Newbie Questions

[Dobian]

Just got the game in the mail a couple of days ago. Played a "practice" game of about 50 turns where I colonized four systems, made a first contact, and won a strategic combat. Now that I'm ready to really dive in, I have a few questions (the first of many, I know).

The big one: has anyone mapped out the tech tree for this game? It would be nice to have an idea what to research next. Like in Alpha Centauri you have that big map, plus in-game you get a nice presentation of what techs do for you, and what they lead to.

Mining asteroids: I created a mining ship, sent if off to an asteroid (with lots of minerals), and the maintenance cost of the ship was greater than what it was mining! Suggestions appreciated.

Defense platforms: I built a couple...how do you deploy them? They sit in cargo on the planet. Are they functioning in that state, or do I have to do something with them?

If any or all of these questions have already been covered ad nauseum before, sorry. Just looking for a couple of quick answers. I'll search the forums for strategy tips (have already). Just stuck on a couple of "how to's".

[Arkcon]

Originally posted by Dobian:

The big one: has anyone mapped out the tech tree for this game? It would be nice to have an idea what to research next. Like in Alpha Centauri you have that big map, plus in-game you get a nice presentation of what techs do for you, and what they lead to.

Welcome to the forum, you'll get tons of answers to your questions.

A suggestion on what to research next ... whatever will give you results fastest, that way, you'll learn what you want to concentrate on.

You're using weapon platforms correctly. Sitting in planet cargo is the only way they'll work.

As for remote mining, let me suggest this external link: Wiki

There's plenty of info there on a variety of SE4 topics.

[ December 04, 2002, 21:16: Message edited by: Arkcon ]

[Dobian]

Great link, thanks.

[Arkcon]

Originally posted by Dobian:
Great link, thanks.

It's a work in progress. Feel free to add suggestions or opinions to it, or here to the Frequently asked questions thread, as you discover them.

[mlmbd]

Dobian, first Welcome! You will get ALL you asked for, and more from the people around here. A group of nicer people, you could not hope for though, as Arkcon said!

Tech Tree thread here,
http://www.shrapnelgames.com/cgi-bin...ubb=forum;f=23 this thread will give you a link to printable Version. If that is what you are looking for.

Mining asteroids; click on this link, http://www.shrapnelgames.com/cgi-bin...=007485#000001 You will get lots of info on remote mining there.

Defense platforms;

They sit in cargo on the planet. Are they functioning in that state?

Yes, that is correct. Just need to build them. Of course as you acquire New and Improved goodies, you want to remember to Upgrade them.

mlmbd

[Ragnarok]

Originally posted by mlmbd:

Defense platforms;

quote:

---

They sit in cargo on the planet. Are they functioning in that state?

Yes, that is correct. Just need to build them. Of course as you acquire New and Improved goodies, you want to remember to Upgrade them.

mlmbd

---

But also keep in mind, that you cannot refit your weapon platforms. Once you design a bigger and/or better platform you have to jettison your old ones then build the new ones to take their place.

The best way that I can think of doing this is once you design your new WPs put them in your Build Queue, wait until they are about 0.2 or 0.1, 0.1 would be best, till completion then jettison your old ones. This will allow you to keep your defenses up as long as you possibly can before you jettison your old ones.

But, if you have enough cargo space on your planet for both the ole and the new, then it might be best to keep both, that way you have stronger defenses right away.

I hope those are some helpful tips for you. Oh, and welcome to the forum. Ask, and ye shall be answer. That is all you need to know. You will surely have an answer in 12 hours or less. Right guys?