The Sova and the Akkan are always my first two capital ship picks. Early in the game, you rarely meet with your enemy (unless the map is small). Usually, the fights are between your expansion fleets and the rebel defenders around vacant worlds. The Akkan is nice because of its strength, firepower, and Colonize Ability. I like to supplement it with Cobalts and Javelis frigates and use it to expand quickly. The Sova is also a great starter ship, due to its bombers. The rebel defense fleets often lack Garda flak frigates, and the bombers can pack a punch. The Sova’s armor and weapon systems might not be on par with the rest of the capital ships, but it still has plenty of punch to handle the ragtag defenders. I like using the Heavy Bomber Ability in conjunction with the Bomber squadrons and some Cobalt escorts. Since I always purchase the first two tech levels, I also use the missile platforms. This makes a nice attack force. Throw in a colony ship, and your all set.
You can’t go wrong with the Sova. It’s a great centerpiece for raids, low-priority fleets, and general harassment. However, you should think twice before sending a level three or lower carrier into a full-fledged battle. Though they pack a punch and are all-around good ships, a slugfest involving large numbers of frigates, cruisers, and capital ships can quickly wear them down and eliminate them. I usually use the pirates as a means of sharpening my claws before heading into battle. I determine which planet they’ll strike, turn it into an impregnable stronghold, and then position a fleet on it with at least two capital ships. I always make certain that my Sovas get first option, so that they can level-up quickly. Once my ships hit a level six, I start using them in my main battle fleets. A level six Sova or higher is a dangerous threat on the battlefield due to its bombers and its abilities; no one should take it lightly! If you like the Sova, then I suggest pairing it with the Kol Battlship. They make a nice couple and can really rip through an enemy fleet. Of course, the Akkan and the Sova also work nice together. Overall, Sovas won’t disappoint you, so don’t feel hesitant to purchase one. The determinant for buying it shouldn’t be “Will it work?”, but rather, “What does the chessboard look like?” If you are early in the game, but playing a small map with numerous confrontations, then take the Akkan as your starter ship. If you are on a map with some breathing space, then I prefer the Sova. Ultimately, it will all boil down to your skill as a gamer; not the ship’s qualities.
Concerning Embargo…it’s O.K., but not terrific. It has to be leveled up considerably to be of any real impact against an enemy. I would just as soon use the level points to upgrade my Bombers and my missile platforms.
Good luck!
