Pearl Harbor and AI

[TOMLABEL]

ORIGINAL: FAsea

I would have built the AI the same way (like playing a PBEM player) had I been in your shoes Andy. I think it's the way to go for the game to provide the widest range of enjoyment and the most lasting challenge upon repeats.

TOTALLY AGREE!!! Nice work Andy!!![&o]

I've been so tired of playing a lame AI in the past. I need an AI that is going to challenge me - no matter what the outcome is.

[ImaginaryBaron]

I'm loving the AI Andy, keep making it aggressive and challenging. The new and improved AI was the main reason why I decided to upgrade to AE and so far I am not disappointed. 

[Valgua]

The main reason for me buying AE is the new AI. I want to be challenged. So far I am very pleased. The AI is doing what every pbem player would do. Of course, we could (and we will!) argue for the next two years about the historical accuracy of the PH attack. It is quite possible that the engine is not able to simulate the lack of specific weapons, such as modified torpedoes. Unfortunately there will always be a limit to what a $100 software is able to do. But the question is: do you want the AI to take into account limitations that do not bind human players? Imho that is the receipe for a boring game. In conclusion: Good work Andy!

[Falken]

Because of my work schedule, I cannot afford to play PBEM, and can only play AI.

In WITP, it used to take, and this is no exageration, 50-60 first turn attempts, before I could get a satisfactory "aggressive" PH attack by the JAI. I've always wanted my PH to be decimated, in order to ensure a longer, slower, US retaliation on my part.

Well, after 2 attempts in Scen 002 (love this scenario, btw), i've lost 6 BBs, 3 CLs, and 2 DDs. The 2 remaining BBs are heavily damaged, thanks to a second day attack by the Japs (love this scenario, btw, or did I saw that already... ), and 90% of my remaining cruisers are heavily damaged as well. Also lost 178 A/C.

Now I can play. Finally, an aggressive AI.

Long live WITP AI, and especially, long live Andy. Don't change a thing Andy for Scn 002 (except to make it meaner). My many many, and oh yeah... , many thanks.

[Sonny II]

Seems like the big complainers are the folks who are playing the Alies against the Japanese AI.

Are there no folks playing the Japanese against the Allied AI?

[Chickenboy]

ORIGINAL: Sonny II

Seems like the big complainers are the folks who are playing the Alies against the Japanese AI.

Are there no folks playing the Japanese against the Allied AI?

Sonny II, I'm reading the responses differently. Sounds like most of the AI players on the board (and this thread) are playing the Allies vs. Japanese AI and are quite satisfied with the results. Don't know as I'd say they're complaining.

Due to my 'other life' (life outside of AE / WITP), I can't really play more than one game at a time. After I give the Allied side a whirl, I'll start up as Japan. It's a bit much to bite off and chew to be playing Japan right off the bat, particularly with a new-ish game engine. At least that's how I view it for myself.

[NightFlyer]

Andy, great job on developing an unpredictable and challenging AI. It seems that most people like the AI so please don't script it so that the results are like history plus or minus 1%. I've played games where everything is scripted, e.g. go here than this happens, repeat and they become boring very quickly. Since players have the option of a Dec. 8th campaign I don't see the problem. Maybe the real question is what could KB have done if they had a bolder commander on Dec. 7th, and the AI is maybe giving us that insight. I don't have much regard for Nagumo, his indecisiveness and incompetence cost Japan dearly (thankfully for the allies) at both PH and Midway, but his rank kept him in his position. I can't imagine someone like "Bull" Halsey saying "We better leave now before the enemy does something" lol. Tip for the darkside KB fans: switch the Kates launching airfield attacks to port attacks since torpedoes are better against the BBs, while switching some of the Vals attacking the port to airfield attack. The Vals 250kg bombs just seem to bounce off the BBs decks hehe. Post Script: in a past life I developed "Expert" computer applications and it did get a little eerie when it did stuff you didn't expect (but was correct), maybe real AI is already here.

[Grollub]

For those who have trouble with the AI, here's an exclusive on what you're really facing; [;)]

[tanksone]

Hi, Andy thanks for the curveball. [&o][&o]

[sfbaytf]

If Japan was as competent and aggressive as the WiTP AI is, the war would have dragged on to 1946+.

Great job!

I also assume that with the full editor people wil be able to create their own AI scripting.

[DrewMatrix]

ORIGINAL: sfbaytf

If Japan was as competent and aggressive as the WiTP AI is, the war would have dragged on to 1946+.

The sobering thought is that they were much more competent, but Nimitz and MacArthur were even further ahead of us in intellect and ability, in spite of our high opinions of our own abilities.

