Customizing the AI

[Stilicho]

[8|] I think the most interesting feature of a grand strategy game would be to have options to modify the strategy and tactics of the AI players. For example, a Germany that ries to keep Russia neutral and take the middle east and India or a Japan that sets it sights on the conquest of the Indian ocean and a link up with Germany.

It seems to me that in Clash of Steel, Axis and Allies and Strategic Command the AIs were all pretty good tactically, but there was no strategic vision built in, or maybe just one that did not vary much.

if players could design unique 'strategic diections' and mail them to their friends, that would give a game real replayability.

[bmodified]

The only thing that has been hinted at, that I've seen, is the possibility for the AI's production strategy to be altered. Since this would then give the AI different "tools", it might alter the strategy of the AI, but I don't know that.

It does seem that the garrison requirements (known, no random factors) USA entry (known, no way to change unless Japan attacks outside of China) and such are going to limit the "what if" factor somewhat, and that is not all bad. I've got no problem with Germany going for a Med strategy, or other plausable options, but having the AI USA do something like gobbling up South America would be a little much. There is still no AI substitute for a real opponent, at least not yet.

I do hope that US entry is made variable, that would add tension to the game. Settings for the AI (Cautious, Aggressive, etc) might be interesting.

[SeaMonkey]

Stilicho you hit the nail squarely on the head. The greatest contribution to the replayability of a strategic wargame is that. Duhhhh!!!! the randomizing of the AI's strategic approach to winning the game. Since the AI has no concept of winning and losing then it must use a a variable tree to direct it down a path based upon the human opponent's actions. It must also have access to a number of different trees arrived at by the diabolical workings of the users (humans) minds. IMO this can be accomplished with a fully editable code....alright.. maybe at least something on the lines of the event editor that TOAW incorporated. Of course if our devs did that we may be completely satisfied with the game and never want for another...ie. no more revenues.....really??....No not really!

[Greyshaft]

I think its also worth throwing in the idiot factor where a political leader gets a bee in their bonnet and embarks on a strategy that makes absolutely no sense or was impossible to win in hindsight. eg

* Napoleon in Russia
* Imperial Germany in Russia
* Nazi Germany in Russia
* Bush in Iraq

[Ancient One]

ORIGINAL: Greyshaft

* Imperial Germany in Russia

Well, Imperial Germany did win in Russia. [&:]

ORIGINAL: Greyshaft

* Bush in Iraq

Oh come on. [8|]

[Greyshaft]

ORIGINAL: Zagys

ORIGINAL: Greyshaft

* Imperial Germany in Russia

Well, Imperial Germany did win in Russia. [&:]

ORIGINAL: Greyshaft

* Bush in Iraq

Oh come on. [8|]

A bite! A bite! I got one!

[Cheesehead]

Yesterday a preliminary constitution was signed into law in Iraq. The most liberal, democratic government ever seen in that part of the world. If this works, it may serve as a beacon to all the other despotic Middle Eastern nations. Maybe Iraqi's will be buying GGWaW in 2005.[:)]