Suggestion : Planetary blockades

from Stardock Forums
Right now there's no effect from isolating a planet. The economy still ticks over as usual, you can rush build ships and the population is happy. Perhaps there should be a penalty if a planet is blockaded, say a -20% economy penalty, -20% morale penalty and no rush rush build of ships. I think it should also stop any production bonus from starbases.

Blockading could be defined simply as for example four of the adjacent squares being enemy-occupied or perhaps it could require starfighter/corvette type ships (ie their speed would allow interception of local shipping). That would allow a late game role for starfighters :)
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Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top
Interesting idea. I like it. Maybe in a patch or the expansion.
Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top
It makes it a bit more important to control space around your systems whereas now you can turtle (stay in orbit for the combat bonus) with no ill effect and I would love to see some more uses for Starfighters so I hope it will be considered for the expansion pack.
Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top
I think the idea is really cool.

Here's a thought that would simplify it and give a bigger role to smaller ships...how about an AUTO BLOCKADE tab in the ship options?

Auto blockade would keep your ship stationary around the enemy system and would not destroy any trade ships, just send them away so to speak.

Auto blockade DOES NOT declare war on that race, only takes away income from trade, as well as bonuses from starbases like you mentioned. It shouldn't have an effect on morale automatically. The lack of income would force the AI to lower social production and increase taxes...that will lower the morale more appropriately.

Ship building will still be allowed, but it will be up to you to fight them off if they attack. Otherwise, the blockade would be too unbalanced IMHO.

I think it's a cool idea...but one that needs serious play testing.

Alz
Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top
Traditionally, blockading *is* considered an act of war -- and I find that extremely reasonable. You can no longer legitimately claim neutrality when forcibly interfering with the commerce between third parties with prejudice to one.

As it is, if your ships are fast enough, you'll catch ships when they make a break for it. Perhaps if launching cost more movement points -- say, half the unit's speed -- they'd be even easier to catch.

As for morale... in wartime, an enemy having a clear space superiority (e.g. sum of squared att, def of enemies in sector exceeds that of friends by 10:1 or some other ratio) should almost certainly have a chilling effect on morale. Once they toss in bombardment ships, the presence of one of those should be very, very demoralizing.