[Ketza]

The AI hit PH for 2 days in my game and lost according to the numbers 60 planes shot down. KB then sailed to
Midway and pounded it for 2 turns.

Off the PI my subs and PTs (I brought the british mtbs in from Hong Kong as well) are having a field day and its much fun to watch. Sub combat is much more interesting. I also loaded up the Aks in Hoing Kong with supplies and got 75% of them into Manila which is a nice bonus.

Wake Island is a very enjoyable fight with the Wildcats actually flying and one pilot with 5 kills. Too bad i will not be able to rescue them.

My only concern is the AI flying unescorted bombers into the teeth of allied fighters in the PI and Singapore. In my game 300+ Japanese planes have been lost to 180 allied. Betties and Nells are getting shredded.

I am having a blast and appreciate very much all the hard work that went into AE.

[Andy Mac]

Yup well enjoy the happy hunting ground I am taking steps for patch 1 to better protect TF's off of PI and Borneo
 
 

[RevRick]

ORIGINAL: Andy Mac

The AI always has a chance to linger for day 2 and a very small chance to linger for day 3

So, the JFB's have managed to wangle a transporter device onto their tankers and carriers to magically beam aboard full loads of fuel, ammo, and torpedos. Wow...I would have at least thought the game would TRY to act in somewhat of a historical fashion...

Oh, Well. BOHICA!!!

[gunnergoz]

OK, so there are some historical issues with ammo loadouts.  That aside, I'm immensely enjoying the new AI.  In fact, I want a Japanese AI thats so crafty and aggressive that it will walk me around the Washington DC Mall on a leash like a poodle after it conquers the USA...[:D]  I want an AI that makes me sweat, guess and wonder where it will strike next.  So I think this one is a really, really good step in the right direction.  Thanks, Andy et al at Matrix! [&o]

[AcePylut]

Well consider it like this...
 
If the AI keeps the KB around an extra day or 3, just assume that was what the Japs had planned, and stocked their ships with enough ammo to bomb//torp an extra few days. 

It's not too hard to dream up a believable fantasy to account for the extra attacks.  Imagine it to be true. 

This IS - after all - a fantasy "what if" game.

[AttuWatcher]

ORIGINAL: AcePylut
This IS - after all - a fantasy "what if" game.

What?![&:][:D]

[mjk428]

ORIGINAL: AcePylut

This IS - after all - a fantasy "what if" game.

Well, it's not being marketed that way.

This new stand alone release based on the legendary War in the Pacific from 2 by 3 Games adds significant improvements and changes to enhance game play, improve realism, and increase historical accuracy. With dozens of new features, new art, and engine improvements, War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition brings you the most realistic and immersive WWII Pacific Theater wargame ever

Unpredictable: Yay.

Fantasy: Nay. Unless of course I'm playing a Final Countdown scenario.


BTW, I'm not complaining. So far, so good.

[RevRick]

ORIGINAL: AcePylut

Well consider it like this...

If the AI keeps the KB around an extra day or 3, just assume that was what the Japs had planned, and stocked their ships with enough ammo to bomb//torp an extra few days. 

It's not too hard to dream up a believable fantasy to account for the extra attacks.  Imagine it to be true. 

This IS - after all - a fantasy "what if" game.

Okay, if that is what this is supposed to be - I want turbochargers on the P-39s, re-engining of the old BB's so they can steam at 27 kts., torpedoes that work for the USN (that's in!), and a Congress that had the foresight to plan the two ocean Navy in 1939 instead of 1940. I mean, if the IJN can dream up more tankers to refuel the tankers who already fueled the KB, and then more ammo on each ship which the IJN didn't have in the first place, and an Admiral with a pair, what's good for the goose is good for the gander. Oh, by the way, Grumman started work on the F6F a year early. It shows up in January of 1942, along with the TBF.

All this is to say that having the KB stick around and obliterate PH just because the game allows it because of the mechanics is only a little bit shy of slightly gamey. I know the USN would not have folded up and quit, but if you want the USN to wait in Pearl and San Fran until Jan of 1944, and then come out hunting, so be it.

[Mike Scholl]

ORIGINAL: AcePylut

Well consider it like this...

If the AI keeps the KB around an extra day or 3, just assume that was what the Japs had planned, and stocked their ships with enough ammo to bomb//torp an extra few days. 

It's not too hard to dream up a believable fantasy to account for the extra attacks.  Imagine it to be true. 

This IS - after all - a fantasy "what if" game.

No..., fantasy should have gone out the window when you designated the "HISTORICAL START". Nothing wrong with "little green men" if that's your thing..., but when you designate something as "Historical" then the words "not too hard to dream up a believable fantasy" should have no place in it's discussion...