Based on our observations of the game Xiphias, as well as player suggestions, I have now implemented the following changes to the game (all variants):

• initially, each player only receives 4 planets and one alien. All other planets are neutral. This eliminates the first-player advantage and makes the game last more than 4-5 turns (this obviously only affects newly created games).
• implemented support for missiles - these cost 100 Golderos and can be used to eliminate one alien anywhere on the map
• viruses will spread more slowly in multi-player games
• two-game matches will each use a different map; this includes tournament games
• it is no longer possible to purchase aliens and other objects on isolated planets - they still generate Golderos, though, and you can reclaim these by joining this planet with your area

These changes should make Xiphias a better game, we hope that you'll like them