Re: Computer combat Q
 

Some thoughtful ideas - thanx!

I do see a problem with the escort idea, though. Specifically, I'd expect them to get "turned to the dark side" pretty quickly, and then sent back at me.

(For fans of Donaldson's "White Gold Wielder" series, there is a similar situation in there ;-) )

The escort strategy would work better if null space weapons could be used by the bigger ships and out to a useful range. However, the null space ones are outranged, and even Massive APB XIIs do not degrade the shield fast enough.

However, I might be able to put the base ship on max range do not get hurt, and launch many fighters and missiles. Those units cannot be turned against me, and I might be able to overpower their PD.

Worth a try!

Re: Computer combat Q
 

Escorts would only have a token weapon on them, to get them to engage and trick the enemy into using their weapons on the escorts. When they get turned, your ships should have target priorities that result in ignoring them, and they probably won't even hit (no combat sensors) and even if they did, it wouldn't do much harm.

But, the economy and reload and to-hit factors of the unmodded game may make the technique impractical.

PvK

Re: Computer combat Q
 

Aah! Ablative escorts!

I missed the full design aspect, especially the absence of Combat Sensors and token gun (like APBI, or something).

Maybe I'll try that ....

After all, I could avoid putting self-destructs in them and maybe even capture them back! Making them recycle-able! ;-)

Re: Computer combat Q
 

I like to have escorts and destroyers attached to my main fleet - they mainly have distance weapons ie missiles that can disable some of my enemies before i send the main fleet ships in.

Re: Computer combat Q
 

Can you orchestrate it well in Simultaneous?

I do not play tactical combat against the AI. I regard it as unbalancing and negative learning should I play against a human.