Set up game Poll

[Stockman]

At the game start one of the choices are how you want your warp points. as do we want them all connected or anywhere? I have always taken the default pick which is always connected. Does anyone have an opinion on the other choices? My big question is on the one choice that says no warp points.
Seeing that the AI rarely uses Steller goodies how can one have a good game with that choice, or am I mistaken on this thought. Thanks to you who reply with an opinion.

If you want a faster game select warp points located anywhere in system. On average it cuts system crossing moves by a third to a half of the default. That means the AI can go five or six systems away from home without refueling instead of three. Many times have I seen an AI explorer out of gas limping home one step at a time.....

[DirectorTsaarx]

I've used the "warp points located anywhere in system" option exclusively; I think it makes the game a little less predictable, since you can have warp points right next to your homeworld. Or, even more interesting, within 2 spaces of the center of a black hole (THAT can ruin your day ).

As for "not all warp points connected", well, as you mentioned, the AI could have trouble with that. Maybe if you start with high tech, so they don't have to research Stellar Manip, it wouldn't be too bad.

[capnq]

Note that you can change the options and generate another map as many times as you want before you hit Begin Game. I tend to change the settings for each new game just for variety. I usually take the first map that comes up, but if it doesn't look very interesting, I'll regenerate it a couple times, and change a setting if I get three maps in a row that I don't like.

------------------
Cap'n Q

The most merciful thing in the world, I think, is the inability of the
human mind to correlate all of its contents. We live on a placid
island of ignorance in the midst of black seas of infinity, and it was
not meant that we should go far. -- HP Lovecraft, "The Call of Cthulhu"

[PurpleRhino]

Personally, I like the warp points located anywhere in system... and I ALWAYS uncheck the 'all warp points connected'... it tends to give a bunch of 'mini' systems. Which can make the game very intersting...
Just some thoughts...

[Suicide Junkie]

I personally prefer to have "all systems connected" OFF, but I keep re-generating the map until all systems are naturally connected.
That way there are no wierd warplines connecting the Last system to the others.

[Matryx]

Well normally I pick Spiral arm because IMO it looks the best
I uncheck all warp points connected and generate until they are all natuarally connected (see above point for reason)
Finally I uncheck "player planets same size" because it leaves room for variation
it can be hard but fulfilling to have a smaller planet at the start of the game and still win
As for warp points anywhere in system.... I have no preference...
it's nice to play both... but never stick to one

[This message has been edited by Matryx (edited 29 May 2001).]