quote:
Originally posted by DirectorTsaarx:
I have an idea that I haven't seen below; I'll try to test it today if I find time (unless someone else has already tried & failed):
Keep the idea of requiring more engines per move (or whatever it really means) for larger ships; then, create special engines for the larger ships. Require research in both propulsion and ship construction to unlock the "larger" engines. These larger engines would provide more movement points per engine (and possibly more supply storage), thus reducing the number of engines required on the larger vessels. Now, here's the part that needs testing: limit the larger engines for use on larger ships using the "Custom Groups" mentioned in the Components and VehicleSize files. I'm not certain if the Custom Groups work or not. I also know there may be a glitch with providing more supply storage in engines, as the AI will create ships with "extra" engines (as in illegal ship designs) because it's using the engines in place of supply storage. That could be "fixed" by increasing the capacity of the existing supply storage component, but that could change the balance of the game as well.
Obviously, this would also require modding the AI vehicle design files, but I'm sure the modding community is very good at that... 
Well, I tested the "Custom Group" stuff and couldn't get it to work.
I did notice that the Hyper-Density Cables and Gravity Plating have Custom Group numbers assigned. But I couldn't get the "Cannot Have" or "Can Have" abilities to work... so, I'm not certain how to restrict large engines to large hulls...