Re: AI is BETTER??
Well, the AI is definately more hostile (a GOOD thing) and it seems a bit more capable as well. I had never seen the AI mass ships like it did in my first two gaems with 1.19. I was used to 2s and 3s but a squadron of 6 Light Cruisers came in and glassed my forward colonies one after another unlike the patented 'wander and thrash' of the previous Version.
I'm fairly happy with it with High Difficulty, Low Bonus and 3000rps to my 2000. It gives a pretty good game now. Certainly I could smash it with mines etc, but when you play on equal footing, its not too bad.
Finally, yes, the 'missile dance' is definately the way to go on the early game. Only about 40% of the races actually use Missiles and the rest will die miserably to this tactic. I have trying to come up with a workaround of some kind, but the current movement system doesnt really allow for much. Its just too easy to run in, launch and run out until they are pounded to mush.
One thing I have done is to make a crude PD weapon available at the start of the game. This has at least helped blunt the early missile supremacy. Later in the game, Missiles are worthless against anyone who will build a good number of PD ships. To compensate, I've increased the cost of researching PD guns. At 5000 vs 15000 for better missiles, it was clear that it was impossible for the offense to keep up with the defense in that regard.
Anyways, FWIW, I've found the AI to be far better than under 1.11. It takes issue with your expansion early enough to offer resistance BEFORE its too late. It also seems to keep its ships together a little better and it seems to prioritize destruction of enemy colonies a little higher.
Keep plugging at it and try giving them the Low bonus. It really helps them, especially in the research dept.
Talenn
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