Please fix the AI scale choices!

[Gandalf Parker]

AI=artificial intelligence
AH=artificially human
AI is actually fairly easy, but its not really what we want. AI movement on a map would be a straight line with small dodging of obstacles. Easy to exploit. AH movement is removing some of the Intelligence and replacing it with more Randoms.

In this case the AIs choices are too random. But if Johan smartened it up too much, it would get boring. And if it did a ton of IF commands to set the best choices for each of 70 nations then it would get pretty code heavy. Random has its drawbacks but also some advantages.

However, there are map commands and mod commands provided which allow us to create the AIs we want. There are numerous threads explaining how to give the AI a complete build that you feel is more reasonable. The choice of pretender, magic, scales, dominion strength. You can even boost it by giving it your choice of starting units, starting equipment, etc. Its also fun to put in your personal choice then play against yourself.

The best bet, as MaxWilson mentioned, is the SemiRandom program. If everyone here created one God, and one Province, then that program would have a huge library to generate from. The games played on semi-randomized maps would get VERY interesting.

[NTJedi]

There are numerous methods for improving the AI... some should be easy, others we know would be very time consuming and difficult.

I estimate the only way we'd see improvements for the AI within DOM_3 is if JK and KO suddenly start playing games with AI opponents where they could experience the biggest AI weaknesses... such as several pretenders dying after being sent to the arena death match. AI improvements for DOM_3 feel unlikely so we'll most likely need to wait until development of DOM_4 begins which will be at least 5 years.

Ideally multiple AI personalities which can be random or selected with a modding option of editing and/or creating new personalities would provide the strongest AI opponents. The original Neverwinter Nights provides a scriptable AI allowing the community to create unique powerful creatures and NPCs. I've heard the scriptable AI has allowed for gamers to create assassins which are NPCs which actually track and hunt you. On a side note the last patch for the original Neverwinter Nights was recently released.

If KO and JK are creating a RPG type game I highly recommend playing the original Neverwinter Nights. The diamond edition is very inexpensive right now.