elfdoctors, he probably took the +12 science lab, and that's why he is gaining science quick this early. Consider this.....if you choose a race, and take the 12 labs on your start planet, it costs only one point in something else....if you take this in speed via energy, and each energy level is a 10% travel time increase.......you get that minus to speed back between level one and two, and it only take about 3 hours from the time you start....I took the 12 labs, and already got back what I had to lose. If you are going to pick a race, I suggest only TAKING A FEW MINUSES IN DEFENSE AND SPEED.....they are quickly made up. Defense does NOT decide the outcome of an attack.....it just decides how many ships you have left if you win, and once again science can fix this minus by getting your math up.
watch out for the Fernch guys.....they stick together.
As the game goes on.....you will see tons more people from all over the world....I suggest you definately do PM with people and talk with them.....if not, the others will, and you will be the quiet one they attack......this game is great because it isn't against a PC.....it's against real people, and these people can help you. VERY important to talk with whos around you, BUT NOT YET......I like to see whos doing well first, and then we join up and destroy the people who aren't doing as well.....five people coming at you, and you have no friends......? well, you are done for. I am, not talking to anyone until I see those in my system can't be taken down by me alone so I can have the whole system, and when that happens......I will talk with whoever is the other good player.....then we remove the other two. Four people in a system is too many to do well......I like to fight it down to two....or hopefully one.
The first few days are slow for everyone, BUT very important. Simply not buying a factory until 10 hours after you had the cash could put a hurtin' on your game. I have met people from all over the world playing this game, and so far everyone I have talked with and fought with has been great.....I got two PMs today from players I was next to two betas ago....met them four months ago, and after two months of working together for victory, and protecting our planets......they wanted to wish me luck. I have been in two alliances now.....and those guys will always back you when they see you again. The largest alliance pretty much last round was the galactic Nemos....started by a reef keeper, and consisting of reef keepers, so if you see a "fishie name" you might want to make contact with this person. If you don't talk to the people doing well around you........you are done for in my opinion, because groups are forming, and that's where you want to be......in a group.....not on the receiving end of a group of attacks later in the game.