Many (semi) newbie questions...advice requested.

CaptSpoogy · #1 June 21st, 2001, 03:10 AM

I always liked to use torpedoes, but was disappointed with the way SE IV treated them with limited range. So - BAM - I added some range and just a smidge more destrutive power...

I don't like missiles all that much - they become really ineffective against an opponent with good point defense.

Once component that I modded in to the game is Pulse Phasers. They're like souped up Meson BLasters and quite effective at close to mid range.

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Dubious · #2 June 21st, 2001, 03:50 AM

Some great questons and responses. This thread is already going into the next revision of the Strategy Guide. However I am cutting it up to put things into the respective sections.

Just wanted to say that (to the best of my knowledge) all the threads which have been mentioned are already in the SG.

For those who haven't seen it, Link to the first 'Modding Tools and Help/Info' Archive page: http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/For...ML/000019.html and go to the oldest page, second item (ignore posted date, it gets edited when a revision goes up).

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"All sources are dubious until their reliabilty has been repeatedly proven. Even then their information should be independently verified." - The unwritten "spooks handbook"

Suicide Junkie · #3 June 21st, 2001, 02:05 PM

quote:
And you missed the +30% on Wave Motion Guns

I think the IB has a +15%, but I can't check right now.

It was getting really late, so I couldn't finish adding the tohit bonuses. I'll get to them in 9 hours or so.

Edit: IB has only 10% bonus.

[This message has been edited by suicide_junkie (edited 22 June 2001).]

DirectorTsaarx · #4 June 21st, 2001, 05:58 PM

Back to the torpedoes vs. missiles question: are we talking about the anti-matter/quantum torpedoes, or the Plasma Torps you get at the top of the seeker tech tree (after missiles)? I agree about the AM/Q Torps being completely different from missiles. However, the plasma torps are fairly similar to missiles (seeking weapon, long range); the major differences are that Plasma Torps have better speed, better damage resistance, and better damage at short ranges. The damage drops below missile damage at mid- to long-range, but I think the Plasma Torps also have better range than missiles (or at least the higher-level Plasma Torps have better range than missiles).

Dragonlord · #5 June 21st, 2001, 07:37 PM

Yes, in my original question I meant Plasma Torps, I never even got to the point of researching Quantum Torps. Are those good?

Suicide Junkie · #6 June 21st, 2001, 08:34 PM

CSM V: 0.8 damage
PM V: 1.0 - 0.27 damage

From close up, you get more damage. With the extra speed, you face fewer turns of PDcannons. Both factors help you get more bang for your buck, but if you want an extreme-range artillery effect, go with CSMs.

Noble713 · #7 June 21st, 2001, 11:19 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Dragonlord:
10: Ripper Beams...am still not really convinced, maybe they get better at levels 3 or 4...but a level 1 or 2 is useless compared to other weapons I had at that stage. (I loved the level 5 phased weapons!)

I've tried to use them in both SE3 and 4 by loading up destroyers and such with them, trying to make some kind of fast attack ship, and it's never worked. I think someone mentioned the following ship design/tactic in another thread:

Baseship hull
make sure the weapons are put in the following order:
Massive Mount Tractor Beam
Massive Mount Ripper Beams (a bunch)
Massive Mount Repulsor Beam (at least 1, maybe 2 or 3)

The plan is for the tractor beam to grap a ship from across the tactical map, pull it in to close range, gut it with the ripper beams, and then push it back across the screen again. You're opponenent ends up with a wrecked ship that isn't in position to even fire back or ram something.