Placeholder until I can post my report.
Contrary to my expectations I didn't find this game very difficult, although the late-game mop-up phase did stretch out a bit because even with LR tanks, there were a few planets that were out of range until we discovered unlimited range.
My strategy was to make friends with everyone to boost my rsch through trade while denying the AI any worlds within range through a superior fleet. Not sure whether this was the best approach or not but I never had an AI fleet even try to orbit Meklon. I built a grand total of zero missile bases.
Despite the 1PE we were competitive on production and rsch throughout most of the game, only the bulrathi threatened to pull away but they too were eventually subdued.
A big thanks to the sponsor who must have gone through dozens of maps before he found one suited to this scenario
Contrary to my expectations I didn't find this game very difficult, although the late-game mop-up phase did stretch out a bit because even with LR tanks, there were a few planets that were out of range until we discovered unlimited range.
My strategy was to make friends with everyone to boost my rsch through trade while denying the AI any worlds within range through a superior fleet. Not sure whether this was the best approach or not but I never had an AI fleet even try to orbit Meklon. I built a grand total of zero missile bases.
Despite the 1PE we were competitive on production and rsch throughout most of the game, only the bulrathi threatened to pull away but they too were eventually subdued.
A big thanks to the sponsor who must have gone through dozens of maps before he found one suited to this scenario