Scenario for Testing: Focus Pacific

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paradigmblue
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RE: Focus Pacific

Post by paradigmblue »

ORIGINAL: HansBolter
ORIGINAL: paradigmblue

As far as Russia, if you set Active Soviets to "Off" in the editor, the AI will not attack the Soviet Union.


If only I could.

The 64 bit editor refuses to open on my 32 bit system. [:@]

Looks like your scenario is off limits for me. [:(]

And BTW any game against the AI is very beatable even AndyMacs Ironman Nasty Nasty.

That doesn't stop those of us who have no means to play PBEM from enjoying playing them.

Why do solitaire players always get treated like second class citizens by the PBEM crowd?

I think you answered your own question - if Ironman Nasty Nasty, - which is the hardest vs AI scenario that I know of, and is programmed by the most talented AI scripter in the community, - can be beat easily, I'm not sure what I can do to make the AI challenging enough for you.

I myself just started playing PBEM with the development of Focus Pacific, and had always played solitaire games. I came to the realization that if I could easily beat the hardest scenarios on the hardest difficulty setting that the only way I was going to get a real challenge was if I played vs an actual person. I don't know about you, but after 1942 in any vs AI game I've played, I've bled the AI so badly that continuing the game seems like kicking a puppy.

Hans, I wish I could program an AI script that would challenge you and create a fantastic solitaire experience - I certainly would if I felt I had the ability. But when AndyMac can't do it (and his scenarios are great, don't get me wrong!), it's not a matter of will but the simple fact that the scripted WitP:AE AI does not have the capability to present a challenge in the long term to a human player.

If you'd like, I'll add a version of the mod to the website that does not have active Soviets. That will ensure that AndyMac's Ironman AI will not start a fight that it can't win vs the Russians.
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HansBolter
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RE: Focus Pacific

Post by HansBolter »

Sorry if I came across too strongly.

I'm not looking for nor expecting anyone to create a competitive Ai for me.

I simply gravitate to the scenarios that have the promise of the best possible AI (produced by AndyMac).

I too have quit many games in the fall of '42 because I had already trashed the AI.

I have learned restraint and my current game play testing BTs for John III is in August '43 with a promise to last at least a bit longer.

I enjoy play testing and providing feedback. Early on I was the one player providing the most feedback to AnyMac on his IronMan series.

I believe my feedback has been beneficial to John III's efforts on his BTS scenario.

If can do me the favor of creating a version with an inactive Russia I'll be happy to play and provide feedback even though I know you are not seeking to tailor the scenario to solitaire play.
Hans

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btd64
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RE: Focus Pacific

Post by btd64 »

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

Sorry if I came across too strongly.

I'm not looking for nor expecting anyone to create a competitive Ai for me.

I simply gravitate to the scenarios that have the promise of the best possible AI (produced by AndyMac).

I too have quit many games in the fall of '42 because I had already trashed the AI.

I have learned restraint and my current game play testing BTs for John III is in August '43 with a promise to last at least a bit longer.

I enjoy play testing and providing feedback. Early on I was the one player providing the most feedback to AnyMac on his IronMan series.

I believe my feedback has been beneficial to John III's efforts on his BTS scenario.

If can do me the favor of creating a version with an inactive Russia I'll be happy to play and provide feedback even though I know you are not seeking to tailor the scenario to solitaire play.

Hi Hans,
Yeah, in my humble opinion, if you sink too many IJN ships, or knock off too many air units or LCU's, later in the game it can't figure out how to defend itself. I took two AI games into mid 44, back when I first started the AE version, and got so fed up I stopped playing for a few months. This was back in 2009 or 10. Then I saw a post by Andy about his AI mods and then the Nasty and tried them. This was better. But I was missing something. I started to read AAR's and then Last year connected with JuanG. We both have been helping John3rd with his mods,Juan more than me, and we started a PBEM with John's mods. RA first and BTS second. I haven't looked back. I know from previous posts that you can't do a PBEM because of internet connections or something, but Last year I was doing my turns from a McDonalds. Mostly to get out of my bothers house, I was living with his family at the time, The connection sucks, but it was free. And I had my cup of tea too[:)] Just a thought.[:)]....GP

