Good game, but gets boring after a while

[hamburglar007]

I enjoy this game a lot, but my biggest complaint is that after you get through the beginning of a game, it becomes rather repetitive. Is there something I am missing here that I should be doing differently?

[Cory Trese]

Hey, welcome to the forum.

I am sorry you're not finding the game enjoyable over the long term.

What difficulty and character class are you playing on?

I find that on Insane and above the game's balance ensures you might die at any moment if you make a mistake or miscalculate something. That keeps me interested over the longer games.

[slayernz]

Also, it depends on what you define as the beginning, middle, and late-stages of the game, and what levels you are playing.

On lower levels (eg Basic or Normal), once you've gained a few basic skills and some cash, the galaxy becomes your oyster. You can kill with impunity - nothing can stand in your way. After you master the game at these levels it is like playing a game with god-mode on, and it can definitely become boring. That's why this game has so many levels higher than Normal level.

On the higher difficulty levels, the beginning is not so much about beginning your career ... but outright survival. You tend to lose captains to enemy weapons fire, or to mutiny because you've run out of fuel and/or cash. This is the most challenging part of the game because let's face it, you're more often cannon fodder than not. You limp from contract to contract, or trying to haul that small amount of cargo to the next planet that has a shortage, all the while worrying about the fact you don't have enough cash to pay for any sail damage or fuel in the meantime. This phase can last from a few hundred turns to a few thousand.

The middle stages of the game is where you've managed to make it through rookie-ville. You have somehow managed to build up your stats, have a small cash buffer, and a new ship. For me this is the most exciting part of the game because it is here that you can actually get your captain to become something in the galaxy. It's great making your first million, going for and completing the numerous awards that you can achieve, and becoming successful in combat. For me this phase lasts until about 15,000-20,000 turns. By the end of 15,000 turns, I've hopefully passed my personal target of $5m - $10m credits, numerous ships, and 50+ contracts (with minimal fails/rejects).

Late stage, which is from 20,000+ turns, is as Cory said all about knowing the next encounter could be your last. In saying that, I tend to start new games and go back to these captains for a bit of "Fun". They've got everything they need, so flying around hunting for new ships or the occasional contract is enough to keep em happy. Of all the stages, Late stage is the least excitement, yet the lure of going back to a captain who has made it big is always there.

[celu]

Just recently resumed playing ST after 3 months.
Impossible level is now legitimately impossible. Every turn can be your last. Even if the opposing captain is lower than your level with an inferior ship, they seem to be able to enter a cheat code on their ship's computer and annihilate you.

Crazed Ram Happy Pirates with Mel Gibson blessed prow armor. I say crazed coz they will risk everything to get 2 units of W-F and break your arm in the process even if you choose to cooperate.
You cannot legitimately role play your chosen profession without establishing advantageous stats and vessels (with upgrades), which is IMPOSSIBLE to even get to.

No, you don't get a feel good trophy nor a mercy tap on Impossible "big boy" level. Impossible level is like a director's cut, unrated version of ST.

ST impossible level = ab ripper x
"I hate it, but I love it"

[Cory Trese]

Dude you just score MAJOR points with the Trese Brothers.

We love Tony. we love ab ripper.

“Tip of the day- Don’t smash your face!”

[fallen]

celu - hahah, keep crushing update.