POLL: Speed vs Smart

[Oversway]

Smart for sure. Processing power is still increasing fairly rapidly, so what takes twice as long now may not be a big deal after an upgrade. Even if you are like me and only upgrade years later after something finally breaks.

Also, depending on what AI algorithms they are using, it may not be difficult to 'make it configurable' as far as smart vs fast.

[von_Schmidt]

Smart all the way; in a detailed, turnbased strategy game a few minutes are no objection if the pay-off is a better AI and thus better ggame experience.

I can remember playing Second Front (SSI) on an Amiga, where the cpu would take 5-10 minutes to calculate supply and process the turn!

[The Panther]

One of the key reasons for increasing smart in AI is because people go 'AI' so often in multiplayer. I have seen a few games recently where the AI kicks a$$ at first, but eventually is easily overrun. It would be nice to see the AI put up a better fight and the remaining players earn their territory.

One thing, though. By fixing some balance problems inherent in the game, like, for instance:
1. clams being woefully underpriced,
2. building as many mages as possible every turn instead of national troops since national troops have issues,
3. all-powerful SCs,
4. life drain being much too strong,
5. PD being mostly useless,

then the AI would play inherently better as currently programmed.