Creating AI for scenarios

[mikeCK]

I am trying to create my own scenario. Do I have to assign the AI ships/planes a mission or will the AI decide on its own what to do? More specifically, I have two fleets and I want fleet b (controlled by the AI) to attack fleet a. Do I assign it to aASuW mission and highlight a destination box around fleet A?

[BKLANDIN]

Big picture, strategicaly you setup goals for the player who then creates missions to accomplish those goals. Tacticaly, at the mission execution level, you may also create missions for the AI. IMHO, a scenario should allow the player control of the scenario after you have defined the mission and set the pieces in place. If the player has to take out a convoy, then you will have to place that convoy in the scenario, and this is where the event, scenario and other editors become important. For a scenario to be plausible and fun, as in say an ASUW scenario, the player would have to do many things , such as where to engage, what to engage, what to engage with, how to approach... you get the picture.
I guess my short answer is , your imagination as the designer may be more even more crucial than the player's, even when the designer has recreated a real world event, whose outcome is already known, such as a historical scenario. I want to write scenarios,but I can only imagine the patience and research needed. That is why I am happy that so many here are taking the time to create scenarios. Maybe one of these people will say something on the business. Baloogan will be live streaming at 5 PST today and he will give us some tips along with others who will be in the discussion. here is the link http://www.twitch.tv/baloogancampaign.

[mikmykWS]

Hi Guys,

Baloogan is doing a show in the scenario editor tonight.

tm.asp?m=3420399&mpage=4

[BKLANDIN]

thanks Mike

[mikeCK]

I guess I should be more specific, although you did give me some good info. Ok, so i tell the AI fleet to move to an area and conduct. aSuW ops. Do I also have to tell the AI to launch helos for sub patrol? There is an AI controlled air base nearby...don't have to set up air missions or will the AI sob that on its own as my force is hostile (fleet a). I am designing this for me to play against the AI obviously.

Basically, do I need to set up everything for the AI or will it set up CAPs and ASW missions on its own?

[mikmykWS]

You need to set up everything.

Mike

[BKLANDIN]

Notice when you are in a scenario, for instance the tutorial "Basic training- Air operation" , the AI is programmed to act and react in certain ways. As I understand it, one of the keys is learning the behaviour that have been programmed into the AI, and that is a lot, but it is not insurmountable. I think one way is to start with a small historical scenario, and that should give a pretty good insight to AI behaviour, leading to a better grasp of how best to design a scenario.