More then a Game?

[Kool Kat]

I'm a some time poster on TheBlitz and recently got into that discussion on TheMatrixBoard regarding improving the AI. I personally played vs. AI for the same reason I snapped up one of the first computer chess games that came out. The challenge of beating "the machine". It was very difficult for the average guy to out-analyze "the machine" in a computer chess match. Sadly, it didn't take long to realize that there were too many variables in CS to expect a similar level of competition from the AI. A flank attack out of the woods against rear line artillery apparently doesn't register like knight to queen four.

But I continue to play the AI for a number of reasons. As mentioned in the TheMatrix responses...it's quick for one.

And over the years, I've noticed the amount of discussion on TheBlitz regarding cheating, with additions to the new version to reduce or combat it. Well, the AI doesn't comprehend cheating...which means I don't have to contend with that crap.

So as far as changes to the game go...yes, it'd be nice to have a stronger AI for those who play it but no, not at the expense of the overall integrity of the game.

Still gamin. Love your site. Thanks for all your work.

Hey Lin: :smoke:

I think it is safe to state that ALL CS players would like to see an improved AI! :eek1:

Currently... HAL acts like it has had a frontal lobotomy... HQs blindly wandering the battlefield... leaders "marking time" by moving back and forth between adjacent hexes... popping smoke and using up air strikes in the first turns of a game... converging on victory hexes and forsaking front line defense... etc.

An improved AI would be an asset to CS! Players versus AI would experience improved (and more fun?) game play in both the stand alone scenarios and linked campaigns... scenario designers could more effectively "test" their designs... and CS would become a more commercially marketable software product for new players.

And yes, in between waiting on a PBeM turn to arrive in my email inbox... I'll sometimes fire up a scenario and play a few turns versus HAL. Unfortunately, it quickly becomes apparent why I much prefer H2H versus AI play! :whis:

And you bring up a good point about cheating. Unless the AI is programmed to "cheat" ... which sometimes happens when the AI can be adjusted from "normal" to a "difficult" setting... the odds are moved to favor HAL in a "difficult" setting... a player does not have to worry about the AI pulling a "fast one" over on a player.

Hopefully, when HAL gets that scheduled "brain transplant"... most likely in 1-2 years based on what I have read on the Matrix Forums... we can enjoy a much better experience against the AI. :smoke: