Too Much Ammo

[PvtJoker]

Originally Posted by Mobhack

And yes, I have looked at the problem in the past and not seen any sane solution for the AI and ammo resupply.

Andy

A comprehensive solution would require a very sophisticated AI, there is no doubt about that. The way I would suggest to do it would be to limit AI ammo resupply to indirect fire units (mortars and on-map arty). These are the units that in real life are the most likely to receive additional ammo during a battle and if they run out of ammo, it has the biggest overall negative effect on combat effectiveness of the whole force. They are also usually placed the farthest away from enemy units (even by AI), which would diminish the possibility of AI supply vehicles running into player units. Of course that would still happen all the time, but it wouldn't be as stupid or unrealistic as trying to resupply a frontline infantry unit with an horse drawn ammo cart...

[Imp]

Originally Posted by PvtJoker

A comprehensive solution would require a very sophisticated AI, there is no doubt about that. The way I would suggest to do it would be to limit AI ammo resupply to indirect fire units (mortars and on-map arty). These are the units that in real life are the most likely to receive additional ammo during a battle and if they run out of ammo, it has the biggest overall negative effect on combat effectiveness of the whole force. They are also usually placed the farthest away from enemy units (even by AI), which would diminish the possibility of AI supply vehicles running into player units. Of course that would still happen all the time, but it wouldn't be as stupid or unrealistic as trying to resupply a frontline infantry unit with an horse drawn ammo cart...

That's fine till you start firing at the smoke puffs on the map, blow up the ammo unit & decimate the unit it was supplying.
Bunkers are a possibility for battles where the AI is defending.

[PvtJoker]

Originally Posted by Imp

That's fine till you start firing at the smoke puffs on the map, blow up the ammo unit & decimate the unit it was supplying.
Bunkers are a possibility for battles where the AI is defending.

Since the AI fires arty at smoke puffs as well, that's just part of the risk of using ammo supply vehicles in general. I rarely use ammo supply for anything else than on-board artillery and mortars. (AT and AA guns on occasion, or tanks, but not too often). Ammo supply of direct fire units encourages Z fires, which I usually don't use against the AI, and neither should anyone else who does not want to win against the AI too easily or is concerned about realism. Reconnaissance by fire is a real tactic, but not in the amount some players seem to use it.

[gila]

Ah yes ,the smoke puffs,even the AI will target them.
There's nothing in the SP world more distressing than having an ammo vehicle blow up whilst reloading.
But it's a hell alot fun if your on the giving end in pbem play,they learn pretty quick to not do that again