[rdouglass]

I like the idea about placing the bases at the beginning of combat, but I think we (the human players) have a big enough advantage over the AI in Tactical already. (I rarely ever use bases just for that reason) If the AI gets better at Tactical, then "Yes, lets have that feature". But for now, most intermediate to experienced players can waste most AI's with far fewer and more inferior ships in Tactical Combat. What with the "missle dance" strategy, etc. we have a huge advantage - the AI just doesn't use 'em.

However, being able to place your fleets on the EDGE of the map corresponding to the direction you entered the sector from; now that would be very helpful in those larger, multi-fleet battles. I don't think I'd want to place them ANYWHERE on the map - too much of an advantage. Another feature I'd like to see for combat is 'stacking' ships in combat squares. That's something you also could do in SE3 that IMO is very much missed.

[This message has been edited by rdouglass (edited 10 January 2001).]