By the way, Everyone here started out as an AI player at some point. Oh, I looked at the AI scripts once and they look fairly easy to put in. The problem is putting them in so they work correctly. Thats where Andy comes in[&o][&o][&o]
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HansBolter
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RE: Focus Pacific

Post by HansBolter »

Thanks for the support GP and the encouragement to give PBEM a try no matter the difficulties.

I played Uncommon Valor PBEM and even head to head which was possible because of the smaller scale.

The lack of an internet connection at home is only one hindrance.

I beta tested Command Ops Battles from The Bulge and wrote an AAR that is still stickied at the top of eth AAR forum there all while relying on my work connection for uploading.

The real thing holding me back from playing PBEM is that I would in no way be able to be consistent with turn around on a daily basis.

I'm usually so mentally wiped out after work I can't even consider trying to play a turn that night.

Most of my gaming takes place on the weekend in marathon sessions.

This kind of a play schedule is not conducive to PBEM play and I have never bothered to look for an opponent who would accept that kind of a schedule.


ps. I was also a beta tester for Avalon Hill's classic board game Advanced Third Reich.
Hans

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btd64
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RE: Focus Pacific

Post by btd64 »

Hans, I have command ops. Love the detail. But I always come back here. Or DW....GP
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HansBolter
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RE: Focus Pacific

Post by HansBolter »

ORIGINAL: General Patton

Hans, I have command ops. Love the detail. But I always come back here. Or DW....GP

Best tactical game engine with the best AI I have ever encountered.

Unfortunately I don't find much time to play it anymore.

I have always been partial to grand strategic and operational mega-games.

I've owned and played almost all of the classic mega board games such as Wacht am Rhein, Highway to the Reich, DNO, Fire in the East, Scorched Earth, The longest Day and I own all but one of the Europa Series.

I think the only notable mega board game I never played was Campaign for North Africa.
Hans

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Lowpe
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RE: Focus Pacific

Post by Lowpe »

ORIGINAL: HansBolter
ps. I was also a beta tester for Avalon Hill's classic board game Advanced Third Reich.

Many an hour playing that great game. I have it still, but not all the pieces. Great, great game, especially with more than two players.[&o]
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CaptBeefheart
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RE: Focus Pacific

Post by CaptBeefheart »

I had a lot of those games at some point, including the Campaign for North Africa beast. I've had too many moves in the meantime. I just rescued Pacific War from Victory Games, the last of my boxed games, out of my storage area as I shut it down, but I opened it up here and discovered it had no counters.[&:]

Cheers,
CC
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HansBolter
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RE: Focus Pacific

Post by HansBolter »

Any chance soon for a version with an inactive Russia?

I've gone back to my BTS game while I wait.
Hans

paradigmblue
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RE: Focus Pacific

Post by paradigmblue »

Sorry Hans, I should have something for you soon - I've been absolutely swamped by work these past two weeks, and haven't had the chance to get to the mod.

I'm crossing my fingers that this Sunday after I get back from work I'll have a window of time to get something to you.
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CaptBeefheart
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RE: Focus Pacific

Post by CaptBeefheart »

By the way, thanks for the advice on adding stacking limits, Para. The pwhexe file from DaBabes with stacking limits and extended map is fully compatible with your scenario. I'm still learning how this game works.[;)]

Cheers,
CC
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HansBolter
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RE: Focus Pacific

Post by HansBolter »

ORIGINAL: paradigmblue

Sorry Hans, I should have something for you soon - I've been absolutely swamped by work these past two weeks, and haven't had the chance to get to the mod.

I'm crossing my fingers that this Sunday after I get back from work I'll have a window of time to get something to you.

