I've seen at least 6 ppl who started before me in this game an some of them are still trying (b1tching + whining + crying + frustrated = quit + insult game and/or Emi) to finish the SEA, there's no secret-master tip that could help ppl in a game, not this one or any other, facts are simple: You think or u don't.
If u choose the first then u'll spend some time digging forum/FAQs and TESTING by yourself any limit u can imagine the game could reach. The pathetic excuse for not doing some research by ur own saying "i have a life" is never a valid excuse, if u're playing that means u have time, plus u're playing trough internet wich means that u have every tool u can need to understand anything, from translators (if english is not ur native language) to google or even simple exponential calculators.
I'll have to disagree with you JamJulLinson, if basic things where common knowledge then u wouldn't get so much target practice in SOL, so i'll point out a few stupid mistakes that i've seen:
1.- Follow the SEA STEP by STEP (surprisingly many ppl fail over and over again), sell the f*****g lab and the mif once u're done with it, u don't need it.
2.- Don't deploy mines on SOL and expect to see it by tomorrow.
3.- Don't build LABs if u can't afford upgrades.
4.- Don't insult SirEmi and the game, the fact that there's a top rank with ppl on it means ppl can succeed, if u can't u're the only one to blame (here's when stupidity meets frustration)
5.- There's an advantage between donators and free players, everyone knows it, but it's thanks to ppl who donate that we (free players) can play and it DOESN'T MEAN DONATE = SUCCEED (i'm a free player).
6.- READ!!!!! for f**k sake it doesn't hurt.
7.- It's a game, remember it.
8.- It's a strategy game, that means u have to think ur moves and be smarter than ur opponent, not necessarily stronger.
9.- Don't be a boaster-foul-mouth, if u think u're better than someone else probe it
10.- Don't do the same mistake twice, if ur station has been atacked at 30 LY from SOL build a new one on the opposite side or further
11.- Don't mine Iron, seriously WTF, i've attacked some MIFs at 100 LY from SOL and retrieve iron... WTF!
That's all i can remember for now.
I thought it would be common knowledge and common sense to set your courses sooner. It was something I realized immediately when I got out of the SOL academy.
1. I agree with this one. I did deviate slightly but only for some extra transport missions. It still only took me 2 days to finish.
2. I partially agree with this one. Don't deploy mines in Sol unless you are sure you can protect them. Even then there are still likely to be people who can beat you and look/destroy/take over your mines.
3. I disagree on the labs. More modules is typically better. In the beginning upgrading the science labs isn't much of an option and you need the labs to get research points for more.
4. I agree. Complaining or running your mouth to him won't do any good and it isn't right. I only started recently and I am ranked 10th. Though I have powered down some of my ships since then so I expect that rank to drop. Don't put to much emphasis on rank. It is bases on the combined power of your ships and stations. Still the game is pretty easy to learn and not hard to play. Anyone who uses their brain shouldn't have many problems.
5.Yes there is. For the most part it isn't that big of a deal. I don't mind pay players being able to upgrade their ships and stuff faster due to getting money easier. Though I still have a problem with being able to use QP to speed up attack time. 1 QP = 1 hour taken off. Most people who donate who have no problem with doing this, are going to do that regardless if a QP is worth more now then it was before. Especially if it means being able to take down some powerful enemy station without interference by their ships which might be nearby. I got no problem with an advantage but that there is too much and I know there are other players who agree with me. Actually when I asked you about it in the game if I recall you said it was imbalancing. lol
6. I agree. Some people don't bother to take the time to actually look over things. I actually poured my way through the forums trying to absorb as much information as I could when i first started.
7. I agree completely.
8. Very true. It is one of the reasons why some people dislike some of us pirates. Some of us actually use our brains and it irritates people that we can be a pest but they can't see to catch our ships. lol
9. I think you mean prove it. Not probe it lol. But I do agree with you.
10. Another good piece of advice. One that even some of the more experienced players don't seem to do sometimes.
11. The only time I would say it is ok to mine iron or another practically worthless resource is if you can mine it in bulk. Such as on a large planet or asteroid belt. Of course then you will need a crap load of mines and make sure that the mines are well protected. A space station really comes in handy for auto unloading the resources out of the mines. Of course to do this you need to become a VIP. It is pretty worth it though and saves a lot of time.
12. This one is a bit of my own advice. If someone attack you don't run your mouth off to them. Your just going to make enemies that way and the more enemies you have, the harder it will be on you. Especially if your a miner. What you can do instead if message them and write them a friendly message. Joke around with them and be friendly. You can actually make new friends this way.