren wasteland or grey, dissolved matter. This is probably the most devastating attack on the Yuuzhan Vong's disposal, the very definition of the idea: "If I can't have it, you won't have it either!"

Prerequisites:

• At least one ship capable of dropping a poison capsule in orbit.

Execution is possible during:

• Galactic Conquest mode
• Space Skirmish

Consequences:

• Diplomatic impact.
• Refugees.
• Destruction of all objects and units on the planet's surface.
• No more build spaces available.
• The planet will be taken out of play completely, only allowing fleets to pass its orbit.
• The planet can neither be owned or conquered, nor can it produce or host units.

Defence:

• Planetary shields provide full protection as the poison capsule can't enter the atmosphere.

Whilst not being the most devastating attack at their disposal, the tactic known as "Yo Gand's Core" is certainly the most terrifying weapon used during the war. The idea is as simple as it is effective: It requires a strong Dovin Basal being placed on a planet having an orbiting moon and having the Dovin Basal slowly pull the moon onto the planet's surface. The collision will destroy planet and moon leaving them shattered to pieces. Whilst being a cruel way to end a planet's existence, it has a purpose: A weird, twisted one, but still a purpose. Only this way the Yuuzhan Vong are able to raise a ship womb big enough to give birth to the biggest and most fear-inspiring warships at the Yuuzhan Vong's disposal.

Prerequisites:

• At least one Praetorite Vong Agent in orbit who is able to hide the Dovin Basal.

Execution is possible during:

• Galactic Conquest mode

Consequences:

• Diplomatic impact.
• Refugees.
• Destruction of the planet.

Defence:

• Not having a moon.

Now, let's just take a minute to remember Sernpidal, and what it took to kill one of the greatest heroes who's ever roamed the Galaxy Far Far Away...

It's that time of the year again: ModDB's Mod of the Year Awards are close, so if you enjoy our work, please vote for us:

Of course we've prepared a surprise for this occasion. Using the words of a famous tactician to properly describe it:

That's all folks!

But we'll be back soon with the next part of our series: The Mod Explained - Part 2: Project: Planet Death III

The Shapers - YVaW