Master Belisarius writes:
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Please tell me your game settings...
Large quadrant, Galactic Edge (?), 1 Average Planet (2000M pop) but not all players required to start with the same planet size. Low research start, default costs. 2000 point game, took "Propulsion Experts" Advanced Trait on the theory that Advanced Storage was too advantageous. I min-maxed only to the point of diminishing returns, e.g. Strength 80%, not 50%. Aggression and Defense default. Intelligence, Mining & Construction 120%, Maintenance 110%. Cunning, Farming, Refining, Political Savvy & Repair were all 80% as I recall. The rest were default or below, because somehow I raised enough points to take "Hardy Industrialists". Culture was Scientists.
It occurred to me later that starting with Medium Homeworlds may have been a mistake. I suspect the AIs are much less adept than a human at dealing with a lack of resources, hence the slow growth of the three AIs I've met so far.
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You should play with at least low bonus
Well, I dislike AI "cheats", but if that's what it takes...
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and yes, the AI vs human it's a challenging option
Good news.
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but maybe you are ready to play in PBW and meet human players!
BWAHAHAHA! Good one, MB!
Seriously, so far I've been using Tactical Combat all the way. I know this gives the human a big advantage, but at this point I just can't stand for the game to run my precious ships, even under my general direction.
Maybe after I've learned more about Strategic Combat...