Does anyone use the governors for ship building etc...

[LordZon]

I have tried them in the past, but didn't find them too competent. Comments?

[ 12 March 2002: Message edited by: LordZon ]</p>

[mac5732]

I usually don't use them, do it myself, that way I know whats being built and when,

just some ideas mac

[Suicide Junkie]

There is a general consensus that the ministers are not worthwhile, and are usually detrimental to a human-run empire.

The only minister I would consider using is the (population) transport minister, and even then, giving it command of only a few cargo ships.

[Emperor's Child]

About the only time I've run the AI is when evaluating a race's AI.

If you get to a point where it is "safe" enough to run your empire using the AI (ie: you are big enough it can't hurt you much), you are probably at the point where you are coasting to a win anyhow. I can see using this to automate portions of large empires if the game is undecided but well advanced, but I've usually clearly had the upper hand after defeating only one or two AI empires. IMHO, once you get to a certain point there is not much point in continuing...

[Gurduloo]

What about using ministers to control your scouts early on in the game? I'm brand new to the game, but was thinking of doing that.

[Suicide Junkie]

Well, in the early game, you will have a very small empire to deal with, so you can easily afford to spend time dealing with all of your ships.
Also, early game scouting is a critical mission, and every bit of efficiency helps.

[cascalonginus]

I tried clicking on the minister icon for a couple of mining ships and they didnt do squat. Is there a general control that has to be turned on first to even get em running at all?

[Suicide Junkie]

Yep. "individual" ministers only use the ships that you've turned on AI for. Under the crown button, there should be a ministers option.
Check off the ministers you wish to use, and they will start working on the ships you've given them.