It's been about a year or so since I'd last played Aurora. For some reason I decided to pick it up again, this time using version 6.2.
I think I am rather delighted at the granularity engine design has gotten. It makes it much easier to start working on smaller ships. I have a tendency to use sub-1000 ton ships for my survey operations, and to put them in a carrier for carting around between systems. Prior to now I'd have to research a normal engine, then later a FAC engine (and later a fighter engine). Now it's much easier to do.
What I'm finding rather challenging (in a good way) is the proper balance between engine size and power/efficiency. I've just started experimenting with designing a larger engine matching the requirements of a particular class, rather than designing one or two styles of engine, and sticking multiples of each on until I get the right speed. There's also trying to decide the trade-off between speed and fuel usage. And I can do this on both ship engines and missile engines too!
Because I was having so much trouble with trying to come up with good balance, I started a pre-TN campaign with no NPRs, so that I could work from the ground up and figure out the best balance for myself. After 40 game years I think I'm starting to figure it out, although with no opponents yet it's hard to tell. Once I explore a few more systems (so that I have a buffer!) I am going to add an NPR and turn on Precursors.
