[JLS]

Originally posted by cybersol:
I'm considering the following 6 groupings:
Exploration

Not Connected

Infrastructure

Secure Holdings After Attack

Prepare for Attack, Attack, Incursion

Prepare for Defense, Defend (Short Term), Defend (Long Term)

In the new groupings, I broke out Exploration and Not Connected for critical early game considerations. I broke out infrastructure because its the only relatively peaceful mid-game state. I broke out secure holdings after attack to emphasize a little extra colonization (but not as much as exploration), and with expectations of another attack soon. Finally I group the aggressive states together, and the defensive states together.

What do you guys think of those 6 groupings?

This may work for you, Cybersol. And you have the most critical States covered: Prepare for Defense, Defend (Short Term), Defend (Long Term)
=
What (MAY or MAY NOT) prove to be problematic, is the AI in its pocket, has specific safe guards, for some specific events or order of events; in each specific State.

It will always be a wonder, if the AI did and has followed all the possable, reactionary State Changes and logic.

More fuel for thought

AI State := Secure Holdings After Attack, Incursion

The interesting aspect of the default combined AI strategic state of Secure Holdings After Attack and Incursion, is that in in both these States, your AI will immediately MUSTER ships that are already available, to include the ships that are already nearby for your AI to direct towards that TARGETED system.
All in the same while, your AIs Ship Yards are cranking out the needed support ships and replacements for either mission, and if you really think about it. Both missions require the exact same needs.
=
Please consider:
For the Attack, your AI’s is required to: Prepare First, long before the actual Commitment will be made on an Attack State; for that AI's already been pre-determined, enemy targeted System.

Once Prepaired, and the forces are ready to attack. The AI WILL now evaluate if this Attack is still valid: and if so, then commit to the; AI Attack State.

To name a few COMMON events/safe gaurds, your AI WILL evaluate:
1: Is the target system even good anymore.
2: Is there enough ships to make this attack.
3: Can Target system still be conquered.
4: Fleet/System build up, is it (valid).
5: Does it have enough ships to continue this attack.
6: Too long in this state.

Please also consider, your AI may be taking on a big objective, so your AI will Prepare needed Attack Ships, loaded CVs, loaded Troop Ships and Mine Sweepers. In the Prepare State. Then after the deed is done and you should win, A few colony ships, layers, Pop Transports, etc. will only then be required.
====

I would consider the basic mission needs, and compare them.

Secure Holdings After Attack, Incursion. Both here require a quick strike with a few assets and the need for speedy reinforcements.

[ June 23, 2003, 23:03: Message edited by: JLS ]