Newbie questions
 

First off, what a great game. http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif

I have some strategy questions. First, it seems like there are a lot of weapons and items that just don't seem to be useful. Like the master computer, it ways 10Kt more than the 3 items its supposed to replace. Why use that over a bridge, crew quarters and life support? Or the anti-proton beam and meson bLasters. They seem to weigh more but do less damage than other weapons, so whats the use of them? There has to be some hidden strategy here I'm completely missing.

And an easier question, how do you launch ground troops? I had a destroyer hovering over a world with a bunch of ground troups in a cargo bay but I couldn't figure out how to send them down. Do I need a special item I haven't researched yet?

Thanks, this game is great I just wish it came with a giant instruction and strategy guide. http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: Newbie questions
 

Hi Pup,

Let's try to ease some of that sufferin'. http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif

Master computers, especially at higher tech where they weigh less, are very useful.

1) larger hulls require more crew quarters and life support. so even at level 1, a 40kt Master Comp can be worth while over 10kt Bridge, 2x10kt Crew Quarters and 2xkt Life Support (50kt total). when the Master Comp only weighs 30kt or 20kt, it saves you lots of component space.

2) the Master Computer can be THE defense against some weapons (special tech weapons which I'll leave unnamed for your future enjoyment and suprise) which only effect crew.


Proton Beams, Meson BLasters and some other *initially* useless *looking* weapons can also be very useful.

1) you did not consider rate of fire. using a well armored or well shielded ship with a bunch of beam weapons can be devestating against an opponent using nothing but high-damage, lowe rate of fire weapons.

2) at higher tech levels you do get more range and keep that nice, 1 rate of fire.

3) a strategy you may be missing is that you can concentrate a relatively low amount of research to get a generically useful collection of beam weapons to use vs spending larger amounts of tech to get some other weapon types which could do more damage per kt, but fire slower or have other limitations such as the targets they can hit.

Responding more specifically would be easier if I know what other weapons you are comparing them against.

Ground Troops. Try setting the ships strategy to "Capture Planet".

Also, the full game will have documentation. A strategy guide would be harder. This is due to the fact that so many strategies can work, depending on how they are used, who your opponents are, and what game options you have set. SE IV has such a rich tech foundation that there truly is no "single strategy" that I've found always beats everyone.

I hope this helps,

John

Re: Newbie questions
 

Also, in tactical combat you can give the command to drop troops by pressing the orders button. This will also allow you to ram a ship and do other things.

Re: Newbie questions
 

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Lerchey:
Also, the full game will have documentation.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

From what I hear, it'll have some GREAT documentation! I'm looking forward to the read almost as much as getting to turn 101! http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif

Re: Newbie questions
 

Rumor has it a former auditor did the documentation. Be ready to be cross indexed!!


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Seawolf on the prowl

Re: Newbie questions
 

All I have to say is "now I get it!". http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif

Thanks for the info, lot of helpful people in these Groups. Now if I could use my tech level 4 time accelerator to zoom ahead to november 1st...

Re: Newbie questions
 

Ah, yes. There have been times when I wished I had a Antiproton beam XII in my hands, or maybe a Plasma Missile mounted on my roof