quote:
In short, it would make the AI playable, but since it wouldn't be using all the techs available to it (and to you) then it would be seriously disadvantaged against a human player. That kind of negates the whole point of using TDM, which is to get a better challenge from the AI.
One thing to note is that 90% of then new techs are not strictly an advantage.
The two key problem points are:
- radioactives production is as important as minerals
- Phased-Polaron Beams REQUIRE Energy Stream Tech. (Races that research PPBs need to research some APBs at the same time!
A secondary concern is ARMOR, which AIs won't use.
+ Armor has more hitpoints
- Armor can't stop boarding parties(extra components or tactical care required)
+ Armor costs less rads, more minerals (AIs are heavy miners by default)
- Armor takes many turns to repair
Overall, armor seems to be balanced...