Small Galaxy + 19 TDM Races = Tough Fight

spacefan · #1 May 19th, 2002, 06:57 PM

I've heard a lot about how smaller cramped galaxies make it easier for the human because of how little the computer can expand. I'm not a great SE4 player, I can win on Medium Bonus, High Difficulty, as long as no one starts in my system, but for this test I tryed to make a cramped galaxy and make it as tough as possible.

I hand picked 19 tdm empires (including rage and others that were said to be toughest), high bonus, high difficulty, small galaxy, empires allowed to start in same system. High research cost.

I started in the same system as the Krill. By turn three they were throwing frigates at me. Its turn 31 now, and I've managed to build several weapon platforms, allowing me to barely repel their attacks. I have 2 frigates which are no use against their main forces, but I have used them to harrass colony ships, so much so that they now put weapons on their colony ships.

I had a colony once, but I did not have any way to provide enough defense for it. The Krill send 8 destroyers at me about every 3 turns. Only the missiles get through, and all the destroyers die due to my longer ranged DUCs on the platform. I am losing 1 - 2 platforms per assualt due to the missiles that get through. Bases never Last. I had 2 construction bases early on, but they are spread out from eachother and the planet, so they can not support one another.

The Space Vikings have the highest score at 110k. Rage is in 2nd. I'm 16th place.

A small galaxy does limit the AI empires' growth, but it also makes the early game harder, especially if you allow several empires to start in one system. The hard fighting really makes the game more fun, as every ship and every colony you manage to hold on to is crucial.

I've noticed that the normal theme of Space Empires is of expansive systems of colonized planets, and lots of open space where no fighting goes on. This is a light theme, the idea of limitless space in the galaxy. However when you play on a small galaxy with 19 tdm races, it gives a different theme entirely. The dark theme, is that there are enemies everywhere, and you have to fight for every inch. This is more like the Battle of the Bulge and other epic battles on earth. Until this game I've never really had a game where I was constantly in danger of losing if something went wrong. For once the enemy has the initiative and I have to find a way to get it back. Its like being in England and watching the luftwaffe attack.

Anyone who wants the savegame for curiosity, send me a message or email at [email protected]

geoschmo · #2 May 19th, 2002, 07:05 PM

I got to agree with you there. I consider myself a fairly good player, and the Last time I tried a game such as you are descibing I had to resort to cheesy tactical combat tricks like sat launchers and the like jsut to hold off the AI players a little longer. Forget about actually beating them.

I am not sure who told you small galaxies were easier for the humans though. It's pretty commonly known that the smaller the quadrant and the more cramped the players are the harder it is for a human player to survive.

Geoschmo

Taera · #3 May 19th, 2002, 09:05 PM

Well, if the game is not gold i would like to see the savegame.

Also i'll try to play a game with similar settings soon.

spacefan · #4 May 19th, 2002, 11:38 PM

Its gold. I only use non-gold for the history of the galaxy game. In non-gold I would have lost already. Its the range bonusses to weapon platforms that have kept me alive.

spacefan · #5 May 20th, 2002, 03:47 PM

I have a lot of allies already in this game, so I'm doing decent. Space Vikings, Crysolonite and CueCappa are allied with me. I'm getting twice my production in trade. HEH.

I've managed to start reeling in the Krill. Had an assault on their homeworld but wasn't able to do enough damage. I've got point defense now which is helping, but I need to build up a big fleet (big = 10 frigates in this game) before my allies decide they don't like me and I lose all that trade.

I'm producing about 5800 minerals, trade is giving me about 10000. Same proportions about with the other resources.

Master Belisarius · #6 May 20th, 2002, 08:46 PM

For challenging games, I always play with small galaxy, TDM, High Bonus, 1 starting planet, and 4 or 5 AIs. I'm not a bad player, but, usually I can't survive the early game...

Taera · #7 May 20th, 2002, 10:40 PM

Yeah, high bonuses give the AI a realy good start.

Atraikius · #8 May 21st, 2002, 01:45 AM

Spacefan - glad to hear you are enjoying the Krill

- The AI for them was originally the same as the Orks, but is a little different as of the Last TDM-Modpack. (BTW - the armed colony ships is normal for them - they get worse when they start building them on battle cruiser hulls). I agree that the cramped galaxies are tougher at the beginning, I select the 19 TDM races to play against, but use a large galaxy with three planet start, gives you a little time, but you still end up running into someone almost right away, and they have been able to expand a little at that point too.

Jmenschenfresser · #9 May 22nd, 2002, 10:51 PM

My trick for small galaxies and lots of *****in' AIs is to research mines right out of the gate. Takes a few turns, but once you have them, even the TDM races just run into them a few times and then leave you alone for a while.

Usually after they lose several ships to your mines, they offer a treaty. No harm done.

Gives you time to develop a fleet and do some other research, and is a perfect defense for new colonies.

Skulky · #10 May 25th, 2002, 06:27 AM

Really the only way about it, the mines make a big difference. And anyone who says that's cheap or in the words of a certain "ethically minded gamer" "gamey." shoudl really think about it, wouldn't any race that had space travel be able to launch satalites, and just as easily put bombs with prox fuses onthem? not too hard. hell you should be able to build ****ty mines from the start (that only hit 1/2 the time or something)