What about interactive Tactical Combat ?

[PhilD]

Hullu said:
A controlled arena or something would be a solution. One to which you can't put just any armies you like, but for example only three squads and only two commanders. Or something like that - anyway something that can not be used to optimize complex MP combats.

I find a free simulator a legitimate threat to the fun of MP. I'd almost be forced to use it myself, since I'd be scared my enemy are using it, and thus not using it would put me in a disadvantage.

I really cannot understand such concerns, since, as has been pointed out, the possibility of doing this does exist, in the form of map scripting and fake MP playing. Someone who really wanted to do it, could. They could write their own tools to make map scripting easier, and would not have to let you see them. Then you wouldn't know about them, but they'd be able to use their tools - but you wouldn't.

All a battle simulator would add, would be ease of use. Maybe.

[Hullu]

I really cannot understand such concerns, since, as has been pointed out, the possibility of doing this does exist, in the form of map scripting and fake MP playing. Someone who really wanted to do it, could. They could write their own tools to make map scripting easier, and would not have to let you see them. Then you wouldn't know about them, but they'd be able to use their tools - but you wouldn't.

All a battle simulator would add, would be ease of use. Maybe.

Well, the use of ease is key. Certainly you can try to brute force optimal tactics with pen and paper - but it's not easy enough If it's trivial with a few button presses to simulate a combat with an enemy to find the optimal combinations and orders - it might get nasty.

How easy is it now? I'd guess kinda hard to run 100 combats and see average results?