AI Retreats

[pzgndr]

While v1.23.05 Beta [7] (7 updates to get this right!!) is in the hands of MapleLeaf and his pbem groups to verify all is well, I have been spending some time working on strategic retreats for the AI. The AI code has checks for defensive actions and then offensive actions, but nothing really for retreats in the face of overwhelming numbers. Well, at least 3:2. I've added a few functions for retreats and, after several days of troubleshooting, finally go what I wanted in the screenshot.

At this point, I can now fiddle with parameters like range and combat factor ratios, and also look at retreating two areas depending on season and terrain. For the 1812 setup, Russia needs to step back. And other Russian corps need to be restrained from offensive actions. So 1812 is a good test to see how this works.

Once I get retreats working to my satisfaction, I want to look at strategic advances to get armies moving forward. Russia in 1805 and France in 1812 are examples. If enemies are fairly close the game works OK, but not so good if targets are out of range.



UPDATE 2/14/2020. v1.23.05 Beta [8] now. Still getting there. But while I wait another week or so for good news, I will work on AI strategic retreats and advancements...

[pzgndr]

I have good news and bad news to report. The bad news is that the v1.23.05 saga continues, with Beta[10] now in the hands of the pbem groups. At least we're finding and fixing issues, so v1.23.05 should be solid when I release it.

In the meantime, AI strategic retreats and advancements are starting to look OK. Attached screenshot shows AI France and AI Russia after the first two turns of 1812 scenario. Russia is slowly retreating, and France is advancing.

If all goes well over the next week, I should be able to release v1.23.05 Beta next weekend with all of the bug fixes and these AI improvements.

[pzgndr]

New AI-AI playtest game for the 1812 scenario with the v1.23.05 Beta, highlighting the new AI improvements for strategic retreats and advances.

June 1812. Bagration retreats to Minsk. France advances to Brest-Litovsk.

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June 1812, situation in Spain. Wellington advances to attack Leon, French corps retreats toward Madrid depot (good!). French corps then advance/retreat toward Madrid.

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July 1812. France moves first. French avoid major battle at Kovno but advance to Vilna. Bagration retreats to Minsk and cossacks move to destroy French depot at Brest-Litovsk.

[pzgndr]

August 1812. Bagration retreats to Smolensk. Barclay holds fast at Kovno. French advanced two corps towards Minsk. Not sure why Napoleon did not attack Kovno here. (This is something I will continue to improve upon.)

[pzgndr]

September 1812, Russian turn. Barclay and Bagration move to attack the French corps southwest of Vitebsk and score a victory. Tormasov moves to a blocking position south of Minsk.

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September 1812, French turn. French make a lackluster attack on Tormassov south of Minsk and are forced to retreat in humiliation. Not sure what Napoleon is doing beseiging Vilna and not moving to support.

Again, there is still room for AI improvement but both offense and defense are somewhat better now than before. Also, note the improved foraging messages in the game log with unit information provided.