Originally posted by: ZzZGuy
Originally posted by: vhx
I tried this game several times at my cousins and just couldn't get into it without getting annoyed. I seriously hate the bomber runs the AI does, it just makes all my efforts seem futile.
I had a planet with 4 turrets, one of those defense structures that makes fighters, 2 Capital ships (with their own onboard fighters), around 10-15 fighters, maxed the planet defense upgrades, and Military researches. I believe I had other structures like the repairer things, but those didn't help much here.
Basically all the bombers warped in, destroyed my planet, warped out before I could even kill half of them. Then proceeded to do the same to the rest of my planets, one squadron took out 2 before I could kill them all, and by then they had a larger force with capital ships attacking my main planet. I am not sure if I like the idea of the logistic/tactical limits. I always end up building too much and can't get a trade network working by the time I have many things.
I pretty much gave up after that, considering I had pirates attacking me at the same time as well. I might give it another shot, but still way too annoying.
You're doing it wrong.
Ok first off, looks like you are not upgrading your fleet logistics or planet tactical slots.
Fleet logistics is under the research tap, and allows you to increase the unit cap on your fleet but your lose a increasing percentage of resources as you upgrade.
Planet tactical/logistic slot upgrades can be accessed by clicking the planet then selecting the "upper left box" on the "lower right" menu on the HUD.
Make sure you're upgrading your planets infrastructure to increase the population so you get more taxes. When you first colonize a planet it will have a negative income, so never have more then 2 planets at any time with a negative income or you will stall your economy
Update to the latest version, siege frigates where nurffed somewhat.
ALWAYS bribe the pirates unless you want a small fleet to attack you every 15 minutes (timer extended in latest patch).
Also here is a static defense setup that will defeat any pirate raid and deter 70% of siege frigate rushes (that is what you where calling bombers from what i can gather) and wipe out the other 30% before you lose the planet.
1- 2 repair bays MINIMUM with overlapping coverage on your hangers/turrets
2- 4/6 hanger bays. Bombers are good vs heavy armor (eg, heavy cruisers) and Fighters are good vs light armor (eg, LRM frigates). I forget offhand what armor type siege frigates have, but fighters do more damage to them then bombers would.
3- Planetary shield if you are TEC and are getting bombed a lot), otherwise ignore this for single player
4- Spam as many turrets as you can fit in with coverage just reaching the surface of the planet and placed in locations where the AI's siege frigates will be bombing the planet from.
5- Max out bomb shelters to increase planet health.
6- Place trade stations in the middle of your defense as pirate bait.
Capitals only become worth the cost if they level up to higher levels. As they level up they do more damage and gain more shield/hull as well as unlock special abilities. If you are being hard pressed, frigates or heavy cruisers will be a better short term option as you get more bang for your buck right away.
Also expand towards choke points on the map when fighting the AI. It is VERY rare they will bypass a front line planet unless it has no structures to target. Pirates will attack the closest planet to the pirate base, they base this on number of jumps. When 2 or more planets are a equal distance away it will randomly chose.
Do NOT research at the expense of your fleets numbers. Shinny armor level 2 won't help you when he outnumbers you 3 to 1 (later when you start using heavy cruisers you can face superior numbers and win).
Build a trade port on each planet you own, the longer the unbroken link between planets with trade ports is the more money you will make (uncolonizable systems don't count).
-Edit- Oh and the patch is due any day now, i hope....