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Author Topic:   I need help...Please help

TritonSiege posted 05-07-99 02:25 AM ET
I just go this game and despite I have NO IDEA what I am doing I still find it fun.
The game seems to progress very slowly It seems to take hours before anything even happens. I fail to see the point in the game. (But i still like it..go figure) I guess what I am asking is where do I start? I mean it seems so complicated...what things as a newbie should I be focusing on? What is the important stuff to know? I know what I am asking for is quite vague so any information you can help me with would be more than helpful, thanks
Smeagol posted 05-07-99 02:30 AM ET
There is simply too much to tell, but if you search this site you will find MANY ideas for starting out.
I would suggest looking at the strategy guide over at www.gamespot.com. This should explain all the basics of play that can't really be learned from the instruction manual.
Smeagol posted 05-07-99 02:36 AM ET
Just some basic stuff-- at the beginning, it's usually best to build one extra scout, and then bust out colony pods as fast as you can to make lots of bases. Don't wait too long to build a recycle tanks and children's creche, as both of these will allow you to grow + expand much more quickly. So you need to research biogenetics, social psych, ethical calculus early, and also centauri ecology for formers because you need to terraform your base squares to continue progress.
Don't wait too long for industrial base as it gives you better defenders, and also the weapons techs (applied physics and nonlinear math) if you are playing a military faction-- if you can get to nonlinear math before everyone else you can really wreak some havoc.
Much more to tell, but I could go on and on and I should probably get some sleep soon.
GaryD posted 05-07-99 08:48 AM ET
If you come across a rival early on, consider taking him/her out soon. If they stay they restrict the areas you can grow into, and if you capture rather than destroy the cities, well there's a major bonus at the very start.
(Remember an advantage at the start continues to improve your position throughout the whole game.)
Before you hit them for six though, trade as many technologies as possible. When you're into this more you can make decisions as to what is a good trade for you, and what not. But in your early games remember that if you don't trade, someone else might, and then a rival gets that extra boost rather than you.
Depending on who you are playing you may wish to 'comb' the fungus infected areas in the hope of meeting the natives. Hit them and there is a chance you'll convert them to your faction, and even if you don't their remains are worth energy to you.
Look for special areas to populate, such as those near the monoliths. They all have various advantages.
Have fun, and as Smeagol said there is too much to tell here so browse the existing threads for more advice.
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Author	Topic: I need help...Please help
TritonSiege	posted 05-07-99 02:25 AM ET I just go this game and despite I have NO IDEA what I am doing I still find it fun. The game seems to progress very slowly It seems to take hours before anything even happens. I fail to see the point in the game. (But i still like it..go figure) I guess what I am asking is where do I start? I mean it seems so complicated...what things as a newbie should I be focusing on? What is the important stuff to know? I know what I am asking for is quite vague so any information you can help me with would be more than helpful, thanks
Smeagol	posted 05-07-99 02:30 AM ET There is simply too much to tell, but if you search this site you will find MANY ideas for starting out. I would suggest looking at the strategy guide over at www.gamespot.com. This should explain all the basics of play that can't really be learned from the instruction manual.
Smeagol	posted 05-07-99 02:36 AM ET Just some basic stuff-- at the beginning, it's usually best to build one extra scout, and then bust out colony pods as fast as you can to make lots of bases. Don't wait too long to build a recycle tanks and children's creche, as both of these will allow you to grow + expand much more quickly. So you need to research biogenetics, social psych, ethical calculus early, and also centauri ecology for formers because you need to terraform your base squares to continue progress. Don't wait too long for industrial base as it gives you better defenders, and also the weapons techs (applied physics and nonlinear math) if you are playing a military faction-- if you can get to nonlinear math before everyone else you can really wreak some havoc. Much more to tell, but I could go on and on and I should probably get some sleep soon.
GaryD	posted 05-07-99 08:48 AM ET If you come across a rival early on, consider taking him/her out soon. If they stay they restrict the areas you can grow into, and if you capture rather than destroy the cities, well there's a major bonus at the very start. (Remember an advantage at the start continues to improve your position throughout the whole game.) Before you hit them for six though, trade as many technologies as possible. When you're into this more you can make decisions as to what is a good trade for you, and what not. But in your early games remember that if you don't trade, someone else might, and then a rival gets that extra boost rather than you. Depending on who you are playing you may wish to 'comb' the fungus infected areas in the hope of meeting the natives. Hit them and there is a chance you'll convert them to your faction, and even if you don't their remains are worth energy to you. Look for special areas to populate, such as those near the monoliths. They all have various advantages. Have fun, and as Smeagol said there is too much to tell here so browse the existing threads for more advice.