Opening Strategy

[Imperator]

I am an old veteran of Supremacy ( Rebellion ) but have only recently discovered this fantastic Site. I have played the game since its release and never tire of it. Does anyone have any advice for the Empires first 100 days vis strategy??

 

I ususally start with the Emperor recruiting like mad on Coruscant, Diploming like mad with those who have a rating above 55, sabotaging with the rest, and building lots of Imperial Commando's to sabotage and incite.

 

I also send out one or two transports with troops to explore the rim and find bases for shipyards ( planets with low resource but high energy slots.

 

I then start building up my construction yard for future building.

Also get the Facility research under way asp to get those lovely advanced Contruction Yards.

 

I always play the Empire so I would be interested also in hearing from seasoned Rebel players about their opening Strategy.

 

I have recently discovered RebEd, and it is now enabling the AI to give me much better games when I'm playing solo. ( The first time I used it the Rebels thrashed me into the ground, so I've toned it down a little!!)

 

Any comments would be most appreciated.

 

If Lord Vader reads this I will NOT be using this strategy on Saturday when we link up!!!!!!

 

Remember the Empire is a force for good, giving stability, law and order to the Galaxy. The Rebels must be liquidated!!!!

 

Imperator

[Jahled]

Remember the Empire is a force for good, giving stability, law and order to the Galaxy. The Rebels must be liquidated!!!!

 

Imperator

 

Here, here! Anyway, it's just occured to me I haven't played a game unmodified by RebEd for...errr.. years now... So as far as the game's original settings go i'm not realy qualified to comment on.

 

Umm... how on earth did I get anywhere playing the Empire on 'expert' without 'helpfull' RebEd modifications... I did it once or twice before I discovered this site and did stuff like halve all settings... good grief I must have spent half the time meditating in front of the screen... it seems so long ago...

 

I think i'll shudder now and not dare see what's up in the multiplayer forums....

[Imperator]

I found that playing on expert, I had to let the AI have 75-100 days of doing what it wanted before I input any moves or missions at all, and I could still pummel it into the ground. The Empires real problem at the start is build times on any sort of decent ship. The light cruiser is fine for loading 3-4 Imperial Commandoes and a character who is good at sabotage, flying it around undefended Reb planets and and destrying key facilities, but the real ships ( ie Imperial Star Cruisers ) take an age to build.

 

RebEd of course changes all that. Does anyone know if we will see Supremacy II???

 

Chris

[LordVader]

If Lord Vader reads this I will NOT be using this strategy on Saturday when we link up!!!!!!

 

I appreciate your honesty in conceding the game before it begins, it will give me time to prepare the guest room on Home 1 for your arrival. Should we do the surrender in the time honoured manner, you giving your sword up?

 

Remember the Empire is a force for good, giving stability, law and order to the Galaxy. The Rebels must be liquidated!!!!

 

Oh fighting words

[LordVader]

RebEd of course changes all that. Does anyone know if we will see Supremacy II???

 

Look under "Other games" in the forum list and you'll see Rebellion 2 Ideas. That's where people have been discussing it. Not sure if there definitely will be Rebellion 2, if anyone wants to clarify that, post something in the Rebellion 2 forum please.

[Imperator]

Surrender is never an optional strategy for the Empire.

 

My Faithful servant Vader has informed me that Mon Mothma and all her vile conspirators will be eliminated.

 

But seriously, does anyone use similar tactics or are they just 'de rigueur' for starting the game??

[LordVader]

I've never played multiplayer before but I would try to keep my options open tactics wise. I would consider it a bad move to follow one tactic rigidly and expect it to work out, much better to keep your opponent guessing.

[XeqtR]

diplomacy, recruit, sabatage, thats all there really is to do ... build key facilities and explore but nothing special.

[LordVader]

diplomacy, recruit, sabatage, thats all there really is to do ... build key facilities and explore but nothing special.

 

I would include "eliminating the opposition and ruling the galaxy" in that statement

[Imperator]

Impressive.........Most Impressive.........You have all learned much from Obi Wan.

 

I think the golden rule here is to keep your opponent off balance, always reacting to you, not the other way around as with any decent strategy game.

 

This game is absolutely FAB!!!!! I bought it in 1998 and I am still an avid fan, from the Empires point of view of course!!

[LordVader]

I think the golden rule here is to keep your opponent off balance, always reacting to you, not the other way around as with any decent strategy game.

 

I just started my first online game yesterday and I was so excited (ok so I'm new to this online thing...don't laugh )

 

Playing a human opponent meant that I had to seriously revise the strategy I used and also made me very aware of denying the opponent any information that would be useful to them.

 

Oh and I quickly learnt to keep my precious ships moving after my opponent casually informed me that in the last game he played (against someone else), he destroyed a few ships that were blockading his planet and also that he was hunting one of my ships

[Trejiuvanat]

I, like Jahled, haven't played an unedited game for... years... I remember, though, that I played against the AI as the Rebs in expert. But that's too long ago...

