Soviet AI behaviour: a couple of observations

[rocketman71]

I'm on turn 60 of my current campaign as Axis and a couple of things I've noticed several times bug me a bit. When I encircle Soviet units (even strong corp units) they never try to break out even if one unit needed to be pushed back is a weak cavalry unit. They just sit there waiting to be chopped to bits. I guess it is harder to code for units outside the pocket to try to break it open, but that never seems to happen either.
Second thing is that the Soviet AI is happy to send long range LBs unescorted to target a supply hub in the rear. Usually at a loss of 100+ bombers for very little damage. Is that historically correct behaviour? Wouldn't the bombers be better used for ground support.
Third thing; is the AI scripted to only attack during some turns/periods of turns? In spring/summer of 42 they have had plenty of opportunities to stall my attacks or even spoil some breakthroughs, but they just fall back. Maybe historically correct, but it makes gameplay less interesting.

[PeteJC]

In regard to the lack of effort by the Soviets to break out of pockets I self-impose a house rule that does not allow me to break up my divisions into regiments (after turn 2) to create pockets. The AI frequently moves into a ZOC both from inside the pocket and outside forces. So, it is harder to pocket when you don't break the divisions into regiments and form a solid pocket.

I believe the AI is scripted to attack at certain times and be passive at others.

[Joel Billings]

The Soviets did launch bombing runs into the German rear, and they paid for it. It's historical behavior, but probably not worth the cost. As for the AI, you really need to give the AI at least morale help 110, if not full Challenging level once you understand the game mechanics. We've gone back and forth with the AI. Sometimes we've made it too aggressive at trying to open pockets, and sometimes we've dialed it back as for the AI it is often throwing good troops after bad. The AI should still be programmed to have a chance of trying to open a pocket form the outside, but it may also be impacted by play level (as it impacts the chance of success). While strategically it's true that there are times when the AI is programmed to be more aggressive, there is some code that will look at a given situation and decide to try to counter-attack. You're welcome to post a save at the start of the AI turn where you think it clearly should be doing more. It would be worth seeing if given a higher help level the AI was more aggressive. You can send saves to 2by3@2by3games.com, or attach one in a tech support thread. Thanks.

[PeteJC]

Rocketman71 - see the recent post/thread entitled "Playing the AI". It has my and other comments on how best to adjust for the AI.

[rocketman71]

The Soviets did launch bombing runs into the German rear, and they paid for it. It's historical behavior, but probably not worth the cost. As for the AI, you really need to give the AI at least morale help 110, if not full Challenging level once you understand the game mechanics. We've gone back and forth with the AI. Sometimes we've made it too aggressive at trying to open pockets, and sometimes we've dialed it back as for the AI it is often throwing good troops after bad. The AI should still be programmed to have a chance of trying to open a pocket form the outside, but it may also be impacted by play level (as it impacts the chance of success). While strategically it's true that there are times when the AI is programmed to be more aggressive, there is some code that will look at a given situation and decide to try to counter-attack. You're welcome to post a save at the start of the AI turn where you think it clearly should be doing more. It would be worth seeing if given a higher help level the AI was more aggressive. You can send saves to 2by3@2by3games.com, or attach one in a tech support thread. Thanks.

Files and descriptions sent to email.
Thanks for having a look at it.
Edit: good to know that the bombing raids are historically accurate despite being "stupid"

[rocketman71]

Rocketman71 - see the recent post/thread entitled "Playing the AI". It has my and other comments on how best to adjust for the AI.

Thanks, I will have a look at the thread.