I started playing this online and for the past three days I have noticed some tactics that just about every asshole in the game uses.
1. Capture every supply depot on the map with a worker/bulldozer and begin building a supply center. After this supply center is built, build a base around it.
2. Never use super weapons. They are a waste of time, power, and money.
3. Build either a large strike force of tanks or aircraft.
4. Base defenses are mostly useless. Your best defense is a strong army in garrisoned buildings with a few vehicles around.
5. If you followed the above.. you win by default unless your opponent clicked his mouse faster in the first 10 minutes and beat you to the supply depots.
NOW.. just about every goddamn player is doing that. Its "ok" playing like that but theres not really a lot of strategy involved. When I play LAN games with my friends this is what must be done.
1. Build a strong defense around your base, as your opponents ALREADY control the other supply depots.
2. Build one super weapon and get it up as quickly as possible. (we only allow one per person anyhow)
3. Once the above two are met, build a strong tank/aircraft strike force and hit the other guys base.
4. Use general upgrades or your super weapon to strategically attack your opponent AND invade thier base. Use of Black Lotus/Con. Burton/Jarmin Kell is recommended to help this.
5. Build supply drops/black markets/hackers to keep your money supply up when your supply depot runs out.
Its kind of funny how different the playstyles are online compared to in a LAN game. I think I enjoy LAN games more because they require more skill from someone than just "multiply and rush". The use of powerful weapons and your army together become the key to victory instead of just rushing in with all of one kind of unit.
Good game either way, I am glad we are having another LAN party on Sunday.