i've started a game for 20 turns need help

[blazefire]

ok. i've started a game with cluster as a map. i have destroters as my ship and i'm researchin light cruisers. i have point defensins level 2, depleted uranium cannons lv5, shields level 3, i've reshearched military science once, and physics,twice. i have a fleet of 5 ships in my homeworld all destroyers. i have around five shipyards and alot of minerals what should i research next after ships. i want to do my shields up to level three but would that be the best way to go and how do i get mines. i've incountered no AI yet.

[Aussie Gamer]

Get stellar stuff first- solar panels and like that.
Build some single missile destroyers with supply pods and solar panels and explore out. Find them on their systems.
Mines are in Industry field.
Get your reseach up ( research field for research buildings) and colonise, colonise and oh yer! colonise.

[Trachmyr]

I agree, research Astrophysics and then Stellar Harnessing... I would also reseach Planetary Weapons to get Planetary Napalm incase you need to glass some planets in the future.

[Suicide Junkie]

Since you have physics lev 2, I suggest you research and use Phased polaron beams.
You'll be able to ignore the shields of the enemy when you meet them.

Since you don't have any enemies right now, I suggest you research construction, then fighters. Instead of spending points maintaining ships, you can spend points to build an unlimited number of fighters & other units.

Build anything that's maintenance-free.

[Marty Ward]

Since you have Point Defense 2, Shields 3 and Physics 2 you are well on your way to building ships that can Last the entire game and not be outclassed. If I were you I would research Phased Polaron Beams to level 5, PD to level 5 and shields to level 5. Destroyers equiped with these items can hold off Cruisers and BC in tactical combat. With a destroyer or two full of PD 5 you can make yourself immune to almost any missile or fighter attack.
After you get to those levels take your pick. Stellar Harnassing is great. Bigger ships, engines, repair, sensors and combat support will all be needed and cost a fair amount of research. If you are the paranoid type research industry to get mines. If you are real paranoid, research warheads too.
The biggest thing to remember is COLONIZE everything. And build lots of research facilities. You really don't need a big fleet unless you wish to go conquering or the enemy finds you.

[This message has been edited by Marty Ward (edited 20 April 2001).]

[Aussie Gamer]

Gentlemen...

I think that we are in agreement.

COLONISE
COLONISE
COLONISE

Don't worry about meeting them until you get yourself settled into about 20 good worlds if you can.