Better AI

[Skrantsky]

It's good to see (as evidenced by Glenn's response) that HPS takes its AI development seriously for the PZC series. A reasonably competent AI is very important and is what (IMHO) makes the advent of PC games such a blessing to the wargaming community. I still look back fondly on the days when , if you wanted a good solitaire game, you set up a big Panzer Blitz scenario on abig table in the basement and simply played both sides.
I use the AI feature alot in my gaming nowadays. I've nothing against playing against human opponents (it is the best ), but if you really feel like playing a whole bunch of turns, and it's 3:00 in the morning, a human player will normally not accomodate you.

I've made something of a study of this HPS AI in the PZC games, and overall it really isn't too bad. You have the best luck if the AI side is on the defense. Also, you have to be careful which optional rules you use. The night fatigue rule is something I always disable as the AI just "doesn't get it". Also, make sure the scenario you are playing has active orders for the AI. If it doesn't, try learning how to write your own orders in modified scenarios. Lastly, I always play the AI using the full defensive fire phase option. With this, I employ the use of a chit cup that conatins seven green and three red chits. At the begining of each of my turns I draw a chit. If I draw a green chit, I take my turn normally (move and fire). If I draw a red chit, I forfeit my move/fire turn and only get my defensive fire turn. This keeps you honest and forces you to play conservatively against the AI.