Retreat and rally point

[Flef]

Is it planned to get unit a way to retreat when ordered?

could it be bound to a rally point or a pre-planned route?

[batteran]

Like a "Delay" order which you preset waypoints for retreating, and that unit just go this way when the ennemy go closer than his "prefered standoff" range? ^^

I hope something like that is for the next game engine, maybe we would get an update for the actual engine as well, who know?

[CapnDarwin]

We are already looking at adding a Withdrawal order to the mix which is basically sit here until "X" then move back to here type of order for defending actions.

[Flef]

Many thanks for the answer


'love your game

[batteran]

ORIGINAL: Capn Darwin

We are already looking at adding a Withdrawal order to the mix which is basically sit here until "X" then move back to here type of order for defending actions.

It's like a "condition" for execute an order.
Today, an unit start the turn with a stance/posture (and maybe an order in the pipe ^^) an you can issue an order as a movement + a stance (or a stance only)
If you had a condition for the execution of this order, it open very interressing features!

Like we say, if "X" is reached (X may be a ennemy distance, or some casualties maybe?), the unit execute this "delayed" order we previously gave to them, the same way we actually give an order: we just have added a condition!

I'm not sure of the amount of devellopement for that, but it certainly will fit very well in the actual system ^^ And add some interressing possibilities and tactics! What if instead of a retreat back if ennemies came close, I previously have ordered a counter-assault? ^^

[batteran]

I'm not very good in english, so I make a little pic for the point ^^

It's just a suggestion, but I like drawing things for selling things ^^

First line green 1-2-3 is the way it works today when you issue an order.

Seconde line Red 2b is another popup for "conditioning" an order. It pop after you have selected the stance and offer the choice at the player to go ASAP (the actual way), or to specify a condition in the 2c pop-up ^^

-> But this can be annoying if you use only ASAP orders, as it make another boring click.

Another way to go is to add these feature instead in the waypoint editor, as in third line "Waypoint alternative".

Probably even more flexible, as you can set for example:
- 2 waypoint for going in defensive position
- a third "conditionned waypoint" for the retreat way.

In only one order.

[Tazak]

That's a lot of orders for each unit...

What about allowing HQs to set a RV point that all the formations units will try to move towards in instances of screen-scoot being applied

You'll reduce the amount of 'move here in case of overwhelming attack' orders needed and to me its more inline with FC putting you in the command seat rather than controlling each and every unit down to the last detail

[CapnDarwin]

Tazak, not sure about a group formation move just yet, but we will work to make thing as smooth as we can. At a minimum you will set each unit like you do now. [8D]

[batteran]

ORIGINAL: Tazak

That's a lot of orders for each unit...

What about allowing HQs to set a RV point that all the formations units will try to move towards in instances of screen-scoot being applied

You'll reduce the amount of 'move here in case of overwhelming attack' orders needed and to me its more inline with FC putting you in the command seat rather than controlling each and every unit down to the last detail

Technically, I don't add "new" orders, nor the habillity to set more than one order or the way you give them.

I just add to the way you make an order today, one possible step: "conditionning".

And if these "conditionning" can be set via the waypoint editor only, it's in fact totaly invisible: you have, after you make an order exactly like you do today (no changes), to go to the waypoint editor for add such condition to a waypoint if you want.

[Flef]

Don't forget that the AI must be able to play it too and it can't be too complicated for the decision manager of the AI (complexity and clock usage). The more behaviors are added, the more unexpected behaviors are to be seen leading to very understandable complaints from the players.

That's why I was thinking to a rally point. The player/AI set a way point at start of the game and when it decides to fall back or when a unit is routed, the pathfinding manager can draw a route to the rally point from the unit location.

[Mad Russian]

ORIGINAL: Flef

Don't forget that the AI must be able to play it too and it can't be too complicated for the decision manager of the AI (complexity and clock usage). The more behaviors are added, the more unexpected behaviors are to be seen leading to very understandable complaints from the players.

That's why I was thinking to a rally point. The player/AI set a way point at start of the game and when it decides to fall back or when a unit is routed, the pathfinding manager can draw a route to the rally point from the unit location.

+1

Good Hunting.

MR

[batteran]

I got your point.

OK, let's brainstorm about that AI:

- Today, the AI do well in attack, less well in defense.
- These sort of "conditions" or withdrawal orders must give an interressing option to the player AND increase the hability of the AI to do well in defensive positions.

ORIGINAL: Capn Darwin
We are already looking at adding a Withdrawal order to the mix which is basically sit here until "X" then move back to here type of order for defending actions.

Basically, adding a "delay/condition" to the Withdrawal orders the IA actually make when in defensive positions can lead in some improved AI:

-> Imagine the IA take a good victory/defensive location (it do that well today)

-> The IA on theyr next order phase set a whidrawal order (move hasty, screen for exemple, but variants are possible) to another position (closer to HQ, or map border side?), and delayed to a condition like previously stated. Typically conditions are: on first fires, on casualties taken, if players units came closer than X hexes, if more than XX ennemies are on sight... (the same options the player will have): the condition choices for the AI depends on the type and strenght of units, their readyness and morale, the number of VP, ect.

-> When you -the player- assault that position you trigger that condition at some point, and the IA have a chance to disengage immediately (it's a "in the pipe" order: no delay) before you can wipe them and then regroup to the whitdrawal position.

That sound like an good improvement. I think I can love that ^^

ORIGINAL: Capn Darwin

Tazak, not sure about a group formation move just yet, but we will work to make thing as smooth as we can. At a minimum you will set each unit like you do now. [8D]

I'm sure you will find the right solution ^^

I'm very glad we can talk about that sort of features with the dev team, by the way.