dmm:
While I agree that the AI will never be up to human level competition, it would be nice if it was at least aggressive in it's attacks. As it is now, it blatantly ignores enemy fleets and worlds even when it has obviously superior firepower. This should not be the case and its something that should be readily fixable. Even SE3 didnt act this way most of the time, so I KNOW that it can be done within the framework of the game system.
Its one thing to 'roleplay' your race etc but its quite another to have to TRY not to win. I occasionally see large AI fleets and think 'cool, this time I actually might have to fight!', but no, next turn their ships are nowhere to be seen. Maybe one or two are left floating around but the rest are gone. Often, its to the scrapyard...
As far as multiplayer etc. Yes, I agree that that will be the true challenge, but at this time its hard to get a game going without the option of TCP-IP etc. PBEM is a HUGE commitment of time. Hotseat is fine, but its problematic getting people together for an ongoing game. So that primarily leaves single player. I'd daresay that most people are in the same boat in this regard and that is the reason for the general outcry about the AI's ability.
Customizing etc are fantastic abilities and will keep the game fresh longer. No doubt there. But you dont have to even look for ways to win the game. As long as you are halfway competent, its not too tough. All the added options in the world wont matter if you can win with ease regardless of what you do.
IMO, a strong(er) AI is a must for a 4X game. The AI must compete and it must give you the immersive feeling of dealing with alien/foreign governments. If it fails to do so, most of the rest doesnt count for much except for the people who can manage to get multiplayer time in.
SE4 is a great game with alot of potential. But lately I find that I am spending more time fiddling with data and graphics than playing. Its just not that much fun to continually pummel the AI even when I give my self 'roleplaying handicaps'. I want the AI to force me to run for cover or at least surprise me every now and then.
I am very much looking forward to the patch in hopes that it makes the game more challenging. No, I dont think it will ever provide the challenge of playing another human (nor should it be expected to), but it should at least look like it is attempting to win.
IMO it should at least err on the side of aggression rather than on being too passive. That alone would breathe alot of life into the game.
Talenn