Federation Commander

[rorycowell]

Hey all, I'm Rory. I have been playing Federation Commander for about two months, and something odd keeps happening in my group games. One player keeps flying along the outer map edge in a way that makes it incredibly hard to line up proper firing arcs. Instead of engaging, the ship sort of surfs the border at an angle where our main weapons never get a clean shot unless we spend turn after turn trying to chase from behind.
We have experimented with larger maps and different starting layouts, but every match eventually slides toward the boundary, and we end up with this slow sideways pursuit that does not feel very tactical or exciting.
So I am wondering if this is a normal situation that experienced players deal with.
Is this a matter of counter tactics we have not learned yet, or do some groups adjust the map rules to stop this style of play dominating every fight
Any advice from veteran players would really help. It is turning what should be tense close combat into a frustrating drift along the edge.

[Sebastian380]

I'm certainly not a tactical expert--so, take what I say with a grain of salt but in my experience, flying a starship against the edge of the map is a disadvantage. The ship's Forward Arc weapons will be pointed away from an approaching enemy and the ship will have far less maneuverability against seeking weapons.
Playing against the edge of the map has never worked for me. I'd suggest charging your wall-hugging opponent.
Also, you can look at the many FC scenarios that are available; playing to achieve the goals of a scenario forces a player to be active and engaged.

[Steve Cole]

I am not understanding this. You can shoot someone from any position on the map (subject to range and firing arcs). If you're hugging the map edge I cannot get on the outside of you but I don't have to. I just use whatever weapons have a firing arc and start rolling dice.
_________________
The Guy Who Designed Fed Commander

[Sgt_G]

I'm with Steve on this. If someone finds a "perfect" tactic that seems a little sleazy, there's probably something wrong with it. Find the flaw and punish him for getting predictable.
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Garth L. Getgen

Master Sgt, US Air Force, Retired -- 1981-2007 -- 1W091A

[smithcohn12]

In my experience this is a fairly common early-game tactic, but once players get comfortable with oblique turns, speed changes, and deliberate disengage-and-reengage maneuvers, edge-surfing becomes much less effective and usually stops being a dominant problem without needing house rules.