SPL-01 game - SPOILER thread

[Mart]

This is SPOILER thread for SPL-01 game
(SinglePlayer League, SMACX)

The game thread (save file, submissions, technical) is here:
Link

This thread, please use to discuss the game, when you talk about issues/matters that would influence other players.
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[Edit]
Ok, we can change form of this thread, so it is easier to use and read.
Posting without spoiler tags, but please read it only after playing appropriate number of turns.
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When posting general information, you can do it without spoilers, but when for example you would like to talk about the first AI faction that you met in 2120 coming from... let's say north, please use spoilers. Make a note, like: Read after MY 2140 or even 2150/2160. Some players may not meet that faction as early as you. And any such info would give others a clue where to look for trade/tech trade partners or other benefits.

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So we started.
And a universal info and warning, that I think, does not need to be in spoilers:
This game is not designed scenario.
Sometimes you can start close to other AI faction that has some advantage.
It is ranking game, so we do not want to have lost game submissions around MY 2120...
According to rules, there are no second chances.

[Mart]

Read after playing to 2170!

Starting with Information Networks and Centauri Ecology, I decided to attempt getting Secrets of the Human Brain first.
It did not work! Lal got his first tech in 2105 and in 2109 he was first to SOTHB. I was researching Social Psych at that time after getting Biogenetics first.

And the starting location is maybe average. There are some rainy tiles, but there is really no good spot for a second base.
The starting tile itself has 3 fungus tiles next to it.
Luckily, there is some jungle not far from starting location.

Forestation is the way to go. With Biogenetics and recycling tanks taking care of nutrients, workers can work on forests more, and all this dry area behind the ridge to the east can use forests only.

[Mart]

Read after playing to 2200

The first turns were not very lucky. A lot of fungus and mindworms.
By 2151 I lost 4 scout patrols and 1 former.
And having 4 bases things begin to look better.

Maybe a mistake, the forth base was established a bit further where monsoon jungle starts. Colony pod spent many turns to get there.
Starting terrain is not the best, nutrients are lacking...

[Mart]

Game completed

So I played to the end. Won by supreme leader.
Although conquest was turned off, it was conquering game:
- Spartans eliminated Hive
- Believers eliminated Gaians
- Morganites eliminated PK

Then I decided to get allies, so liberated Yang.
Tried to liberate Deirdre, but probe cruiser got caught without success.
I planned to do the same with Lal, but Morgan was giving quite good pact benefits, so I postponed the mission.

And Zakharov:
- forced Spartans into submission
- forced Believers into submission
Morganites stayed pacted for very long time till the game end.

Not an excellent score, but quite ok. I'm sure, with more refined strategy one can win this game much better. For example, I lost Virtual World race... As Zakharov, that is a major mistake
 

[Mart]

One month till deadline. I wonder, if my submission will not get a medal due to 3 other better results.