Gas planets vs rock planets???

[Ruatha]

Ice isn't sucha waste as you might think.

In PBW games Ice can be a valuable commodity for trade, enabling you to get all three colony techs. Whereas if you start with rock you might trade and get gas colony tech if you're lucky but you'll have to stand in line to trade with the ice colony dudes.

Having said that I prefer rock, nothing beats solid ground underneath your feets.

Good to have one more scandinavian here.

[ May 08, 2003, 15:04: Message edited by: Ruatha ]

[FadingSuns]

I have to admit that I like Rock planets with no atmosphere. Almost every moon is prime even with limited cargo space. Once I get Ice tech it usually gives me the rest of the moons as well as larger planets to easily colinize.

[DavidG]

I pick Rock or Gas. I like Gas because the planets are always medium or larger. Thus less micromanagement. I think Rock are more numerous but lots of small planets (I believe in terms of Facility space things are pretty much equal)

What I like about Rock is that it is easier to find a sector with a rock planet and a rock moon. Very usefull for training ships.

[Gryphin]

I like the Gas Giant / Storage.
Things like Robotoid Factory have more of an impact.

I never thought about that, but yes, less micro managment.
Thanks David.

[Grandpa Kim]

The Iceman cometh!

Yes, I take ice! Contrary to popular opinion, they are as numerous as rock. And having it makes me a valuable commodity. You will pay big time for my ice tech!

[Cyrien]

I also prefer ice. It is slightly less common than rock but when you take that in with the fact that everyone knows that and then takes rock you actually wind up with far less competition and more space to grow. And of course everyone wants what you have and so few others have!

I ussually take none as well and live off of the moons mostly.

One weakness to this strategy is of course in order to get the same level as others you have to produce more colony ships since each small planet has less space.

One advantage however is that you finish building all your facilities on them and if you work like me and on anything with 6 or more facility slots (Oh how I love you Advanced Storage Techniques) you build a space yard... well you get some massive ship output capacity really fast as well.

Really I think they are all just about ballanced in the early game. Late game anything/none may be at a slight disadvantage being unable to terraform gas giants but this is easily countered by simply gaining another races population. Or worse case scenario having to blow up all the Gas Giants and remake them over and over till you get what you want(flash backs to SE3 anyone?)

[Aloofi]

I always take rock, cause there are greater chances of getting a breathable planet per system, thus allowing for stronger and more defensible Capital System Colonies.