BGN

[simovitch]

Poking around with the scenario editor I've noticed that some of the BG scenarios have some pretty lackluster and unimaginative AI scripting. I havn't looked at BGCW but the BG Waterloo scenarios look pretty pathetic.

I've learned quite a bit about AI settings and scripting in this series and a bit of rework would probably make a lot of difference in the way the AI responds. It's too bad that the heyday of this series seems to have passed, otherwise I might be inclined to invest some time in fixing these up.[:(]

On the plus side we are putting some effort into reworking some of the old NIR project add-on scenarios with updated graphics and some fairly advanced scripting. But really, is there still an audience for this series?

[marcbarker]

There is a web site google the NIR and there is a site dedicated to revamp of that series. It is the bomb. They reqorked everything. Added tons of AI and maps scenarios etc.
 
Marc

[simovitch]

ORIGINAL: barker

There is a web site google the NIR and there is a site dedicated to revamp of that series. It is the bomb. They reqorked everything. Added tons of AI and maps scenarios etc.

Marc

Have you playtested any of the new content? I'm helping out with that project, and as far as I know it's just me and one other guy. After several manhours of work maybe 10% has been "reworked" to at best a beta level. If the contents of that site (I assume you are talking about the NIR Project at phxsim.com) is what people consider "the bomb" then I guess I am wasting my time.

[lordhoff]

I can only say for myself that I would be interested in purchasing an upgraded game if the AI were much better - had to play the whole series "hotseat" vs myself (like a board game) because the AI was absolutely no challenge and, like board games, no matter how hard one tries, there is just plain too much intel that way.

[mgarnett]

[left]I too would love to see an updated AI.  I'd also be very willing to help out with testing or scripting of somebody could show me how![/left]

[Andy Moss]

There is still life in these games so you aren't wasting your time. It's a small niche though.

Personally I still recommend PBEM over AI anyday.

[marcbarker]

why do you think it is a waste of time? it isn't...i have done a tremendous amount work for example on the CS side of the house and find that it is best suited for my needs. ie other words i created the scenario viewer as well as auto generated OOB's for the USA which includes the detachments and attachments cycle to various divisions. This I found useful for DCG inclusion of divisions and corps. So you see there nothing a waste of time...good job and keep it up!

[simovitch]

ORIGINAL: lordhoff

I can only say for myself that I would be interested in purchasing an upgraded game if the AI were much better - had to play the whole series "hotseat" vs myself (like a board game) because the AI was absolutely no challenge and, like board games, no matter how hard one tries, there is just plain too much intel that way.

If we upgrade the AI it would be provided to customers gratis. I could probably get Eric to issue it as a patch.

ORIGINAL: mgarnett
I too would love to see an updated AI. I'd also be very willing to help out with testing or scripting of somebody could show me how!

OK, a refreshing lack of impetuousness here. I need a volunteer or 2 who have recent memory of beotch-slapping the Allied AI in the stock BG Waterloo Historical scenario. I need a few days to put something together so if you want to fire it up as-is while you wait, play as French with all optional rules except

1. rout limiting
2. line movement restriction

[simovitch]

ORIGINAL: barker

why do you think it is a waste of time? it isn't...i have done a tremendous amount work for example on the CS side of the house and find that it is best suited for my needs. ie other words i created the scenario viewer as well as auto generated OOB's for the USA which includes the detachments and attachments cycle to various divisions. This I found useful for DCG inclusion of divisions and corps. So you see there nothing a waste of time...good job and keep it up!

Thanks Marc.

[marcbarker]

I found the most difficult task was defining what priority is first. For example once a division gets called into service how can I get that division to do waypoints. for example assign a regiment to take VL X. the defend or mmake a push. You know like in combat mission you can assign various tasks to certain points in the path of the unit. That would be a great incentive for a true mod to the BG or CS series. But alot of people are more concerned in menusha of this or that. I found that the real tricky part after the concept is how do you get people on board with it. I am behind you Sim. You do great work KEEP IT UP!
 
Marc

[Zebedee]

If you need someone to test out any AI work, throw me a PM. I can only play vs AI and if it helps you out while I play, then I'm happy to do it.

I'm an old Talonsoft gamer and have several HPS titles so I'm at a decent enough level in AI play (did ok in the few PBEMs I played many years ago before ill health got in the way).

edit: Just given up on Campaign Eckmuhl as the AI seems unable to cross a river in the Historical scenario heh. Waiting for Battlegrounds now so I can beat up the Russian AI at Borodino.

[captskillet]

sim, I for one admire your/others work on that website and am def. interested in your continued work. Having all the battles of Napoleon available is great.