Props & AI Question

[Kappa]

Hi first post on this site, played the orginal Harpoon 16 or 17 years ago, forgot about it and just rediscovered the Matrix site. Flash Point is an engaging and enjoyable game especially for the price. To anyone looking for a reccomendation I would say it definately worth a try, which for a game thats been out 3 years is rare. Its real map strategy and variable factor outcome as opposed to a game like world in conflict which is just good graphics and basically grouping a bunch of units together and point clicking to fight. You do at times have to be patient during the resolution stages as the game is playing out your orders.


I do have a few questions on AI -

Some missions, even when the US is supposed to be on the offensive (ie mission 5 Bread & Butter) the Soviets go on the offense, bunch up at bridge heads and get blasted. I had a tactical victory in the 5th turn which I wouldn't have expected or felt deserved for basically holing up in the towns and shooting back at guys crossing the bridge. How could I dial up OPFOR tactics to keep it challenging to keep playing? I beleive most of the settings are on the hardest, do I have to figure out the editor?

On the arty I get a little stumped that I task a unit w/ 3 targets and the next thing I know its dumping gas and smoke on some differnet map quadrant. Not sure I fully understand the AI logic here, if I task a unit to its capacity how/why is it determing the other moves way outside my strategy? any way to limit it from taking its own action?

I'm a little more interested in the modern period but count me as someone looking forward to your next game [:)].

[CapnDarwin]

Kappa,
 
Thanks for the kind words. The AI does have a few areas where it has trouble dealing well. Being on the defensive is one of those. We did a number of tweaks in the updates to try to adjust the AI on the defense but there is a limit to what could be done with the code and scoring system. The new game fixes most of that. The editor won't help you with AI. To keep the arty from being snagged away, turn of the option to have the FSCC call in missions. That should put it back to you.
 
Enjoy.
 

[Kappa]

I turned off the FSCC and Emergency resupply and it definately dialed up the challenge.  I also had to post back to admit that just when I thought I had figured out the OPFOR AI it's smoked me 3 games straight.

[CapnDarwin]

Kappa,
 
Glad to hear the game is posing a good challenge. Talking with Rob he said the new AI is playing very well and that is using the old data structures. He'll have the new ones this weekend. Just remember as NATO to have good long LOS to the approch areas, use smoke to blind and mines to slow. Be vary weary on using air units in close until you find and suppress the AD units. Nothing hurts more then having your A-10 pop over a hill and go down in a hail of gun and missile fire.
 
Enjoy!