Yeah, I don't doubt that Steamshot is a good way to go. I think part of my problem is not seeing a verification for a "good shot" or whatever when building up pressure. I just couldn't seem to find a sweet spot.
No matter. I'm done with all the quests now. Thanks again!
FYI my numbers are with nearly optimized builds. I ground the game really hard via the 7-10 day runs of easy story mode for bp and items. Either way, if you just go fuel-efficiency mode and grind out a couple extra days, the challenge gets a lot easier.
Well if your weight is lower then the engines max lift you will not lose any speed, I tested this on the longer runs trying to get 10 million, basically loaded up a maxed out space shuttle with fuel tanks and made sure my omega rockets could handle the max lift, basically i saw little difference in the speeds of a 2 weight vs 200 weight. Next I will try to see what drag effects. The real thing on pay load you need is lift, the catapult has a good amount of lift. I just now need to figure out power and drag to optimize builds.
Secondly if your speed goes above the ships max you lose out on distance, I think this might have to do with drag
(Guide to reading the #s)(with reasonable accuracy)
Max speed: The max speed you can go at before drag kicks in(nearly negligible below the speed, anyhow). 5-10 (k?m?)ph above isn't too bad(shallow drag); the issue is mainly with launch and very high horsepower engines(dubstep really).
Weight: Mostly bad(see max lift). Theoretically helps you bulldozes obstacles, but not worth it imo.
Power: Acceleration provided by the engine. Lets you speed up faster post-collision, and (marginally) determines max speed. If it's too low(below 1 for example), you'll probably suffer from low max speeds. NA rating of >1 is recommended(empirically); 2 is quite plenty for most cases. I've hit near max speed on the omega penguin with just a maxed out 1.85 banshee. 5+ represents heavy weight lifting. The "dub" for dubstep(at 15, it basically never slows). Not to be confused with max lift. Main number you are looking at in a launcher.
Fuel: Related to # of seconds(I think fuel/30 or so) that the module works for. This ends up being the primary determinant for height runs(via empirical testing). For dubstep, this is the "wub".
Max lift: Max weight carried before suffering penalties. Small (minimally, really) gains in efficiency according to the game tips if you're underweight. Terrible if you're overweight, nearly equal if you're underweight.
@akshobhya - you're probably missing an achievement that gives you a starting bonus of $20. However, as my online saves have disappeared, too, I can't check which one it is right now, as I don't want to start a new game (neither online nor local).
Well, I lost all my progress. I played the entire game again and I have all normal extra cards. @helpo1, I got the additional $20 at the start. Are there any more tips in order complete the payload mode in addition to your strategy?
Except for getting all the achievements you can? Not really. The guide should be flexible enough. Experiment a bit and use your own experiences to choose your personal preferences, just like @bakkart did.
I might just be blind, but has this game been updated or something of the like? I've been looking for items like the Steamshot, Dubstep Drive, and Dark Matter, but none of these seem to exist.