Oh boy!
Finally got this thing activated on Steam, and have spent more hours than I care to recall since then.
I did not find it to be too grindy, and I tend to get super annoyed with grind. It still has SOME, but you can definitely go around it.
I've been mostly in systems at or above my own level. With the increased amount of Rez and goons that you get now, lack of resources isn't really too much of a problem. The absurd amount of experience you get if you stay at these levels is great. I also know what technologies I'm going for, so I focus on those systems.
I was also fairly lucky with the specialists (which, by the way, are quite a nice touch). I got a couple of them that boosted my experience by a significant percentage. Totalled to around 25% once they were levelled up, and without the 33% bonus for specialist preferences. Anyway, an awesome thing to do is keep the specialists that do not fit your gameplay style and level them up. Once they reach master, dump them for absurd amounts of data. I got 4500 out of a high level one. That's an instant 2/3 high levels, and many more if you're below that level.
In general, I ALWAYS had something I was aiming for, and it didn't take me that long to get to where I wanted. Specific blueprints might be a pain to find, but honestly, I'm usually super busy fighting off stronger foes and levelling to worry much about that
When I got to the last chapter, I had around 30 points to invest in higher level techs, which was a massive boost.
In general, I find that there's a bunch less grind than in the beta - but you do have to play it right. Invest in the right techs (SHIELDS!), and always take up strong enemies. You'll level quickly, and will always be engaged in interesting battles where tactics really count. If you're not thinking whether this is the best time to fire or to flee and repair, you're not doing it right
I think the devs have been here, so here's a couple of suggestions:
- Technology scouting: can't find the tech you're looking for? Buy a technology "roadmap" for parts of the galaxy for a price. I usually have way too much Rez anyway! At least you'll know where to go to get the Fortress Shield!
- Communication from a distance: pay some Rez/goons/data to communicate with a faraway station so you can buy blueprints/become friends/etc. Maybe a prerequisite is that you've already opened the gates. Right now seeing the arrival/depart animations is grating a bit on my nerves. I just want to get somewhere and do the thing that needs to be done.
- Warp gate defence intimidation: if your level is 5 or 10 above a warp gate's defences, you should be able to intimidate them and not have to fight. Some fights against lower-level foes become boring and "going through the motion", which is something you should avoid.
Cheers for the great game
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Topic: S.P.A.Z (Read 38848 times)