Matrix Games Forums

ncc1701e wrote: Thu Aug 29, 2024 8:24 pm AI is from 1998 meaning it is scripted by the scenario designer.

This is not HAL 9000.

sPzAbt653 wrote: Fri Aug 30, 2024 12:41 am Snips from past posts:

AI / PO Explanation:

For TOAW, Single Player Mode has two levels. There is Level 1, an AI, it is a written code program that is in place for every scenario and is not accessible to scenario designers. Level 2 is separate, it is the Programmed Opponent [PO] that must be programmed by the scenario designer for every scenario in order to function. Level 1 won't really do anything unless given direction by Level 2. The amount of programming for Level 2 by scenario designers varies. It can range from just enough to allow the game to function [which for most players would not be considered a challenge], to full blown 'my programmed opponent will crush you'. Level 1 has built in Variability, therefore the PO may not do the same thing each replay and may not even do exactly what Level 2 tells it to do.

CIV estimates that 95% of all games are played solo, so these are valid concerns. Not all might be interested, but the Level 2 that I talk about above is fully accessible by all players in the Editor, and therefore there is the option to set up your own PO in a scenario that doesn't have one, or to modify one that is in place.

There are Objectives [five tracks available], Strategic Bias, Formation Orders and Loss Tolerance's. Each can be set in order to adjust the PO. Scenario Designers can make it simple or can go for complexity. For example, D21 went for complexity and there are an estimated 80,000 Objectives for the Soviet side, plus events to change the Strategic Bias [Aggressive to Neutral stuff], plus Formation Orders [which have to be there anyway but in some cases they switch by event], plus Loss Tolerance's, which are the same as Formation Orders in that they have to be there but can switch by event. There is no 'book' on how to achieve desired results, so once you complete all the input you have to playtest it repeatedly to see what happens and then make adjustments. In a small scenario it can be quick and fun. In larger scenarios it is tedious, and boring, and probably never finished because there are so many variables. This is why some scenarios have no PO or PO for one side only [but most do have a PO].

I consider that the PO for TOAW does not 'think' and 'adapt', but rather it 'reacts'.

sPzAbt653 wrote: Fri Aug 30, 2024 12:41 am Snips from past posts:

AI / PO Explanation:

For TOAW, Single Player Mode has two levels. There is Level 1, an AI, it is a written code program that is in place for every scenario and is not accessible to scenario designers. Level 2 is separate, it is the Programmed Opponent [PO] that must be programmed by the scenario designer for every scenario in order to function. Level 1 won't really do anything unless given direction by Level 2. The amount of programming for Level 2 by scenario designers varies. It can range from just enough to allow the game to function [which for most players would not be considered a challenge], to full blown 'my programmed opponent will crush you'. Level 1 has built in Variability, therefore the PO may not do the same thing each replay and may not even do exactly what Level 2 tells it to do.

CIV estimates that 95% of all games are played solo, so these are valid concerns. Not all might be interested, but the Level 2 that I talk about above is fully accessible by all players in the Editor, and therefore there is the option to set up your own PO in a scenario that doesn't have one, or to modify one that is in place.

There are Objectives [five tracks available], Strategic Bias, Formation Orders and Loss Tolerance's. Each can be set in order to adjust the PO. Scenario Designers can make it simple or can go for complexity. For example, D21 went for complexity and there are an estimated 80,000 Objectives for the Soviet side, plus events to change the Strategic Bias [Aggressive to Neutral stuff], plus Formation Orders [which have to be there anyway but in some cases they switch by event], plus Loss Tolerance's, which are the same as Formation Orders in that they have to be there but can switch by event. There is no 'book' on how to achieve desired results, so once you complete all the input you have to playtest it repeatedly to see what happens and then make adjustments. In a small scenario it can be quick and fun. In larger scenarios it is tedious, and boring, and probably never finished because there are so many variables. This is why some scenarios have no PO or PO for one side only [but most do have a PO].

I consider that the PO for TOAW does not 'think' and 'adapt', but rather it 'reacts'.

... perhaps see hypothetical situations unfold based on each side's actions.

sPzAbt653 wrote: Sat Aug 31, 2024 8:19 pm

... perhaps see hypothetical situations unfold based on each side's actions.

It's all very possible. For example, if you want the PO to defend against a possible concentration of force on Leningrad, then give every Soviet Formation one objective at Leningrad. Or half of them, or 2/3 of them, whatever you want. This will ensure a heavy reaction by the PO in the case of Leningrad being enemy occupied. Of course, other areas of the front may suffer.