Faction specific formations is possible!!

[bitterhowl]

Seems that custom attack direction plan for unit classes is functional (example - infantry-spearmen/cavalry-spearmen could have different directions).

[bitterhowl]

Some video of current working process with formations and.xml configs without battle scripting

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_c...&v=dve1jSGB6pk

[bitterhowl]

Here we have 3 different formations for AI armies on a battlefield at once, player's formation is broken (this one when set to defend role)/ Sorry for low quality video. mod is my Westeros submod Winds of Winter.

https://youtu.be/rbYSIMM74kE

[Lusitanio]

I find myself repeating the same but that's really interesting

[bitterhowl]

Well, I clearly understand that those findings are a bit late (about 10-12 years) and only few people still have interest in M2. But I want to make my Westeros mod (which is a bit late too for 3-4 years) interesting and diversive. Strategical AI is near to be perfect, and I think that custom tactical formations for AI is a good addition for that.

I'd like to contact with GrandViz, his formations are one of the best, I'd like to learn some methods which he used.

[z3n]

He still seems to visit here. You could try sending him a PM and see what happens?

[bitterhowl]

I also didn't get an answer in SS thread who is the author of SS formations in RealCombat submod.

[Dominick]

Well, I clearly understand that those findings are a bit late (about 10-12 years) and only few people still have interest in M2. But I want to make my Westeros mod (which is a bit late too for 3-4 years) interesting and diversive. Strategical AI is near to be perfect, and I think that custom tactical formations for AI is a good addition for that.

I'd like to contact with GrandViz, his formations are one of the best, I'd like to learn some methods which he used.

Until a Total War game comes out that is as modifiable as Medieval II, we need to milk this game out as much as possible. On the other hand, many even say that Medieval II vanilla is the best game of all the Total Wars.

Did you have luck contacting GrandViz?

[bitterhowl]

No luck with that. But seems that I learned some basics so I can start creating formations by myself. Now I have some deals IRL but soon I'll continue my moding.

[bitterhowl]

Seems that work will be continued with new possibilities of Engine Overhaul Tool.

[bitterhowl]

Prepeared first draft named TrueGeneral Alpha: Aimless Steel. Can upload here if you have interest.

[stevietheconquer]

of course we are interested in this

[bitterhowl]

So, bitterhowl proudly presents - TrueGeneral Alpha: Aimless Steel.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RkW...ew?usp=sharing

Well, the name is self-explanational. Aimless Steel means that it's an early version and sometimes things may look ugly and AI goes wrong. I need much more tests which I can't perform alone, that's why I place it here.

Formations I use are made by GrandViz, he is the best. Pathfinding made by z3n, as well as initial .xmls.

All I made is bent them together. Here we got 5 custom formations - 2 for attack and 2 for defend (both dedicated to anti_cavalry/anti_infantry options) and 1 universal multi-purpose formation for byzantium faction.

All formations are choosen for only test purpose (to see a possibility of having more then 1 working formation at all), setting adequate formation to battle situation is a goal for the next version, if the whole method will show workability at all.

You have to disable any battle scripts before playing.

Copy all files to data folder with replace option and backup original ones.

[stevietheconquer]

i will surly test this one,but i am in an campaign wright now at turn 369,but if i start a new campaign i will test it,thank you for sharing!(sorry for mine bad english)lol

edit:i think the battle ai's from most of the modders are already very good,the only thing that is wrong,at least in mine siege battles,that if i got attacked by 2 armies, the one that first attack will put their ladders and siege towers against the wall,and will try to climb mine city or castle walls,i always try to destroy the ram so the enemy can only attack vs ladders or siege towers,but the second enemy army,if the rams are destroyed has no idea how to use the ladders or how to use the siege towers,it just runnig around and all i have to do is speed up the battle time and the battle ends and i am victorious lol

[bitterhowl]

I'm sure that it's campaign save game compatible.

But have to say that didn't tested it at siege battles at all. Interesting if you will.

Also have to say it's vital to delete old pathfinding.db for enging to be able to rebuild it.

[stevietheconquer]

but i play with battleai from germanicus,in the campaign script,so it will not be savecompatible?

[bitterhowl]

Just rename export_descr_advice and G5 will not fire, no changes in cs.

[bitterhowl]

Feedback, feedback,
my kingdom for feedback!

[bitterhowl]

Got first positive report - human player was defeated in open field battle.

Sounds good. I think about starting a separate thread in Released Mods section.

[stevietheconquer]

just started a new campaign with mine little submod(the other campaign is with mine private mod),lol,the fighting seems to be going well, but once the enemy was turned with its back to me, and they didn't know I was coming from behind until they hit the air through my horse unit charge, but mostly it seems to work fine

what have you actually changed about the battle ai?