Cannot kill this with pictures

[unseen4ce]

So I have attacked this, it has an external invincibility mechanism. I looked for the local command station but there was only this one. There are a few worlds with "codes" beside their names that seem to relate to core-shield generators, perhaps these are the source of it's invincibility but i am honestly not sure which world is providing it's shield or how to remove it. (This will probably be my last annoying question for some time, as I have done quite well this time).

The invincible Command Station is on Semic, with the code: CSE1

Click for a larger size pic in the same window.

This image has the invincible in the middle.


Here you can see my map, showing that it only has the one command station. Beside the world names are some unusual "codes".

[Nethris]

The codes are from your map being set to display core shield generators, CS-E1 and CS-D1 just mean there's an E or D type core shield generator there, respectively.  Those don't protect anything on the planet they're on, they provide invincibility to the guardposts and command stations on the AI home planets.  Mouse over individual types for info on how many of that type you have to take out - I think those are both types you just have to kill one of, though all core shield generators require you to take the planet before you can kill them.

I'm pretty sure the "Com-Shield II" guard post listed in the map summary is one of the ones that shields the local command station until you kill it.  Not seeing it with the picture of the planet, so it's probably hiding behind either the fort or the forcefield + core shield generator cluster in that picture.  If that isn't what's causing the invulnerability I'm stumped, it should say it does that if you mouse over it on the planet (probably have to zoom in first).

[unseen4ce]

It has to be the fortress as i zoomed everywhere else. Cool thanks alot, I didn't think of that.

[Nethris]

It has to be the fortress as i zoomed everywhere else. Cool thanks alot, I didn't think of that.

Yeah, AI forts are always placed at a guardpost (or the command station) I think.  Mostly know that from ordering my bombers to kill a guard post first every time I go after a fort since guard posts don't have massive penalties against bombers like forts do.

[unseen4ce]

Ok it was FN epic, I just started targeting everything, just blitzed them, and finally found a vulnerable guard (very left of above pic). Once it was destroyed the shield around the Command Station fell, had a Colony Ship ready to go, under guard ofcourse.

Once I had my Command Station was in place the Core Shield fell.

I lost many ships, as I didn't know what to target, but it was worth it. Great game.

[keith.lamothe]

Great game.

Glad you're enjoying it   Yea, the external invincibility mechanic can lead to some tricky balls of yarn to untangle, but generally blowing stuff up will get you there eventually... if it doesn't alarm the AI too much first

[Hearteater]

Ok it was FN epic, I just started targeting everything, just blitzed them, and finally found a vulnerable guard (very left of above pic). Once it was destroyed the shield around the Command Station fell, had a Colony Ship ready to go, under guard ofcourse.

Once I had my Command Station was in place the Core Shield fell.

I lost many ships, as I didn't know what to target, but it was worth it. Great game.

You shouldn't have needed to knock down the Core Shield Generator to take the system.  Those only protect the two AI home worlds (and are never located on the AI homeworlds) and are in the game to force you to take a few random planets on the map which tends to make things more interesting than if you can only take exactly the planets you want.

Off the top of my head, the following Guard Posts make the local AI Command Station invulnerable:

Com-Shield Guard Post: Basically just make the CS invulnerable until it dies.  Not otherwise notable.
Counter Guard Post: This spawns a counter attack wave when destroyed, although you do get around 12 minutes warning.
And all Core Guard Posts: These are only found in the AI homeworlds.

[unseen4ce]

Yeah, it is a good balance between challenge and just blowing stuff-up. Amazing suspense, creates amazing stories, I am so glad I bought this game. I wish I could express my gratitude without sounding corny, as good games are the most perfect drug when you're in the zone and nothing else matters. And the music...

Com-Shield Guard Post: Basically just make the CS invulnerable until it dies.  Not otherwise notable.
Counter Guard Post: This spawns a counter attack wave when destroyed, although you do get around 12 minutes warning.
And all Core Guard Posts: These are only found in the AI homeworlds.

This helped alot, it was a counter-guard post and there was a 12 minute counter which was easily suppressed. I understand it now, thanks.