Question: AI boss

[GoodGuy]

Scenario: Pulling tight the noose.

I'd like to know if the behaviour demonstrated below (check the screenshot) is normal or not.
My units (some 400 troops, on top and top right corner) stumbled over the AI boss at the red crosshairs. Although I was surprised to see it residing at a position that close to my units, I thought it would be a good opportunity to harass it for a bit, and then, despite 2 or 3 enemy companies nearby putting up a bit of resistance, I ordered an attack.

The AI (boss) unit retreated and started to move away when it recovered (red arrows), eventually. But, while it moved even further north, all hell broke loose, as virtually the most scary chain of enemy units I've ever seen tried to join the AI boss (apparently moving, not attacking, see green arrows). I can't remember how many troops, but amounting to 2500+ enemy troops, easily, maybe even more.
The AI boss was at the green crosshairs when I took the screenshot, but the chain kept moving north (due to order delay I guess).

Please check the resized mini-map (bottom right), the RED crosshairs highlight this massive chain. The small b/w crosshairs indicate that there are only a few red dots left in the South, mostly artillery units, bases and a few support units (MG coys, mortars, AT etc.).
Why did all these units join the boss unit, leaving the objectives North of Larissa virtually undefended? ... Did they join the unit to protect it? Did they follow because the boss issued a move order (to the north)? [:D] ...
I've cleared/seized Larissa on Day 1 already.... is that one reason? The AI kinda got under pressure [;)].

[RedDevil]

Hello GoodGuy,

No clue about the Map boss behaviour, but I am really amazed by your performance: you are a genius![:)]

I have been trying to go past a draw on that scenario (as the Axis) 5 or 6 times, but in every single occasion the AI scored 100 points and I did not manage more than 80 (actually in at least two occasions the game ended in a marginal defeat). How did you get to Larissa on day 1?
I tried in one of my attempts to leave just a decoy on the highway and made my way to Larissa on the West side of the river, but still I was not able to reach it before mid day 2 and this is when the tanks start to apear...
Basically I though it was a no go.

Please, share with us your strategy [&o][&o]

BTW: nice arrows!
Cheers,

Michele

[GoodGuy]

I think the first elements reached Larissa right before midnight, the inf got there way later.
I'll create an AAR, so check the AAR section this week.

There are 2 ways.
1) involves sending all non-motorized units to the left, cross the river, and move all the way down. If you issue a regular "move" task it will take 2-3 days (units will rest often). But if you issue an attack task with waypoints they will be faster. 1 or 2 tank Coys have to assist in the west, in order to clear the way, or to force local opposition to engage the tank units, leaving a small corridor for your passing inf chain (set min aggro/max losses).

All other motorized units (the Pz Rgt incl. the mot.bike unit) moves east, then all the way south. They will deal with enemy arty and cut off the bases (south-east). Also, the Rgt crushed an entire 1 tank Bn (maybe even more) that appeared at the right bottom. The last step here would be to push West to Larissa.

2) involves sending ALL units to the left, all the way down to Larissa. Same procedure, attack tasks + waypoints. The tank elements HAVE to cross the bridge at Larissa at night, or they'll face the might of the enemy arty. Once they've made it over the river, they have to clear the northern part of the town, to block the enemy.

BOTH ways involve securing of the bridges/crossings in the middle (in the West) to secure the supply lines.

[Renato]

Great feat, GoodGuy. My compliments !

Why did all these units join the boss unit, leaving the objectives North of Larissa virtually undefended? ... Did they join the unit to protect it? Did they follow because the boss issued a move order (to the north)? ...

They might simply perform the last order received before the disruption of their HQ, or reorganize themselves for a massive counterattack. I don't think the AI can perceive its time is running short.

[MarkShot]

ORIGINAL: Renato

I don't think the AI can perceive its time is running short.

I do recall some conversation which was had with Dave where he spoke of the AI reducing or culling objectives as the clock ran down. Of course, my memory ain't what it used to be.

[Renato]

ORIGINAL: MarkShot


I do recall some conversation which was had with Dave where he spoke of the AI reducing or culling objectives as the clock ran down.

Amazing ! I get still surprises with this system.