Anyone have a good strategy for the Federation Cruiser? I always get a great start and then get curbstomped around Sector 5. Not sure why it's so much harder than the Kestrel. I've tried upgrading Shields a lot, Engines a lot, the Artillery Cannon, regular weapons...nothing seems to work for me and I can't really tell why.
Hmm. I usually die to robot ships in Ion Storms. Maybe I just need to invest a bit in Excess energy so I can get past those.
I beat the game with the Fed Cruiser without investing a single point into weapons. Focus on maximizing your defensive potential; you already have a weapon that will deal guaranteed damage, you just need to survive long enough to use it. If you can find one and spare the scrap for upgrading the proper systems, a Defense II drone will be a godsend.