Zulu wrote:

Also, another ship that the Empire could not afford to produce is the x-wing.

I don't think it was even a matter of cost.  The empire always saw its pilots as completely disposable.  They also like to make their pilots completely dependant on their superiors.  Hence we get the shatner default TIE with not only no life support and no shields, but no hyperdrive so you're always counting on a carrier ship or outpost.

Canadiens said that it was purely to make them weaker, it was I that said that cost was an issue, which is supported as so:

*While highly maneuverable, the TIE/ln had no combat shields. It did not carry missile tubes, but such weapons could be added on if necessary. Life-support systems were not usually included, but each TIE pilot had a fully-sealed flight suit superior to their Rebel counterparts. The absence of a hyperdrive rendered the fighter totally dependent on carrier ships when deployed in enemy systems. Because of all of these weaknesses, TIEs were designed to attack in large numbers, overwhelming the enemy craft. The Imperials used so many that they came to be considered symbols of the Empire and its might. They were also very cheap to produce.

Despite the aforementioned design features, TIE/ln laser cannons were relatively strong, and a direct hit on a starfighter or medium transport could damage or destroy it.

Contrary to popular belief, the ships did possess ejection seats, but the nature of space warfare often resulted in pilots riding their craft down to a swift end.

The relative weakness of the TIE/ln could arguably be explained by Imperial military philosophy, which viewed the starfighters and their pilots as expendable. Though Imperial pilots were of an elite stock, they considered themselves expendable, in accordance with their ideological training. Like stormtroopers, TIE pilots were addressed by a number. This procedure reduced them to being no more than anonymous and standardized operatives of the Imperial war machine.

*Courtesy of Wookieepedia.com

Also, another ship that the Empire could not afford to produce is the x-wing.

I don't think it was even a matter of cost.  The empire always saw its pilots as completely disposable.  They also like to make their pilots completely dependant on their superiors.  Hence we get the shatner default TIE with not only no life support and no shields, but no hyperdrive so you're always counting on a carrier ship or outpost.

Gameplay balance > movies > canon

The Art of Warfare Clan (TAW) Over 800 Members Over 14 Games Supported

For example, in the film, a star destroyer is seen keeping pace with the millenium falcon, even gaining on it slightly. In the games, the falcon goes about 10 times faster than an ISD.

Thanks, I'll add it to the list. Only problem is that anyone whos ever played a star wars game will think it has 4 cannons.

  The secret to making a good game is to not mirror balance the teams as in BF2 or Rock paper sisscors balance (most RTS games), the secret is to make sure that all players/classes/vehicles/etc. are able to compete fairly in most situations but they have a distinct but not impossible advantage in situations for which they were designed. A good TIE-Fighter pilot should be able to take down an A-Wing despite the fact an A-Wing is far superior, simply because of their skill not the machine he is flying.