Interdictors are important, otherwise the computer will run away from a superior force. (like it should ;) )
The tactics of maneuver for intersystem fleet travel in this game is limited to "which planetary system and when." Successful espionage missions can discover if there is a fleet inbound and then you can check to see if one of your fleets can get there first.
Diplomacy, production, espionage, sabotage, and abduction/assasination are the main tools of the game. Space combat is also important but won't win you the game by itself. The computer does not mass fleets like human players but it does make ships in big enough groups to make many space battles entertaining.
The hero units are the most effective tools for the espionage, sabotage, and abduction missions, especially if they become force sensitive. And the special characters are your only means of having effective diplomatic missions.
As far as the AI goes - how many games really have challenging AI? Most games will have marginal AI with scaling 'cheats' for the computer player, i.e. Civilization. One of the few examples of real AI improvement, that I can think of, for difficulty is Warhammer 40,000 Dawn of War. The easy medium and hard settings of Rebellion only affect the starting situation of the game and the chance of mission success IIRC, the actual AI pathing remains unchanged. To really experience the game play the multiplayer mode. Human opponents do not think like AI.
The game is a definite point and click game. Select a production facility and tell it to build something and send it somewhere. Then select some units and have them start a special mission, wait and see if it works. Move your fleet to enemy systems or protect your own, engage the enemy, give your ships targeting orders and some basic maneuver instructions, watch the space battle, change orders if needed.
This type of strategy game isn't for everybody, at the least it's a Star Wars game where you aren't a pilot or in a FPS. :)
The tactics of maneuver for intersystem fleet travel in this game is limited to "which planetary system and when." Successful espionage missions can discover if there is a fleet inbound and then you can check to see if one of your fleets can get there first.
Diplomacy, production, espionage, sabotage, and abduction/assasination are the main tools of the game. Space combat is also important but won't win you the game by itself. The computer does not mass fleets like human players but it does make ships in big enough groups to make many space battles entertaining.
The hero units are the most effective tools for the espionage, sabotage, and abduction missions, especially if they become force sensitive. And the special characters are your only means of having effective diplomatic missions.
As far as the AI goes - how many games really have challenging AI? Most games will have marginal AI with scaling 'cheats' for the computer player, i.e. Civilization. One of the few examples of real AI improvement, that I can think of, for difficulty is Warhammer 40,000 Dawn of War. The easy medium and hard settings of Rebellion only affect the starting situation of the game and the chance of mission success IIRC, the actual AI pathing remains unchanged. To really experience the game play the multiplayer mode. Human opponents do not think like AI.
The game is a definite point and click game. Select a production facility and tell it to build something and send it somewhere. Then select some units and have them start a special mission, wait and see if it works. Move your fleet to enemy systems or protect your own, engage the enemy, give your ships targeting orders and some basic maneuver instructions, watch the space battle, change orders if needed.
This type of strategy game isn't for everybody, at the least it's a Star Wars game where you aren't a pilot or in a FPS. :)
The Bill of No Rights
The United States has become a place where entertainers and professional athletes are mistaken for people of importance. Robert A. Heinlein
The United States has become a place where entertainers and professional athletes are mistaken for people of importance. Robert A. Heinlein