[raynor]

I think you make a good point. When I switch from rock / oxygen to gas / methane, I find that it slows my start down by quite a bit.

Ironically, I'm playing rock / oxygen now, and it is a harder game than gas / methane in the middle of the game. Usually, by this time I have 'acquired' rock planet colonization from an enemy empire. But everyone around me is rock colony as well! I actually had to research gas giant and ice instead of obtaining it from a race when they surrendered!

Didn't someone say they thought 'none' atmosphere was the most challenging of all? I haven't tried that one yet. Any comments from those who have done this?