The first game since the hotfix I played, I did my usual, 10 players, 4 galaxies, I gave myself 2 allies, and divided the other AIs into 3 other teams minus the rebels who noone likes, they were by themselves. I started the game, and saw that my allies were spread out across 3 galaxies, I figured no big deal. I play the game, find out that I am next to the rebels, cool, they have no team. I also find out that I, and each of my allies, are next to respective teams in each galaxy. I think, well, that's odd, but just coincidence. Also, I notice the teams are actually working together. I couldn't contain my joy. Needles to say, I got my ass kicked, but I was happy, figuring next game I would start out next to my allies who would actually work with me. Before this game was over however, I noticed something odd, my allies were sending me threatening messages, notably "Stay away from me and we won't have any trouble." Whatever.

Next game, Same setup, my allies and I start spread across all 3 galaxies, I am again next to the exact same people, as are my allies. Wtf? So I learn from my mistakes from last game, and start out pretty well. Until I get pincered by one allied force, and the rebels. Coincidence right? Well, I lose a planet, but manage to kill off both fleets, and loose most of mine. I rebuild my fleet, get my planet back, and start doing well again. Yet, again, I get pincered, this time though by more ships from both sides, and lose two planets, yet I fight off the fleets. A third time, I get pincered (keep in mind it's between one team, and one faction that has no allies, supposedly). All the while getting that threatening message from MY allies. Looks like multiplayer is headed towards RA2 where all AIs are your enemies no matter what. So now I'm getting pissed, and I quit.

I start a third game and this time make my allies the guys (minus the rebels) I keep starting out next to. But this time, they are scattered. This is no longer coincidence. I like that allies work together, but it looks like the human player no longer gets allies to actually work with. (It should be noted that my allies also kept getting wiped out).

I'll try it again with just one ally and see if I actually start out next to my ally as well, but I would imagine it won't. I know this is just beta 1, and if this fails, I will still try beta 2, however if I can't have allies in skirmish mode, I'll probably ebay my copy (since I can't withdraw my preorder anymore).