No worries. BTS is keeping me occupied. I do appreciate the offer to do it for me.
Hans

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cdnice
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RE: Focus Pacific

Post by cdnice »

Hey PB.

I know you mentioned you have been busy at work, is there an ETA for the next update?

Thanks!
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paradigmblue
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RE: Focus Pacific

Post by paradigmblue »

ORIGINAL: cdnice

Hey PB.

I know you mentioned you have been busy at work, is there an ETA for the next update?

Thanks!

I actually have a new version done now that includes additional Canadian ships, as well as giving Japan more modern aircraft along their border with Manchuko with the aviation support to go with it. I'm testing it in an AI game now. If I get to January without any hiccups I'll release it.

I'll be honest, I'm not having the same issues that Hans did with Japan not doing anything vs the Soviets - its 12/23 in my AI game, and Japan has already destroyed two of my border forts and has destroyed most of the Soviet submarine fleet in concentrated bombing raids.

First priority though is to catch up some turns with General Patton with our game - he's been patient with me and I need to start turning over turns on a more regular basis for him.
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CaptBeefheart
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RE: Focus Pacific

Post by CaptBeefheart »

I'm at work, but a couple of things I've noticed are a B-17G squadron at Eastern U.S. (in mid-43) and a USAAF fighter squadron just labelled "2."

I'm starting to think your additions to the Allied forces are pretty significant. Besides the French, there are all those four-digit VMF and VMSB squadrons and extra AVG ones. I'd be happy to take on Lowpe again. I have a feeling an Allied punching bag would make him feel a lot better at the moment.[:D]

EDIT: I also seem to be able to airlift motorized support.

Cheers,
CC
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paradigmblue
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RE: Focus Pacific

Post by paradigmblue »

Please tell me what the unit ID numbers are on those air groups - It's tough to look them up sometime in the editor without that information, and I'll get them fixed with this next release.

Load cost on motorized support may have gotten a touch smaller, which is going to make both sides a little more mobile.
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CaptBeefheart
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RE: Focus Pacific

Post by CaptBeefheart »

Will do. I'll try that this evening.

Cheers,
CC
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HansBolter
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RE: Focus Pacific

Post by HansBolter »

ORIGINAL: paradigmblue

ORIGINAL: cdnice

Hey PB.

I know you mentioned you have been busy at work, is there an ETA for the next update?

Thanks!

I actually have a new version done now that includes additional Canadian ships, as well as giving Japan more modern aircraft along their border with Manchuko with the aviation support to go with it. I'm testing it in an AI game now. If I get to January without any hiccups I'll release it.

I'll be honest, I'm not having the same issues that Hans did with Japan not doing anything vs the Soviets - its 12/23 in my AI game, and Japan has already destroyed two of my border forts and has destroyed most of the Soviet submarine fleet in concentrated bombing raids.

First priority though is to catch up some turns with General Patton with our game - he's been patient with me and I need to start turning over turns on a more regular basis for him.

I did only give it 4 turns before deciding the AI wasn't responding to Russia. However, I saw the complete lack of air cover for Toyahara as an ominous predictor.

Has the AI put up an air defense over Toyahara in your game, or are you just looking the other way and refusing to take advantage (a tactic every AI player has to adopt now and then).

My BTS game has just hit a serious glitch with Bogue class CVE upgrades so maybe I'll play a few more turns on this.
Hans

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CaptBeefheart
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RE: Focus Pacific

Post by CaptBeefheart »

Paradigm:

ID 3602 is the B-17G
ID 3605 is an early B-29B I just found
ID 2283 is the fighter squadron with the "2" rename

Cheers,
CC


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paradigmblue
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RE: Focus Pacific

Post by paradigmblue »

ORIGINAL: Commander Cody

Paradigm:

ID 3602 is the B-17G
ID 3605 is an early B-29B I just found
ID 2283 is the fighter squadron with the "2" rename

Cheers,
CC


Great, thanks Cody.
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