AI vs Pbem

[Blitzer]

OK it's about time for (another) discussion about the values of both.

I have a strong preference, but am equally respectful of opposing views, if well presented. [:)]

One of my primary interests is to increase an ongoing participation in this outstanding game. Since it is unlikely to be surpassed while any of us is still breathing, I'd love to see guys still debating this masterpiece 10 years down the road.

So let's hear it - from everyone. I think it's of special value to listen to those who are uv veterans but have completely shunted their free time into WitP.

Opinions?

[DoomedMantis]

For me its always going to be PBEM, with the time restraints that I have it is perfect for me, and I have a good group of opponents, some of whom Ive been playing against for 3 years

[jeffs]

I agree.
AI has great value for two things
1. Learning the ropes. Why annoy a human opponent when one still is not sure of doing the basics. So for the beginners, I suggest a few months of playing both sides. At the same time, read the posts, tons of great info.
2. Studying a scenario....Especially for the beginning moves, running a few sample stratgies has value.

But after that, pretty dull. The main problem is the AI at high levels is not smart, rather it cheats on the results. So to win, you have to change your strategy to compensate that you will almost always lose a fight that would be competitive in PBEM...
When I first started, (and before 2.3 release) I would try to defend PM with fighters and I would be attacked by 60 zeroes and lose 45 defending fighters in one raid (at the highest level of AI...Not exciting.

[Miller]

I agree with jeffs, I am currently playing him in PBEM (and getting my ass whipped!)

It is much more exciting playing a human opponent, against the AI it is far too easy to win - if playing as the Japs it is a case of simply forming the "Death Star" fleet and parking them a few hexes off Numea, the AI will send out his own carriers to get whipped whereas a human player would know to bide his time and wait for more carriers and lba before attacking...

[crsutton]

I've said it before. Playing the AI just allows you to develop bad habits that will hurt you in play against a human opponent.[:-] Once you have a basic working knowledge of the game, play humans.

[CMDRMCTOAST]

ORIGINAL: crsutton

I've said it before. Playing the AI just allows you to develop bad habits that will hurt you in play against a human opponent.[:-] Once you have a basic working knowledge of the game, play humans.

I agree with you 100%.

I do reccommend playing the AI to practice certain situations that you cannot do
in a PBEM game.
Play turns with the AI and try different things, like changing altitude settings when attacking and see if you can improve damage results, make attacks with different
plane and ship configurations to see what works better, learn the downfalls and
fatiuge levels when flying in adverse weather and study how many pilots you lose
due to op losses from crahing in the rain, then discipline yourself to avoid flying in bad weather from the results.
Try to time Bombardment and surface combat from coming out of a storm and see if
you get better results than attacking head on in the sunshine.

Then play a good PBEM apponant and watch him smack you around the Theater for a
while and learn to lose the bad habits the AI teaches you.[:D]
In other words use the AI as a training tool to better your game mechanics and enjoy
the constant unkowns and challenges that a PBEM apponant brings to bear.[;)]