Hope and Help for the AI:
Well, I am happy to report that after much tweaking and futzing, I finally have my AI giving me a good run for the money in quite a few games. Its still not up to human standards, but it can sure keep up in production right now. I have been giving it the 'Computer Player Bonus:Low', but I'm beginning to think that it may no longer be needing it.
A few of my friends who had played the game at first (out of the box) were stunned when the AI pummeled them into submission.
I cant vouch for distinct AI personalities (yet), but overall, it is performing far better. I am going to start working on the personalities soon.
Does anyone know if the default AI files are replaced by any with the 'correct' name? Or is it just the ones in the current 'Race' directory? I will experiment with the 'Speech' file first as that will be most obvious one to see. I think the AI programming aspect has GREAT potential if everything works the way it appears to me at this point. I'm not sure how much 'personality' can be injected, but if speech and treay/anger levels can be adjusted in addition to the (already present) ship and research lists, we should be able to eventually get VERY distinctive feeling AIs.
Anyone else have any thoughts or success yet?
Thanx,
Talenn