by arkayn
I think it's obvious that the Rho Indi and Exiles (and possibly Lyra) require a different playstyle than how you would typically play, and either one will look underpowered if you don't adjust your strategy. What I don't think is obvious is whether or not that different playstyle makes up the ground that the races give up in their obvious disadvantages. I think it's somewhat pointless to argue about it theoretically - it'll take some more time before we know how well they work out, and even then it's impossible to know if your strategies would work in any other playgroup.Mike - I do think you're downplaying the Rho Indi's weaknesses a bit. 4 RIS Cruisers might be a match for 2 Dreadnaughts of another player, but it's relatively easy to build 2 Dreadnaughts and 4 Cruisers in the late game, and no amount of Interceptors are going to make up for that. The question is whether mobility, scorched earth tactics, or whatever else that the Rho Indi have available can make up for it. Early game, yes, they have some nice capabilities, but you can't pre-emptive strike everyone, and I don't believe that you can engage in a stand-up fight with any other race (other than Planta) that has concentrated on upgrading their Dreadnaughts. If RIS started with Cloaking Device, it'd be a different story, but I'm not sure that Starbases are enough to support their style of play. Maybe they are really good when played right, but in a stand-up fight, I don't think so.