Gas planets vs rock planets???

[Smolf]

What is your preference for starting planet? Gas or rock? (Ice is few in number and therefore out of question... at least, that's my opinion)

I have been discussing this for a while with a friend of mine, and we can't agree on this dilemma. I prefer gas planets because they are largest and therefore offer more room for your different facilities in fewer starsystems.

My friend always chooses rock planets, because they are more numerous and that gives a larger probability for a breathably atmosphere.

Ofcourse later in the game you can terraform your planets to fit your populations requirements, but thats not an option in the beginning of the game, where expansion is vital for your future.

So what do you do? Let my "hear" your opinions on this and your reasons.

(Sorry if my english isn't perfect, but I live in Denmark, so it's not my native language )

[Ruatha]

Ice isn't sucha waste as you might think.

In PBW games Ice can be a valuable commodity for trade, enabling you to get all three colony techs. Whereas if you start with rock you might trade and get gas colony tech if you're lucky but you'll have to stand in line to trade with the ice colony dudes.

Having said that I prefer rock, nothing beats solid ground underneath your feets.

Good to have one more scandinavian here.

[ May 08, 2003, 15:04: Message edited by: Ruatha ]

[FadingSuns]

I have to admit that I like Rock planets with no atmosphere. Almost every moon is prime even with limited cargo space. Once I get Ice tech it usually gives me the rest of the moons as well as larger planets to easily colinize.

[DavidG]

I pick Rock or Gas. I like Gas because the planets are always medium or larger. Thus less micromanagement. I think Rock are more numerous but lots of small planets (I believe in terms of Facility space things are pretty much equal)

What I like about Rock is that it is easier to find a sector with a rock planet and a rock moon. Very usefull for training ships.

[Gryphin]

I like the Gas Giant / Storage.
Things like Robotoid Factory have more of an impact.

I never thought about that, but yes, less micro managment.
Thanks David.

[Grandpa Kim]

The Iceman cometh!

Yes, I take ice! Contrary to popular opinion, they are as numerous as rock. And having it makes me a valuable commodity. You will pay big time for my ice tech!