I'm 99% positive that plasma would not work better. On the other hand, selling all your missile launchers for level 93 (on like level 89), and then building AAs with them MIGHT work. A slightly different configuration of freezers in the 4x5 AA block might also work better (one at nine and one at 12 for instance).
I don't doubt that it is possible. but it is crazy hard to get to 100, only made it so 78. Apparently, I wasn't killing monster enough to convert them into AA. Also, maybe a bit more AA slow, or bash slow, and some missiles? Don't know, that was one tough level, but I'm giving up for now.
The only thing that matters on early levels are 2 lvl 2 guns and grenades, when you have 4 lvl 2 grenades research explosives. Then build 4 missile launchers and lvl them up to max. After this, start building more max missile launchers. Over the course of the rest of the game upgrade the explosives research the rest of the way. This will win any level.
The key, my pirate mates, is to fire very little on the first 10 levels. Getting 100% gets you a maximum bonus, and also, if you fire JUST ONE cannon it will not knock off any or much gold off of the ship you're boarding.
I do believe that on extreme, there is an unbeatable campaign level. The first base one, I just get stuck, and if I take one of those from the start, I cannot hold it. If anyone has the solution, please, let me know.
I never bought ship strength. Pirates to max. Cannon stuff to max. This should be done by just boarding until lvl 10. On lvl 10 you can board too, but its trickier, as you need to constant broadside and separate the ships. Then you want lots of speed and turning. Speed is more important. And, on admiral, its going to take skill to beat the last 2 levels, and getting the accuracy bonus is a must.
I played this game so many times now, it is a riot, and the game itself is nice too. The game is actually very easy, but the ship setups are interesting too. You can win with just guns. 5 magnets with a good ship will all the money. The best ship for just pressing the spacebar that I could easily figure is 2 lightning on the lower corners. 5 magnets. And 5 missiles in a 'V' shape around the ship (2 in the corner, 2 on either side, and one behind).
Paving never costs less than 15, but the -10 paving gloves stack really well. I believe my hero I used just about exclusively after mid-game is 'lvl 30'. Spent all my points on tactics (20 which max) magic 4 element 4 special 2, plus 2 chaotic emblems and a champion's boots. She came in the initial 3 heroes and was energy/trainee/archwizard. I changed her elements a few times, a waste, I know, but I sold all the items cause messing with them affected my enjoyment of the game, and the money I got was plenty compensation. Get looting. I didn't on my guy for a long time, but now have 8 and 8 leadership. As well as 9 magic. This is a great game, but it was very easy, I used this hero for almost every level, and probably could have used her for EVERY level if I had had the patience to play with the items. Debuff, poison, power hitter...SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS....
It cannot get any easier or simpler than one frosty, so sorry. Put it in the center, max out frostie upgrade, then exp/money/damage upgrades on the player exp side. Get range up to hit all the roads then improve reload a couple time, increase range to get everything, then speed till maxed, then ranger (not that you have to!). Anyway, you might not even need player side upgrades... this technique is quite effective. Thank Nexisone.
I haven't done that one, exactly, but on TSG1, you used missles behind non-upgraded lasers. I generally use non-upgraded everything, so it can be recycled at no loss.
On, TSG1 crazy on survival mode... I probably still have a decent record there... you run out of resources.. b ut b4 that you can get them to come into a bowl or 'V' where they get seperated and attack the center of a 'wall.'
Little forest is beaten with pure simple consecrated warriors... thats it really. There's a nice spot for one at the end of each row. Also, its a good place for a necro at the end or an infection inflictor near the end of the first row. I think I used an infection inflictor, a debuff inflictor and 2 back rows of warriors in the first time I won it. I also had a warrior at the other good spots.
 "Master of Fortresses"){kind=icon}
 "Endless War: Defense"){kind=icon}
 "Xeno Tactic"){kind=icon}
 "Lethal War Zone"){kind=icon}
 "Random Defence"){kind=icon}
 "StarBaron"){kind=icon}
 "Treasure of Cutlass Reef"){kind=icon}
 "UPGRADE COMPLETE!"){kind=icon}
 "Mastermind: World Conquerer"){kind=icon}
 "Protector IV"){kind=icon}
 "Fujitsu Defender"){kind=icon}
 "The Space Game: Missions"){kind=icon}
 "Protector III"){kind=icon}