Are you tough enough to be the "King of the Hill"?

[Stone Mill]

Originally quoted by Asmala:
Now I can use oxygen planets as breathables and that will balance things.

Well, if you can get away with them...

[Cheeze]

Gecko,

Thank you for an excellent game! Whatever mistakes you made, I am sure were equaled by some of my own. This was a very fun and close game.

We started about 2 systems apart, and Gecko's Space Sharks found me around turn 6 or 7. At that point I attempted to colonize in the neighboring system, which had one of the only carbon dioxide planets (my atmosphere) I found for quite some distance around. Gecko threw me out of that system. He was savvy enough to focus on missile technology, since he noticed my defensive advantage and took advantage of his movement bonus. I countered this by going for Drones, and they served their purpose well. On at least 2 occasions Gecko was in my home system and struck at my homeworld once. In an critical moment, my drones attacked his 19-ship fleet (which had just annihilated my fleet at about the same size) and heavily damaged one of his sweepers...enough to leave this fleet vulnerable to my mines, and then lacking much point-defense my fighters picked apart the remainder of his ships.

By this point, I had put together a small fleet in another system, with a troop transport. I had explored much of the galaxy and found few CO2 planets (particularly with any mineral production), but quite a few hydrogen planets. So I snuck in from a surprise direction and liberated one of his planets and shuttled that population back to my systems. They were just beginning to boost my resource and intel production, although I never had time to use the latter.

With both of us having gas giant colonization, the game hinged on my having superior position to move unhindered through the rest of the galaxy. Gecko had more planets available for exploitation earlier in the game. However, had he pushed further in the south, he would have found 5 hydrogen planet for his use. Otherwise, focusing his attack on my home system did prevent me from really moving in other directions, since I had to defend my homeworld. Had our positions relative to the galaxy been more equal, or had more hydrogen planets been within his reach, this game would have gone longer.

I can't wait until I have another match. It was fun playing an opponent who chose a more unique race design. Knowing he needed no spaceports was a great concern of mine.

I do deny the Sherman's March comment. I destroyed one colony the entire game, and that was early. I was moving to capture planets rather than glass them and that not only helped, but made for a more on edge game.

[Asmala]

Originally posted by Stone Mill:

quote:

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Originally quoted by Asmala:
Now I can use oxygen planets as breathables and that will balance things.

Well, if you can get away with them...

---

Of course I can. How do you think you can prevent me?

[Geckomlis]

In an critical moment, my drones attacked his 19-ship fleet (which had just annihilated my fleet at about the same size) and heavily damaged one of his sweepers...enough to leave this fleet vulnerable to my mines, and then lacking much point-defense my fighters picked apart the remainder of his ships.

From my perspective, your drone kill on that single mine sweeper won you the game. I should have backed off and regrouped at that point, but I took a chance that you might have skimped on mines to build that fleet I had just scragged. I attempted to perform scorched earth against your homeworld, and promptly lost 12 ships to mines. A high risk, high gain move that failed catastrophically for me. Sometimes lust and greed kills. The game definitely rocked, cradle to grave, for me.

[Slynky]

Originally posted by geckomlis:

quote:

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In an critical moment, my drones attacked his 19-ship fleet (which had just annihilated my fleet at about the same size) and heavily damaged one of his sweepers...enough to leave this fleet vulnerable to my mines, and then lacking much point-defense my fighters picked apart the remainder of his ships.

From my perspective, your drone kill on that single mine sweeper won you the game. I should have backed off and regrouped at that point, but I took a chance that you might have skimped on mines to build that fleet I had just scragged. I attempted to perform scorched earth against your homeworld, and promptly lost 12 ships to mines. A high risk, high gain move that failed catastrophically for me. Sometimes lust and greed kills. The game definitely rocked, cradle to grave, for me.

---

Really an interesting assessment. And a discussion of just what goes through minds when comptemplating what to do next. Somewhat like the chess games I used to play (when I played competition).

I find it interesting. I wonder if the pace of the game (sometimes, slower than what we want) and the rush to the crest of the hill sway our judgement. One thinks, "If I do this, this could be my win!", instead of, "OK, I've got position on him...pull in a few more ships, quard this point, feint here, and in 10 more turns or so, I should be able to do...". You get my meaning.

[Cheeze]

Originally posted by geckomlis:
From my perspective, your drone kill on that single mine sweeper won you the game. I should have backed off and regrouped at that point, but I took a chance that you might have skimped on mines to build that fleet I had just scragged. I attempted to perform scorched earth against your homeworld, and promptly lost 12 ships to mines. A high risk, high gain move that failed catastrophically for me. Sometimes lust and greed kills. The game definitely rocked, cradle to grave, for me.

Consider that I thought I had lost the game when I sent my fleet against yours. I realized after I submitted the turn that I hadn't sufficiently determined how under-equipped my ships were to facing yours. That, and some idiotic manuevers in the battle left me virtually defenseless. I figured I should have kept my fleet over my homeworld. All I had left were 2 drones, a pretty good contingent of fighters, and several capable weapons platforms.

In that regard, I was fortunate my drones didn't so heavily damage that sweeper that it couldn't move at all. Stopping that fleet before it hit the minefield could have been devastating for me!!!

[Rollo]

Geoschmo,
I concede the game against Pablo. I have obstructed his way up far too long by not sending turns.
Please also remove me from the KOTH participents.

Rollo

[Slynky]

Originally posted by Thermodyne:
So we take this opportunity to ask that the Nodachian people revolt against their leaders. Throw off the chains of the evil empire and know the joy of being Thermolian. Spare yourselves the pain and suffering of another hopeless battle.

This sounds vaguely familiar. Hmmmm, where HAVE I heard this approach before....?

[Thermodyne]

Hey, what can I say? It was too good to pass up on, and the situation is similar. Nod’s needs to use his WMD or the war is lost to him.

[Stone Mill]

Originally posted by Slynky:

I'm still wanting to hear if Asmala (who I have my money on) got those "kidnapped" population out of the system. Last I heard, Stone was hinting at their impending death.

Hey, after all, guys, this game is for the hill.

Well, I did not have enough to stop him in the short term. That will be a cramp. Kudos to Asmala on that move... Right now it is still pretty even.

The Black hole riders pushed themselves into our border systems and made a general nusiance of themselves. No planets were lost; but I had to sacrifice a few ships...
I was finally able to capture one of his carriers, which will result in some nice free tech.
Short term balance swinging in his favor. But I'm used to that. Patience is a virtue.

This is a fun game... it's been a long while since I had to combat someone using Asmala's tactics... his style is completely different from my previous challenges up the hill. He definitely anticipated me nicely, was ready to throw me some curveballs, which I am working on countering. Hope I'm not too rusty.