 

I remember sending Mon Mothma, Leia and Dodonna to diplomatic missions while keeping luke recruiting and Han inciting some uprising on Imperial worlds. The main disadvantage of the Rebels at the beginning is that they can't build strong ships from the beginning. They have to wait until the Mon Cal is ready for construction and a Mon Cal is at disadvantage against any Impstar.

Han Solo's double speed bonus comes in handy when you learn that in Corellia there are a couple of nasty Star Destroyer that aren't moving and Han happens to be in Drall. You can send him to Corellia to try to sabotage the ships. He hardly fails at that.

 

I can't remember much of my strategies with the original settings. When playing Rebs one must annoy the Empire during its first 100 - 150 days. Also keep always a backup base, a system, preferably one of the unexplored ones where you could send the headquarters if you get the feeling that the empire is on you.

[LordVader]

I, like Jahled, haven't played an unedited game for... years... I remember, though, that I played against the AI as the Rebs in expert. But that's too long ago...

 

What sort of settings do you use now?

 

 

They have to wait until the Mon Cal is ready for construction and a Mon Cal is at disadvantage against any Impstar.

 

Using your modified settings or with the default settings?

 

 

When playing Rebs one must annoy the Empire during its first 100 - 150 days.

 

Only the first 100-150 days?

[Imperator]

I unfortunately am still waiting in a dark corner of the Galaxy for a game.

 

Lets hope we can fight it out soon

 

 

Chris

[XeqtR]

hrmm last time i checked mon cal > isd 1 v 1. but i could be wrog but i don't think i am.

[Trejiuvanat]

My new edited stats? I started by giving some ships such as the Impstar to both sides, I lowered the cost of many Rebel Ships, but I also made them weaker. Super Star Destroyer are thrice more expensive (maintenance). I also brought new ships into the game such as the Marauder Corvette, and other smaller vessels. Plus some as the Allegiance or the Home One... I made fighters a lot more powerful so that 6 X-Wing Squadrons could scare a loaded Impstar away. Making thus, the fighter garrison more imporant. I increased detection rating to prevent the sabotage of ships in orbit and I increased the DCR. Made most of the ships faster in hyperspace.

 

As for the Mon Cal, I think it is weaker than the Impstar, more so considering fighters. The six Impstar squadrons can destroy the Rebel Squadrons, and the weapon rating of the ISD is higher than the one from the Mon Cal. At least that's what I remember from the original settings, but I, as well, could be wrong, XeqtR.

 

XeqtR =Executor???

[XeqtR]

yuppers.

[Texas_Fett]

As a dedicated fan of playing the Rebels, I guess I'm somewhat qualified in giving my 'opening strategies' against the AI.

 

To start off with, I check to see what assets the AI has so graciously seen fit to bless me with, and where they're located. Immediately afterwards, I send Mon Mothma, Luke, Leia & Han on recruitment missions. I keep them at that task until right about day 50, whereupon Luke, Leia, and any other new recruits hop aboard the Falcon and head to the nearest Core Sector in need of their talents.

 

During those first 50 days, I send Jan Dodonna off on board a transport to scout Rim Systems and win over neutral systems. If Yavin sports naught but a refinery or a mine, it is abandoned; it's starfighters and troops are better put to use elsewhere. Wedge and Chewy board any remaining capital ship (often a Corvette) and head for the first available friendly shipyard. Wedge is set to research ships, Chewy to sow some confusion by putting his espionage and combat skill to use. It is also imperative to build as many Bothan Spies as possible at this time. Information is key a Rebel victory, as I'll show later.

 

Mon Mothma stays put, recruiting, until systems suitable for Diplomacy are revealed in the same sector and/or at least 2 other diplomats and one of each research type have been recruited and deployed (I also make sure to protect research planets heavily). I move her about in her own, personal Corellian Corvette, making sure to jump her to neutral or friendly planets when moving about in the Core.

 

Put large numbers of starfighters on vital planets. I'd say a minimum of six X-Wing squadrons and three Y-Wings. Nothing strikes fear into the heart of Imperial commanders like large numbers of starfighters. You should be able to disable a few enemy ships that attack the planet, at least, before retreating and entrusting to the two gencores and planetary garrison (led by a general) to protect from invasion (you did build two gencores on the system housing your shipyards and construction yards, right?)

 

Characters such as Page, Ma'Weshae(sp?), Mazer Rackus, and Oorimarko have proven their worth in just about every game, and you'll find their skills in espionage and sabotage to be invaluable. Many a time I've smiled in delight as their sabotage of an Imperial garrison results in several systems switching to my side. Load these guys up on a corvette with some spec forces and set them loose on an Imperial controlled sector and watch the fur fly! It's even better if you can put someone like Narra as a commander aboard a fully-loaded (3-4 X-Wings, 2-3 Y-Wings) escort carrier to accompany the corvette. BTW, don't put more than 2 "sabotage" characters in the task force; two are enough, with a potential third (like Tura Raftican) serving as an espionage agent only. Anything more is overkill, and those talents are better put to use elsewhere.

