[Slick]

The unknowns for non-beta testers are:

- (from the recently posted interview with MM) component placement affects damage in a similar way that Starfury handles damage. i.e. damage from the front hits shields, then armor, then outer hull then inner hull; internal damage is more likely to hit components placed in the front. With the AI handling multiplayer combat, how much does that affect gameplay? The real question is that for ships with identical components, how much does component placement matter in combat? My gut feeling is that this is a good thing that doesn't make a huge difference but adds another facet to ship design. I would think from a reality standpoint (let's not argue about reality in this game) it makes sense that damage should be taken this way.

- How much of a pain is it to design or re-design ships with this method? Time spent designing ships would probably go up, but personally that doesn't bother me because proportionally time spent in ship design is small. Additionally, if component placement has in-game effects, so much the better for game detail. Also, if I modify a design by only moving a component, I would assume that this would be considered a new design and as such previously constucted ships would have the old layout. Would I have to "upgrade" the ship to relocate components?

- Are there exploits to this method or are they not considered exploits at all. What if I shielded my bridge with cheap components. Exploit or smart design? I'd say the latter and also would point out that most Navy combat vessels have more vital areas shielded by both armor and less vital components. What if statistically more damage is taken from the front? A smart player would shield his vital components from the front with less vital components in between.

- I played a lot of Star Fleet Battles (SFB) in the '80s and that's how I eventually stumbled upon the Space Empires series around the time of III transitioning to IV. Each game has good reasons for its mechanics but I have always wished for some of the SFB aspects to be in SE such as weapon arcs and side-specific shields. Starfury has weapon arcs and side specific shields (armor too), I'm guessing SE:V probably has them too. SFB handled internal damage via a chart so there was no aspect of component placement. Now with the AI handling the helm during multiplayer combat, maybe SE:IV 360 degree arcs are superior, but they should be easily modded in SE:V if desired. Would the AI maneuver to protect downed or lesser shields?

Overall opinion: I did not ask for it but based on playing SF and knowledge of SE:IV, I think I might like it. Subject to change after playing SE:V.