Small Galaxy + 19 TDM Races = Tough Fight

[spacefan]

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]