I've neer had a problem with the PG overlooking the bonus tiles, but others (Vista users?) have. The BIG BIG problem the PG still has is this:

It adds buildings that you don't want when you research upgrade techs. I just lost a game due to this. I am NOT, repeat NOT going to go through several hundred planets ONE BY ONE and manually remove all this crap. When this happens, I trash the game and start over.

hmmm......my wild assed guess is your right.

Seriously Snark, your game could benefit a lot of players.

And quite an impressive game it is!!! 1.5+ Million!

Now why didn't I think of that? That's a HUGE tip! Well done, Sir!

I believe I will apply this advice to V2.03 on the next game. I have made it to the end of 2229 in the current one, and the planets are all built out. Sadly, the lack of a 2229 econ boom is forcing me to extend my schedule for an additional year. Well, that and the fact that I Could Not Resist the temptation to declare brutal wars of attrition against all of the AIs.

One other thing I just noticed in V2.03 that I have not seen before:

Is 580 a fluke? I don't know. I'll have to play a few more and see if it happens again.

Edit: I think I'll start this one over and try a slightly different approach:

This is definately a Million Point Map. I just need to tweak my technique a little.

I am still unsure as to whether Gigantic or Immense is best for high scoring - I seem to get on average about 45 planets more on an immense map (~570 compared to ~525), but the extra time taken to colonise them all possibly hurts the score more.

e.g. on Gigantic, I can expect to own every planet in the galaxy (bar one, obviously) by 1 Feb 2228, on Immense I find I am at around the 400 mark on that date, and it is about 1 Apr 2228 before total domination.

Just had to abandon one game, as I pushed too fast, too early   Note to self... taking 40 planets with only 1 colonist in the first 4 months does not work!

@ Snark, I am impressed on your hard work so keep it up!

Thanks!!!

Outstanding!!!! I cn't wait to see the final score!

Here's the final outcome of mine:

Not bad for a crappy 480-planet map, if I must say.

Here's another a$$-kicking tip from the Twilight Pub:

Speed-boosting modules on military starbases can REALLY do some wonderful things! I have these on all 24 unts of my MSA (yes, I am building them again), and can send a 1/1 scout with NO ENGINES about 7 of the large squares (15x15 tiny squares each) in ONE TURN!

Click For Screenshot

Of course, it slows down to it's normal speed the next turn, but it opens up a new realm of possibility for miscreant behavior. Since a 24-base MSA has two "sweet spots", I can fleet the 1/1s in one square, and use the other to launch devastating attacks from a distance!!!! I'm going to stack some weapons-laden Combat Transports up and see if I can wipe out the nearest AI in a single turn. Even if I can't get them the first tuxrn, they'll NEVER EVER get a ship near my MSA! I can pick off incoming fleets with battleships several weeks away!!!!

Click To See Screenshot of MSA Attack on Transports

~A Short Time Later~

WooHoo, IT WORKS!

Linky?

Here's a ToA map update:

I actuallu got 593 planets on a gigantic map w/abundant extreme planets!

Top that!

Oh, and some decent resources too:

That's the true spirit I like so much. I'll join you along the way. Still have an un-used serial from the UE around.

But first, let me see if I'll manage the 3mil on my own. Considering the pace at which you play, I need to hasten up.

Good luck & see you then.

Simpering Muffinsuckers of the galaxy, prepare to meet your doom!

Oh Yea, how's this?

Is that Alan Bradley I see in that game? You know what that sorry pidgeonsniffer did to me? He put weapons on a colony ship, cozied up next to an unsuspecting constructor of mine, and ambushed it! The nerve! My fault for putting him in charge of my custom Korx AI opponent, I guess.

Pretty good score for playing as the Terrans.You oughta try the Korath. Makes for a fun game.

-----------------------------------------------

As WarMaster, you are

hereby awarded the

Emerald Cluster of Wanton Aggression!



Wear it Proudly!