The Complete Interview - Maximus1776

Wednesday, December 6, 2017
Here is the complete interview as seen in the Planets Newsletter - Enjoy!


PN: Tell us a little about yourself.

M: Husband, father, and technology professional who hates computers.



PN: When did you first start playing?


M: Somewhere around 1993.  We were playing Trade Wars on a BBS, and a friend introduced me to VGA Planets, which we found to be much more enjoyable.



PN: What's your favorite race and why?


M: Empire of the Birds (since joining Nu).  After taking several years off from the game, a friend goaded me into joining as the last race available (Birds) in a Nu game.  While offensively weak (especially against carrier races), they can generally choose the time and place of their engagements.  Knowing your enemy is critical, and no other race has the ability to do this better.  As Sun Tzu said, “Success in warfare is gained by carefully accommodating ourselves to the enemy's purpose.”


PN: What do you build on first three turns with them (or your general opening strategy)?


M: Normally I build LDSF’s the first three turns when playing Birds.  Economy is key, and getting a good start early has a multiplicative effect throughout the rest of the game.  Starting turn 4, I build a few Swift Hearts to send out in all directions to gather intelligence and to drop a clan on each planet visited.  I get a second starbase up as early as possible to start building Swift Hearts as well.  As soon as practicable, I start building Resolutes, which make great multi-purpose ships (Disruptor and Mark 4/7’s) for scouting, freighter capture, freighter escort/towing, medium-strength planet assaults, cloaked/armed fuel support for Darkwings, and other purposes.



PN: How many games do you play at the same time?


M:Usually only one game at a time.  I value quality over quantity, and have other important time commitments outside of the game.  I recently tried to play two at a time (with the Crystals which I haven’t played in 20 years), and it didn’t go well. 


PN: What types of games do you like playing most?

M: Classic, but I’m also OK with Standard.  Being a bit of a purist, I haven’t joined any other game formats yet (although Wandering Tribes is compelling).


PN: What's your most memorable game, and what made it so interesting?



M: On Nu, my most memorable is probably the one I’m playing now.

http://planets.nu/#/sector/201132

A strong enemy alliance against our weaker cabal of several of the remaining races.  Batman with his endless barrage of RGA Falcons was a thorn in my side for quite a while…  ??




PN: Name a memorable friend and/or a memorable foe, and what made them stand out.



M: Dajonez, as both friend and foe.  We’ve been playing together (and against each other) from the beginning.  He has a natural talent for the game, and I have yet to really beat him.  His economic development and logistics skills are exemplary.  I still remember one of my first games with him where late in the game he brought out his entire Rebel fleet into space on our border in a show of force.  I surrendered, and he won the game without hardly firing a shot.  That still bothers me…  ??




PN: Give an example of excellent tactics you've used or seen (w/ details so readers can view it, if possible).



M: There are much more qualified players and guides out there that can speak on excellent strategy.  They are the "giants" in the game.  I believe the only reason I do moderately well sometimes is that I do a lot of small things effectively that accumulate over time and help me get into a better position.  Also, "Know Thy Rules"...  Just knowing the rules and nuances well (towing mechanics, battle order and right/left side combat, ship capabilities/weaknesses, etc.) will help you succeed.



PN: What do you think is the most important skill for a Planets player to succeed?


M: Practicing the “ABC’s”…  Always Be Creating and Cultivating…  From Turn 1, never miss an opportunity to move colonists/supplies outwards, never miss a tax opportunity, always build ships that matter (unless you are hogging the queue), always think about what you will need (and where) in 5-15 turns, always build and strengthen your starbases, always move your ships for a purpose.  One area that I lack many times, and is at least equally important, is always cultivate appropriate relationships with both your friends and enemies.  Especially playing the Birds who are not strong offensively, it’s critical to make good allies on the one hand, and sow fear and indecisiveness in your enemies on the other.  Make them think you are everywhere at once.

 


PN: Describe the process you use to make a turn.



M: With all my blather about strategy, I still feel like a very 1-dimensional player…  I check out VCR’s first because I like the action.  Read reports for highlights, then take a look at the Big Board (a.k.a. starchart) for the overall texture of the ground.  Then I go through ships individually, but focusing on an area at a time and ticking them off as they are complete.  After that I do planets.  I highlight any key planets that need development, and hopefully have a task force of Falcons to help aid in remote logistics. 

In the early part of the game, I do all planets individually.  As things become stead-state with mines/factories/defense, I manage by exception.  Sometimes I use the “Planetary Management” add-on, but more recently I just manage tax rates by sorting the planet list by colonists and looking at the happiness/tax rates on the right side and adjusting individually to somewhat optimize growth and taxes.  I found it a bit safer than running the add-on, and only takes me about 3 minutes for 120 planets.  Lastly I do starbases, individually early, and then by exception later on.  Diplomacy happens all the time between turns as needed.



PN: What is your favorite thing about Panets Nu?


M: As others have said, the community.  It’s a unique group of people who are passionate about the game, students/practitioners of strategy, and are generally cordial and encouraging.  Even in some of the disagreements, many times I see hidden fruit and opportunities for growth.  It is a breath of fresh air compared to the world that many see on media.  People from all over the world talking and working together, having a laugh together, occasionally sharing the adult beverage together, helping each other, sometimes disagreeing with each other, but still being part of the community…  With so many people trying to divide us in the world, it’s good to see a glimpse of what could be…



PN: Is there anything else you would like to add?


M: Be trusted and capable as an ally.  As an enemy, feared and respected.  As both, a person of your word, for your character and integrity are worth much more than a win in this game.




Thank you to Maximus1776!



You can view Maximus1776's profile here.