So, a while back we had a thread where users posted all of their best stories from games where they used only one ship type. I think the idea of self-imposed challenges is fun, and allows you to actually take a bit of a break from all the minor faction, high difficulty craziness and experiment with some arbitrary restrictions designed to screw you over.
So, I have devised a short little challenge for anybody looking to get a different kind of Fun from their AI War fix. It's not something that I've tried, but that's just because I'm not silly enough to play this kind of game...
1. Disable Heavy Defense ships. This means you and the AI alike don't get fortresses or force fields. Optionally, you can leave it enabled and not build any fortresses or force fields, so you still get your home force field.
2. Accrue at least 200 AIP, and keep Core Shield Gens enabled. Do not attack warp gates.
3. (Optional) Enable Double Waves. I think the handicap affects size of waves, so feel free to crank that down so the waves are the same size but more frequent.
4. (Optional) Play against Exotic or other aggressive AIs. Preferably, play against any AIs that forego defenses for aggression.
5. (Extremely Optional) Disable Tractor Beams. Enable the Shark plot.
Note: Use any other settings and minor factions at your own discretion.
It may only be a "short challenge" for all the wrong reasons, but it sounds like a good jumping point to encourage a frantic game. This challenge isn't "challenge mode" or anything by any means, but anybody who has ideas for really unique AI War experiences can throw them out there in here as well.