Which is the better Battle AI?

[Warriorset]

Hi all,

Playing SS 4.0 and LTC 3.0 I tested several battle ai configs, Darthmod and Real Combat with SS, and Lusted´s AI with LTC.

I don´t like Darthmod at all: cavalry super-overpowered, no charge damage but slaughter spearmen in melee.
RC is better balanced but seems to be too easy to win battles...
Actually I prefer Lusted´s AI, I performed some customs battles and in LTC I lost a battle with an evently matched oponent!! that´s amazing!

Which battle ai is your favourite/are you using with SS 4.0?¿

[delra]

RC. It's just so... real.

[Warriorset]

Yes, units are real. But battle ai is bugged, it uses to advance ranged units to fire distance so you can send your cavalry and crush it. After that it sends cavalry to charge your lines allowing you to wipe out it easily, and finally the infantry does a messy charge (not in block like in LTC or Darthmod)...

[Quark]

*** BACKUP BEFORE YOU TRY THIS ***

If you have RC then download Darth's magic fix 4, then trying swapping these TWO files about

battle_config.xml
config_ai_battle.xml

Edit: Plus

descr_formations_ai.txt

The ones in RC are GrandViz, in SSv4 Darth (which you should have ugraded if you had read KK's comments). If you have Lusted's try those. Its hard for one person to run lots of tests, but the SS commuinity should be up to it.

Run some Custom Battle test: see which challenges you more.
And then report your findings to let the SS commuinity know. Use some mixed configurations; ie Calavlry, Archer, Gun, Infantry (Pike, Spear, Sword).

PS: If you could do a seige, then that would be great.

Thats my suggestion

*** BACKUP BEFORE YOU TRY THIS ***

[Warriorset]

*** BACKUP BEFORE YOU TRY THIS ***

If you have RC then download Darth's magic fix 4, then trying swapping these TWO files about

battle_config.xml
config_ai_battle.xml

The ones in RC are GrandViz, in SSv4 Darth (which you should have ugraded if you had read KK's comments). If you have Lusted's try those. Its hard for one person to run lots of tests, but the SS commuinity should be up to it.

Run some Custom Battle test: see which challenges you more.
And then report your findings to let the SS commuinity know. Use some mixed configurations; ie Calavlry, Archer, Gun, Infantry (Pike, Spear, Sword).

PS: If you could do a seige, then that would be great.

Thats my suggestion

*** BACKUP BEFORE YOU TRY THIS ***

Quark, I already copied these two files from Darth's magic fix 4 over SSv4_with_RC12_final (is this the update you were talking about?) and I got a CTD when loading battles. I guess it needs export_descr_unit.txt to work. I will make some more tests tonight anyway and post my results..

[Izalude]

I used those 3 files you mentioned Quark, and I can honestly say I just had one of the best open field battles ever. I'm off to go fight a siege now . Oh and no CTD's.

[PeteAce]

Can someone please post a link to those 3 files "magic fix 4"... I did a search but still not sure which to use. Does magic fix 4 use darthmod but with improved settings?

[Warriorset]

I made a few tests (only a custom battle in Pavia, my English army was a mix of archers, sword infantry, spearmen and heavy calvarly against a similar Scottish army) these are the results:

- First test: SS 4.0 with SSv4_with_RC12. I copied battle_config.xml, config_ai_battle.xml, and descr_formations_ai.txt from Darth's magic fix 4 over following the suggestion of Quark. (you can find Darth's magic fix 4 here: http://www.twcenter.net/forums/attac...6&d=1185098750)
Darth files work pretty well; enemy army approaches holding the line and moving ranged units into fire distance, and making cavalry charge my line.
Scottish Infantry keeps formation when engaging in melee... good
Cavalry has a powerful charge but is vulnerable in melee (just like in RC). Units stats seems to be quite balanced too. Perhaps archers are killing too much (my two longbowmen killed 100+ and 120+ scots each) but I guess it comes from RC.
Battle was challenging... Although I had no problems to hold my line and I colud win, let´s try another config...

