Strategy - Should the player know the numbers behind the curtain?

[nvzboy]

If I were to make the call I'd make it possible for you to see the statistics (through open source code or a game option) if you wanted to know them but for the rest the exact percentages are hidden. The consequences of the actions would be given in rough outlines rather than exact numbers, quite similar to how OP describes it.
Xcom: EU did the choice of what to research rather well in my opinion. You could tell that an autopsy of a particular alien would give you insights into it's abilities and make some of them for yourself to use. But the exact reward for researching something is not revealed until the research is complete.

 

[Frankster]

I prefer it when game gives less information or at the very least makes it optional tbh.

I consider knowing the numbers as basically having "god vision", rather then basing a decision based on a mixture of experience, gut feeling and hints (instead of outright telling you it gives a 50% bonus, how about a +++ and --- system instead with the + or - showing the severity of that choice?), you just look at the numbers and calculate the best outcome.

For this reason I also like random elements in games, because it throws a spanner in the works of those with too rigid a plan.

Of course my approach carries over very poorly in any sort of multiplayer setting, but in single player games it's my preference.

 

[The Madman]

Some level of random is good in a strategy game, don't want things to become too formulaic. But as a strategy game it's also very important that you at least have some idea what the consequences of your choices will be, otherwise it's not strategy, it's just luck.

Games like GalCiv2, EU4, CK2 and so on sort of get around this by having random events that pop up at unexpected times but which offer choices to which you'll know the effects of. For example a noble might revolt and you might have the option to bribe him (-40 gold), ignore him (-5 stability), or crush him militarily (Province rebels). When or even if that event will pop up you don't know, but you do have some level of strategy that you can employ in dealing with it.

Now, for the "God is the epitome of power" option, wouldn't it make much more sense for the proper response to their question to be:

BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD! SKULLS FOR THE SKULL THRONE!

<youtube=9-gSJW3sHXE>

Anyways, as others have said. I can kinda agree on the whole "numbers should be shown" thing... granted, I've played CK 2 and occasionally when the "results" of a certain action are revealed... I usually end up with my kings doing the same thing over and OVER again, just to get the biggest "benefits".

Oh man, I haven't listened to that video in years. Now suddenly I really want to reinstall Dawn of War 2, it's been way too long since I crushed the humiez with Da Boyz.