[Arkcon]

geoschmo said:
Exploring? Well, maybe a little. It's fun finding out where the other people are and planning your attacks and defense. But just scouting out empty systems for future colonization? Meh, not so much. Score = .5 X

I still find this fascinating. After a while, you get used to the planet images, the storm in every system, etc. But each system is different -- rich planets too close to warp point, all poor planets, planet in perfect spot for resupply base, dead end systems, double empty systems(perfect for sneak attacks from a well supplied fleet) etc. So I'm usually pretty excited.

Expanding? Am I the only one not waiting breathlessly for the log report that I've started another 5 colonies this turn? Score = 0 X

It takes a bit for the colony ship to arrive, so I have to revist my plans, see what's changed in the interim, so that's fun for me.

Exploiting? Hmmmm, let's see. Should I build four mineral miners on this 92% mineral planet, or use it for reseearch instead? Jeez, what am I an accountant? Score = 0 X

Otherwise known as the 5thX - eXcel, as in spreadsheet. I dunno, but looking at all my planets in tabular form gives me some sort of rush. Sort of a powermad pleasure at all that info at my fingertips. Ignoring this is why n00bs end up bankrupt, once you've played the game enough so it's intuitive, maybe its not so important.

Exterminating? Oh yeah! Score = 1 X

This never stops being fun. Evenly matched, some small benefit, overpowering force, its all fun. Barely surviving an outmatched force, or hey, just slowing them down -- its all good.

I dunno what to say, I wait with baited breath for SE5 -- more complexity, more micromanagment, confuse me with the rules -- Bwa-ha-ha-ha, I deserve it.