- Second test: SS 4.0 with SSv4_with_RC12. This time I copied battle_config.xml, config_ai_battle.xml, descr_formations.txt and descr_formations_ai.txt from LTC 3.0 over it, following Lusted´s suggestion.
Let´s see... Scottish army takes positions in the field... they have two lines, perfect formation, arquebusiers start to fire over my men... I don´t move.
Ups, two of their heavy cavalry charges on my left at my chivalry knights. Scotttish line of infantry begins to run and charges my line as one man, that´s hard! I move my cavalry on my right and try to get their backs but enemy cavalry block it. My left flank is broken, they have started killing my poor archers there. Scottish second line of heavy pikemen arrives to the fight... that´s serious!. My cavalry and spearmen on the rigth have won, and I can run and charge their butts! but these armored pikemen are hard...
Lastly their right flank breaks running and I can surround pikemen and kill them all, I pursue their ranged units and win the battle, but It was a very very nice killing! I found that Lusted´s files work perfect on SS+RC, in both config´s units are quite balanced but I think Lusted´s AI is superior, you should try it!!

I had no time to test sieges but I will post when I can do it.

[MisterBenn]

PeteAce I think Quark is talking about "The Darth Magic Enhancement 4" as mentioned on this page:

http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=103323

[Janezki]

I think the battles are longer in SS 4.0 and RC ? Isn't ?

[delra]

It depends, armored swordsmen vs armored swordsmen can take ages. But armor piercing heavy cavalry vs armored swordsmen takes only a few seconds. Depends on the composition of armies. Too much armor without armor piercing weapons and you will have a lot of *DING* sounds and no people dying.

[Lusted]

You could try using the battle_config.xml, config_ai_battle.xml, descr_formations.txt and descr_formations_ai.txt from LTC 3.0 with SS and see how the ai performs.

[Lusted]

Anyone else tried tihs, i'm interested in hearing other people's responses.

[Point Blank]

I just tried your AI, with a few quite tough battles for the AI to tackle. It was the best performing. In one case, it was the only AI I have ever tested to break a very tough defense, and on the whole seems quite relentless. It was holding formation well and is also the only AI I have seen to handle the pre-melee missile duel correctly. While it had good missile strength, it held off the main assault, but if my cav charged his missile it attacked immediately, and missile troops out of ammo later in the battle joined in melee.

[Lusted]

That is very interesting to hear as i can bet you it's the one out of the 3(mine, UBAI, DM) that changes the least. Often it is just small tweaks that can make the biggest difference. I will likely release stand alone versions of my unit balance and ai along with 3.1, as both .exe and .zip for those who want them.

And i must give due credit to DrJambo and Link who helped me with it but i forgot to put in the 3.0 credits, they'll be in the 3.1 credits.

[Quark]

Thanks all who have posted results. I hope to actually play the game and look at the findings for myself. I think this is the kind of thing that helps us and KK figure out how to have the best gaming experience with SS.

[Ludicus]

Often it is just small tweaks that can make the biggest difference

@Lusted:
Well,I am currently playing your mod (h/vh) and the AI battle was a pleasant surprise for me (in the campaign battles)
Also,the campaign is highly organized,well-crafted,and challenging.
The right word for your mod:outstanding.
Edit:both are great mods,SS and LTC.Winners.

[Chola_Kingdom]

That is very interesting to hear as i can bet you it's the one out of the 3(mine, UBAI, DM) that changes the least. Often it is just small tweaks that can make the biggest difference. I will likely release stand alone versions of my unit balance and ai along with 3.1, as both .exe and .zip for those who want them.

And i must give due credit to DrJambo and Link who helped me with it but i forgot to put in the 3.0 credits, they'll be in the 3.1 credits.

sorry to say this mate in castle defending or city defends your AI acts like 300's Persia and i felt like 300 spartans please concern about it and your mod will be awsome

[Lusted]

I'm glad your enjoying it. The battle ai changes in 3.0 were meant to be small improvements to make battles better, not turn it into the most challenging battle ai in all of the mods, so that's definitely a very pleasant and unexpected surprise.

[Anarion]

Can somebody upload the necessary files for Lusted's AI and Battle Formations? RC isn't bad but the formations seem kinda akward.