tactical combat is cool for games like heroes of might and magic...

here, it is fine to have computer play it for you, it does better than human ever could...

maybe it would be cool to have tactical combat because there is small number of ships, but then, the weapons should have range and such stuff... i didnt like it in moo because of the large number of units... bah, too complicated it would be for this game, maybe for the sequel...

I only wish the battles were presented better. I like the way they are handled by the AI but i think the presentation could be so much better. The camera doesn't follow the action well and i eventually end up skipping most battles, the ships bump on each othre like toys and it doesn't look that good when they face one direction and fire on the other.
If only battleswere exciting to watch, like watching a SW movie or something......
Oh well, we can't have it all.

I really like the idea for general combat options. There are strategic-level decisions that could be done. No tactical map of any sort, but something akin to ground invasions as some have mentioned. Admittedly this is in a sense "tactical", but if it works for invasions then it would work for fleets, imho.

The game talks about how mass drivers are close-ranged weapons, and beam weapons are long ranged, but as far as I can tell this isn't implemented in any way. Adding this as part of the "how do you fight this battle?" attack plan would fit the game just fine. It might also allow certain fleet designs such as a large ship with mass drivers supported by small ships with beams. The large ship goes into the thick of things (being a rather unignorable threat), and perhaps takes the brunt of the attack. Now, maybe something this deep isn't possible, but something roughly like it, where you are given different options to choose from and that's the only decision you make (you would similarly get defensive options).

That's as much as I want and I think it fits the theme of the game just fine. It might also make battles more interesting, and "realistic" since it could be made to result in damage being spread more amongst the ships on a fleet. Of course, I realize such a thing would take quite a bit of work, since AI routines would need to be plugged in and the combat graphics attuned. On the other hand, it is far, far, far easier than trying to program some sort of crazy tactical battle system on a map. Choosing from among say 5-9 choices is a lot easier than from hundreds of combinations of moves.

It would also add another level of things to counter in the game. If the enemy has a fleet designed to use a particular (set of) tactic(s), then one thing you could do is try to design a fleet to take it out. It adds a bit more of an interesting dynamic to building a fleet and designing ships in the context of a fleet.

-Drachasor

You guys, who the heck was crying like a baby, I stated my opinion. Dont like it, too bad. I was'nt asking, I was stating. If you all want to play a boring 1 dimensional game go ahead, I want more. And I want Stardock to hear me. I was'nt at the beta posts or whatever so I hav'nt heard the "same ol arguments". It seems shocking to me that they did not consider making a tactical level ship control system. And FYI, RTW would have sucked hard as a game without the tactical map just likr GC2 is mediocre as a game and limiting itself without the option....for you people who dont like the added fun and challenge of ship tactics, why, you could just turn it off and play your gal civ light version.

As for wanting a different game, I bought it on the premise that it was taking over the mantle from the vaunted M of O2. All the reviews touted it as the new improved M of O2 and without the tac-level ship to ship it aint....not even close......

Panzerboy..... I normally maintain a diplomatic approach towards people who have totally unrealistic expectations and attempt to make demands, then get shitty with people when they dont get what they want.... that's because I'm a teacher and children do that kind of thing.

You however are on a forum for a computer game and have basically just trolled your way through everything with no real thought to what your request entails. Arguments have been stated above as to why it is not a part of this strategy game. Re-read them... if you don't like them then just (insert swear word of choice) off please and leave people alone to appreciate this excellent game.

And Sephlock - really, it's not being a Fanboy that gives people contempt for posters like this. Well written, credible ideas get treated as such. Ignorant whines written in caps locks, unrealistic demands and shitty attitudes will be replied to accordingly.... it's got nothing to do with obsessive support of the game, just common sense and decorum.