And two more victories in Normal. As Federation A and Engi B. The first was harder then the second, which is odd. The first was just an average Federation Cruiser game with no Cloaking[I couldn't find a shop for it in the last few sectors.] I got some good drops,[Combat Drone, Defense Drone, Burst Laser II and Flak I] in the first few sectors on the second one and took on the Flagship with no real difficulties. [Engi crew & a System Repair Drone take care of most system damage. Plus I'd gotten Titanium System Casing from somewhere too]. And now I only have Rock B & C, Slug B & C and Lanius B to unlock before I have all the cruisers.[Yes I unlocked Crystal A & B. Got super lucky. No skill involved.] I'm not even sure if I want to go to the trouble of getting those last ships, considering I really hate playing as Slug, Rock or Lanius.
The Ion Blast II is great, I wouldn't ever sell it. Ideally you'd have both though, since ions work so well together.
Well the Engi only has three weapon slots, and the other two have my pike beam and bio beam. And frankly I love both of those and want to make sweet love to them all night long. Anyway, Ion Blast it is!
Oh, did I mention I now have a shield charger augment? I now have a shield charger augment.
Seriously, this playthrough is hilariously awesome. Oh, and I have a hull repair drone. And a system repair drone. And a MkII Defense drone.
I could practically take on the flagship right now
Your overconfidence is your weakness.
[You'll probably actually be fine, just don't think you're entirely invulnerable. Also, I wasn't too impressed by the Bio Beam myself, but to each his own.]