Dominions 2. AI. Suggestions, that how to fix it.

apoger · #1 October 30th, 2003, 02:58 AM

The main issue is that humans use very focused strategies, compared to the computer that tends to dabble in a bit of everything.

Sadly also (just like Dom I) it looks like the computer doesn't use it's pretender for anything beyond sitting in the capital doing research, casting rituals, and making magic items. It doesn't use the predtender for combat advantage the way a human would. As far as I can tell, it also doesn't use the pretender for site searching (in person).

On the impossible level Illwinter should have hardcoded more focused behavior. Only allowing certain units, certain research, and certain spells to cast. It wouldn't be as good as a human, but could mimic some human behavior.

Hey IW- If you guys want I could come up with a few simple rules for each nation. Perhaps you could code that into a new level of AI.

[ October 29, 2003, 13:06: Message edited by: apoger ]

MStavros · #2 October 29th, 2003, 04:56 PM

Yeah, if the indy setting is 7 or more, nothing will happen. The only difference is, that you cannot expand that fast.

I think we mentioned the biggest weaknesses of the strategic AI. It is up for the devs now, to upgrade it.

Oh and Kris, if you had some games against the AI, please post your opinion.

MythicalMino · #3 October 29th, 2003, 05:04 PM

ok, just won my first game...I was Pythium...2 AI's (Marignon and Jotun)....

Throughout the game, Jotun pretty much had the lead in army size and provinces...Marignon just never really got off the ground...I led the entire game in research, something I have NEVER done in Dom1....

It took about 20 or so turns to finally meet up with the Ai (Jotun)...Marignon soon followed....Marignon and Jotun seemed to be close, so perhaps they were fighting quite a bit, and that could be why Marignon just didn't do much.

Oh yeah, game settings: default indeps setting, Victory Points turned on (10 points wins the game)

Marignon, I never seen much of an army from them....Jotun, I seen several 50+ strong armies, BUT, mostly Militia. Some were Barbarian Horsemen, Barbarians, and the like...but, mostly militia. I did see several mages/priests...now i am not sure I remember.

Perhaps Jotum would have given me some trouble, but I went for an all or nothing push to the final VP's at turn 33. They were beginning to hit me in 2 different spots at that time, taking my provinces, and re-taking theirs that I took from them, but, it was too little too late. I had gotten close enough to that final 3 point Province, which was VERY poorly defended I thought for being one of the highest VP spots on the map.

I did see Jotun split a 60 man army, and start to attack in two different directions on one of my borders, but again, too little too late.

I am going to try bumping up the indeps a bit, maybe go up to 5 or 6...also perhaps play with 5 AI's this next game.

Anyways, that was my battle report....oh, I am kinda thinking that maybe the VP's kinda screws up the AI too....Jotun just didn't seem too concerned with that 3 point province they had...I boosted up the defense level up high, and built fortresses in my higher point provinces...

Oh well...will let you know about the next game when it is finished or time runs out....

Kristoffer O · #4 October 29th, 2003, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MStavros:
Oh and Kris, if you had some games against the AI, please post your opinion.

I will be away for a couple of days, but I'll be back sunday.

Quote:

The main issue is that humans use very focused strategies, compared to the computer that tends to dabble in a bit of everything.

Sadly also (just like Dom I) it looks like the computer doesn't use it's pretender for anything beyond sitting in the capital doing research, casting rituals, and making magic items. It doesn't use the predtender for combat advantage the way a human would. As far as I can tell, it also doesn't use the pretender for site searching (in person).

On the impossible level Illwinter should have hardcoded more focused behavior. Only allowing certain units, certain research, and certain spells to cast. It wouldn't be as good as a human, but could mimic some human behavior.

Hey IW- If you guys want I could come up with a few simple rules for each nation. Perhaps you could code that into a new level of AI.

Feel free to post them or send them to me. I can't promise that it will be implemented, but if and when we adress the AI it can be useful.

MStavros · #5 October 29th, 2003, 05:10 PM

Helpful post cpbeller.
I had the same experience. 50-60 units in an AI army *or less*, and mostly cheap, weak units.

LordArioch · #6 October 29th, 2003, 05:52 PM

Are any of you people that find the AI easy playing with the suggested number of AI? It's quite possible to outexpand them if the entire map is empty space because I think they tend to fight among themselves more than against you.
Try playing the maps with 6+ AI and not 2...see if that changes things any.

Mortifer · #7 October 29th, 2003, 05:58 PM

I had various games with 2-6 AIs. With 6 AIs, the challenge is bigger, but the AI is not better.
I think the AI's focusing on cheap units. This is very weird. I barely met with stronger enemy units, or if yes, they were small in numbers.
Right now it is way to easy to beat the AI, since strategically it is weak.
It is making maneuvers with more - small armies usually + those armies are built up from weak troops. = no real challenge for a strong human 'campaign army'.