At 102 turns, I was able to pull a victory out over Gandalph in our KOTH game. I had expected to lose, but had a couple of key moments that saved my behind and allowed me to recuperate. Perhaps the initial key event was a small set of ships damaging enough of one of Gandalph's attacks just sectors away from my homeworld. I don't know if that would have finished me, but it would have hurt badly. I had taken a weird angle by using a gas giant race, but I was fortunate to find some usable planets, many far from Gandalph's systems. Funny that we met so early in the game, but we both were very slow to attack. It was a very fun and well-played game, with lots of back and forth battles (mostly in my systems, mind you!!)
Ultimately I was able to strike at Gandalph through the flanks, allowing me to glass enough planets to cut his resource base and general happiness. My guess is that is what gave me the victory. Also was his fleets running short on supplies. I lost to Fyron on this point because my homeworld was very close to his point of attack. However, Gandalph's were 3-4 systems away, so the lack of solar collectors or resupply pods cut his fleets' capabilities, and allowed me to quickly build a fleet in defense. Training played a major factor, as I think his Last push at my homeworld was with a high defense value fleet (natural defensiveness, ECM, stealth and scattering armor) that my fleet and ship training equalized.
I'm happy to step up to the next tier, only to lose again I'm sure, but my hat's off to Gandalph. It was a pleasure to play you, and I doubt I'll get off so easily next time we meet.
I just hope you don't nurse a desire to avenge yourself on me in some other game!!
