Satellites and the Need for Fighters at Games Start
Have been refining my early game strategies and tactics and have developed a concern over the use of satellites to wipe out enemy planets.
I typically build an "Explorer" class transport that is equipped with two satellite bays, 3 supply units and 11 satellites. The ship is basically indestructable early on and the satellites provide enough firepower early on to destroy even home worlds (about four salvos required).
The only defence is to have a defensive Explorer (to enable deployment of satellites at distance from the planet)or several frigates or escorts (remember I'm talking early on here). My concern here isnt just the AI (which cant react effectively to this tactic at all), but, in games between human opponents (where the first person to discover an opponents players is at a major advantage because it is difficult to initiate a conclusive battle (Explorer can hide amongst its satellites).
The rationale for having satellites early on is appropriate I think, but, there is a need for a weapon that can target satellites from long range.
My initial thought was to allow Fighters and Point Defence at game start (no carriers though until cruiser tech achieved)to allow players to defend their systems. Point Defence is provided to allow offensive players to counter Fighters if they so decide to specially equip their ships.
Does anyone else have any different thoughts?
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