5.The Dev's have stated they are producing both a "slower" and "faster" option.
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Not true. They have only stated they are -considering- this.
Oh boo hoo. You have a chip on your shoulder about normal RTS gamers and you want to show it off by trying to deny them their chance to have fun. The reality is, including a faster option wouldn't effect the "Normal" and "Slow" players at all, it'd just divert some of the "Fast" players to "Very Fast". Your attitude is completely uncalled for and completely illogical. If IC wants success (and expansions and sequels) they should keep all gamers in mind, and if they can cater to more people (customers) without changing the game for everyone else, BY ALL MEANS DO IT!
People have different opinions. Live with it. If the game was 4x (see what I did there) faster than it currently is, and people were begging for a slower version, i'd endorse them even though I wouldn't play the new mode. People deserve to have fun, not have some psycho niche-gamer forumite go all supremacist on them.
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Oh one more thing: I like how you say I should live with people having different opinions although you say my opinions are completely uncalled for and illogical and calling me a psycho supremacist niche-gamer forumite. You're a hoot, that's what you are. (Boston Legal reference)
And I tested this so called "too slow for me" theory with a friend tonight.
We had 3 players: Me, my friend and a hard AI, medium sized map, ALL settings on default meaning that the speed was normal.
Total game length? 1h 15mins.
The key is to have a clear strategy in your mind and executing it.
1. Have the tech you need clearly in mind before the game.
2. Don't waste time on trying to capture every damn asteroid and planet.
3. Make several smaller fleets and upgrade them. Don't bother with advanced ships in the beginning.
4. Make use of your ships asap and go straight for the enemy homeplanet.
Those are just one of the few suggestions, but the point is that the better player you become the shorter the games will be.
There is no need for faster game speeds.