 

Remember those bothans you built? If you've been putting them to use, you should have tons of accurate intel to sift through, possibly tipping you off to imminent fleet arrivals in friendly sectors, the location of large Imerial shipyards in need of sabotage, Imperial research characters in need of "liberation", Imperial Diplomats in need of a vacation (poor Piett! I ALWAYS tend to get him killed for some reason...his was the first set of stats I "fixed" with Rebed), Vader's ongoing quest to recruit on worlds that hate the Empire...or perhaps the Holy Grail of all intel: the location of the Emperor while away from Coruscant!

 

This has happened to me more often than not. I'll find ol' Palpy off on a diplomacy mission in the Corellian sector, or whatnot, and I start licking my chops. I immediately send whatever fleet is at my disposal to blockade the planet, preferably loaded down with special forces to eliminate resistance. Then I sit there and wait...until I can get Luke Skywalker to the system. I then run missions on the planet with Luke targeting the Emperor. If he's captured, I can easily rescue him from the garrison-less system, since I'm parked right above it. I've done this three times, and each time I've had Luke at the rank of Jedi Knight before he goes to Dagobah! When he comes back, he's a Jedi Master!

 

I keep up the process with Luke until he goes to Dagobah, whereupon I leave the planet and allow the emperor to go free. Most likely he's injured, and I could capture him if I so desire, but it's much sweeter later.

 

When Luke returns from Dagobah, I make a concerted effort to locate Vader. Then I blockade that planet, send Luke on a mission, and pray for his capture. Nearly every time he'll be captured, taken to Coruscant, have the final battle with Vader & Palpy, and capture them both! All that's left, then, is to take Coruscant for the win.

 

Meanwhile, engage the empire with "hit n' fade" tactics, entering a system to destroy it's garrison, fighters, defenses...everything but the mines & refineries (you'll need those later, after all). You'll wear away at support for the Empire, making the systems ripe for take-over. Work to incite uprisings. If the uprising is subdued, capture the characters they sent to subdue it, incite another on the same system, tying up more troops. Once you have a decent fleet built, engage a hostile system a good distance from Imperial terriroty. This will lure Imperial fleets to your position. Run a feew espionage missions, and examine what's being sent your way, and more importantly, WHEN it's going to arrive. The AI never times the arrival of it's fleets to where more than one or two fleets arrive at the same time. This holds true in the early game, yet sometimes it will mass it's fleets to strike at a tempting target (like Yavin) or to patrol Rebel systems. You should be able to pounce upon Imperial capital ships piecemeal, ambushing them before they can join the fleet as a whole.

 

Anyway, those are my general strategies. Most of them work for the Empire as well, although I'd be sure to steer clear of Luke with Vader. I've never liked playing as the Empire, since I always feel like I'm starting the game as the Rebels at day 500, given the resources and assets you begin with. To each his own though, I guess.

[Jahled]

WOO! Extremely well written and more importantly, very accurate. For the newbies out there, take this briefing seriously.

 

Imperial opening strategy, anyone; on 'expert' the game is seriously hard, it takes me personally well upto 700-800 days to balance things off and start striking back... ideas:?:

[Texas_Fett]

Thanks, Jahled. It's always nice to be appreciated. As for Imperial strategies, I always try to play 'em like I do the Rebels. You know; diplomacy over strong-arm tactics. That seems to work pretty well.

 

One point of clarification, though, regarding the blockade of a system in which the Emperor resides. Keeping him there accomplishes two things. First, you are denying Imerial forces across the galaxy the Leadership bonus the Emperor provides while his butt is parked on Coruscant. This means you're more likely to succeed with missions on systems guarded by a general, your fleets will have a better chance against Imperial ones led by an Admiral and/or Commander, and you have a better chance of capturing Imperial characters with abduction missions or even if they simply attempt to travel through one of your blockades. You definitely want to keep Palpy penned up as long as possible.

 

Secondly, Luke gets "A" bonus point towards his "Force Ranking" every time he escapes a foiled mission. However, encountering the Emperor and escaping gives him a 10% bonus to his "Jedi Points". These points aren't displayed anywhere in the game, but suffice to say that messages such as "I am growing stronger in the Force" means that he is doing just that. Escaping Palpatine just makes it happen faster. Now, Vader does the same thing for Luke with the added bonus of Luke learning his heritage (which means he can then tell Leia to make her Force capable), and with a 25% potential increase to his "Jedi Points", but at a MUCH higher risk: if Luke is captured, Vader WILL take him to Coruscant, and it doesn't matter how big the fleet orbiting the system is. Best to wait with him for awhile and stick with going after Palpatine, who, for some reason, is a much easier target.

 

Hope that clears some of my previous post up. I'm looking forward to reading some tips for the Imperials, though.