Custom Map #7515: The X Factor. By: Jason Stevens

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This topic is for discussion of map #7515: The X Factor


Author: Jason Stevens
Size: 192x255

Desc:
This map has a difficulty level between moderate and hard. If you move too slow, you may find yourself facing a wave of creep from the north that you cannot stop, so don't take too long to head to the center of the "X" to establish your stronghold. There are many viable start locations and many different strategies to defeat the Loki on this map. GOOD LUCK! #Spore #Runner #Creep #Pump

[Lightforger]

Was pretty interesting :)

Some tips/tricks

Spoiler

- the start position with the (37) reactors is the best - second is 4PZ (worth 40 reactors but still need to build)
- it is possible to land, pick up bertha & terp, orbit and then land again in the reactor corner without losing anything
- there is a hard to see spot where you can hop on the outer ring from the reactor corner, didn't notice this at first
- lots of guppy micro to feed the totems while in creep, but the corner totems can be reached from the outer ring (don't forget beams there if you build collectors)
- get 1 or 2 sprayers asap to boot up the free red emitters, but i used reactors for the PZ's first instead of a relay to reach the pumps.
- you need anticreep capacity upgrades to make full use of the "suck up the anticreep at the red emitters" - they will stop if there's 200 ore/AC on the network in transit

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[jasons2645]

Was pretty interesting :)

Well I'm super impressed by your score!  I played the map through with the 4 PZs.  I figured the reactor island might be a bit easier, but didn't expect to see a 24-min victory time, well done ;)

[Lightforger]

Shaved off another 5 minutes using the tips in the previous post, since i discovered those partway though playing ;)

I didn't pick up the bertha though it probably wouldn't have made much difference.

with even better micro it might be possible to get around 16-17 minutes but that's 2-3 hours in real time per game.

[Johnny Haywire]

Aye, awesome time, Lightforger!

And cool map too  ;D

[oldnewby]

Ignore at peril of long game times & heartbreaking restarts:-

Spoiler

Carefully re-read Lightforger's every word of wisdom... (I ignored LF's #4 & 6 to my regret... )
-Check the digitalis... a few ASAP straffers will prevent a world of hurt...
-Reactors are always your best friend...
-Guppy the NW & NE creeper free areas ASAP for loads of free AC... (A "divine wind blows" kamikazes on Red emitters... etc. ...)
-In his great wisdom... KnuckleCracker gave us the "N" key... (each tap advances the game clock ~1/30th of a second... hold it & the game runs at 1X speed... Warning... excessive use eats big holes in your life...)

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