Artificial stupidity

JPSeraph · #1 September 8th, 2006, 04:59 AM

How does the AI scale in this game? Is Easy simply resource deprived or is it also less intelligent than Normal, for instance.

And I gather that the two Hard difficulties mostly benefit from improved resources rather than improved strategy in comparison to Normal or is this incorrect?

I like to play SP versus an AI that is intelligent but not one loaded with resources as my playing style is somewhat ponderous.

So far I've found that Normal difficulty is maybe a little faster than I'd like, but if the AI on Easy isn't going to avail itself of the same strategies as Normal, then I'd rather stick with Normal.

Endoperez · #2 September 8th, 2006, 07:31 AM

The AI doesn't change its tactics AFAIK. However, if the games are too fast, you should try fiddling with the game settings a bit. Up the strength of independents to 6 or so, or play in a bigger map, or with fewer enemy nations. The first one, especially, can have a huge impact.

Gandalf Parker · #3 September 8th, 2006, 11:39 AM

Changed AI setting changes the amount of points that it can spend on its pretender if I remember right.

JPSeraph · #4 September 8th, 2006, 05:27 PM

Ok, so AI setting affects design points and either starting gold(?) or a #supplymult, #goldmult, #resourcemult, etc for individual nations?

As long as the AI isn't "dumber" on normal or easy, then I don't really mind. I just like SP games to start off very slowly before developing into all-out slaughter.

Endoperez · #5 September 9th, 2006, 04:49 AM

Higher AI levels get more gold, supplies, resources and gems, IIRC. Higher levels of AI also get more design points. Normal AI has everything the same as humans, except possibly e.g. supplies to make up for the fact they easily starve their armies or other things they need because they aren't smart enough.

Daynarr · #6 September 9th, 2006, 07:23 AM

I don't think they get more gems on higher levels. It may appear that way later in game since they will have more money to buy mages and thus search for sites more. But you can see in early turns its normal gem income.

I think they get more design points on higher levels as well.

Twan · #7 September 9th, 2006, 07:34 AM

One thing is sure, impossible AIs are really fast... to cast the most destructive global enchantements.

In my last game against a pack of impossible AIs they have casted Burden of Time, Foul Air and Perpetual Storm before turn 30 and Wrath of the Sea some turns after, resulting in a nightmare situation... especially for them (the funniest being Jotunheim casting Burden of Time when they have access to the best mortal troops, and Man casting Perpetual Storm forcing their superior longbowmen to fight in melee).

As I play Machaka and don't have any astral mage, I'm condemned for the moment to watch AIs spoiling the world but, as they can't adapt their strategies for their own spells, I'm finally in a better position than most.

Graeme Dice · #8 September 9th, 2006, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Twan said:
In my last game against a pack of impossible AIs they have casted Burden of Time, Foul Air and Perpetual Storm before turn 30 and Wrath of the Sea some turns after, resulting in a nightmare situation... especially for them (the funniest being Jotunheim casting Burden of Time when they have access to the best mortal troops, and Man casting Perpetual Storm forcing their superior longbowmen to fight in melee).

I'd think that perpetual storm would actually benefit Man (or Pythium) greatly, as it removes the need to carry around a staff of storms to enable wrathful skies or Summon air power. Caelum wouldn't be able to fly around anymore, so they might not want it cast.