BUYING AND SELLING UNITS

        Not only do you have the option of buying units (and creating the initial prototype along with a university), but you also have the opportunity to sell them. In fact, you can sell a unit at anytime except when they have used up all their action points. This allows you such tricks as using all but one movement point on a unit and then selling it. However, the conversion is not very favourable. You only get half the remaining value of the unit returned to you. What this means in practise is that you must choose carefully and wisely as to when to buy and sell units as to get the most efficient use of your money.

BUYING

        Buying is a great question of priority. To a large extent, what you need to buy will be dictated by whatever strategy you are pursueing at that point in the game. However, one can outline some general guidelines that help with the thought processes.

1. Expansion is a constant priority. In the beginning, your expansion is fairly benign and allows you to gain the upperhand in cash flow terms. Later in the game, your expansion comes at the expense of opponents (largely due to their untimely demise). In overall terms, most of your cash should be spent on expansion in one form or another. Remember however, that in practical terms, it is essential not to spend it all on this.
2. Defense should always be in the back of your mind. While defense purchased too early is a waste of cash, defense purchased too late is a waste of your empire. Don't waste money on defense until the last moment, but do spend all that is necessary to prevent considerable loss (ie. the loss of a factory or your base definitely counts as considerable!) as and when it becomes necessary. Do not stint in this regard.
3. University purchases are an adjunct to your expansion strategy. There is no more effective defenses than porcupines and fortifications, so you won't need to buy universities for defense purposes. As such, only purchase the next set of universities when it becomes advantageous to do so. Remember that when someone outstrips you in technology and then attacks you, it can be terribly difficult to catch up. So purchase of universities becomes a priority when an attack is imminent.

SELLING

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