Soft Build Limits

[David Hansen]

Does the AI utilize this option effectively?

Granted it cost more and more MPP's for each in excess of the standard limits, but does it give the player an unfair advantage?

I like the idea of customizing, but does it mess up the balance of the 1939 scenario?

[Sugar]

Imho it does indeed mess up the balance in all titles of the series, but only against humans. But what's the point in buying 6 naval bombers, paras or 20 tanks?

If you want to prevent the AI from benefitting, turn on sbl during your turn, buy those additional units and switch it off again, or use the editor to increase the nation's build limit.

[David Hansen]

Sugar-TXS

My concern when using soft limits that I have an unfair advantage against the AI.

I was concerned that I shouldn't use it as it might be considered "cheating" and unbalance the scenario in my favor.

If the AI uses it effectively...great!...as I like the option to customize troops even with a hit to MPP to do so.

As Germany at the start of 1943 (1939 scenario)...I have...+4 tanks...+1 HQ...+2 TB...+1 MB...+1 Arty...vs. standard limits.

Only my 2nd campaign of WIE...still trying to get the feel for the game...want to make sure I'm not screwing up the balance in my favor.

[Sugar]

I guess there are more usefull ways to get the feel for the game. I'd suggest to focus on the importance of supply, and unit's and HQ's xp (both resulting in readiness, the most important concept of the game).

[The Land]

ORIGINAL: David Hansen

Does the AI utilize this option effectively?

Granted it cost more and more MPP's for each in excess of the standard limits, but does it give the player an unfair advantage?

I like the idea of customizing, but does it mess up the balance of the 1939 scenario?

The AI does not use this option effectively. It tends to spend large numbers of MPP on extra units in mid-to-late game when it really should have spent the MPP on replacement corps. It seems to be poor at doing a cost-benefit analysis on what an extra unit past the build limit costs (probably because it's not programmed to).

So even if you don't make a single use of the soft build limits yourself, you are still giving yourself an advantage because the AI will misuse them.

I would only enable this option if you are planning to play with an ahistorical strategy yourself for some reason that will depend on some extra counters.

[David Hansen]

The Land-

TXS...that was the info I was seeking regarding the AI vs. soft limits.

[PvtBenjamin]

Build limits are essential to realistic game play in SC3. Panzer Corp has no build limits and you end up facing entire armies of elephants (German anti-tank).

Personally I have no interest in playing a game with no build limits, if someone would like to play that way enjoy.

I do think it might be interesting to allow some increased build limits by capturing/holding resources (oil).