The AI at War

[MercantileInterest]

The AI doesn't know how to fight. Never will. So, I cooked up these special units to help counterbalance the AI's ineptitude. Basically, we're looking at a series of AAA upgraded and armored rovers artificially priced way lower than they ought to be. The Dragoon and the Chasseur utilize the 'interceptor' ability, hopefully allowing them to fight back against enemy aircraft. They carry guns twice as powerful as necessary so they can still fight on the ground with the -50% penalty.

Now, have to conduct some tests to see if the AI actually builds these. 


AI Lanser*,              Speeder,  Laser,         Alloy,           0, 5, 0,  MilAlg,   -1,  00000000000000000100000000
AI Dragoon,             Speeder,  Goozer,       Nanometal,  0, 8, 0,  Super,   -1,  00000000000000000100100000
AI Chasseur,            Speeder,  Tachyon,     Silksteel,      0,10, 0, Gravity, -1, 00000000000000000100100000

Any thoughts?

(*Spelling this correctly produces a bizarre effect.)

[Bearu]

The biggest problem with the design of special units for the AI involves the potential subversion by the human player without specific constraints on the rule system.

[MercantileInterest]

The biggest problem with the design of special units for the AI involves the potential subversion by the human player without specific constraints on the rule system.

My group follows its own rules. Reliable chaps.

First test reveals that the computer controlled factions indeed build these units. 

(Replicator?)

[Bearu]

I have no doubt the AI would build the units. I only have concerns about the reliability of the other people (which you have promptly dismissed the concerns).

[MercantileInterest]

I had doubts the computer would make 'em. Have also found other AC players very reliable. Hope you have too. 

[BFG]

While I certainly can see your interest in trying to boost the AI through cheap units like this, this is an approach I'm not interested in employing.  I don't like the idea of "cheating" the AI into being more effective in this manner, especially because it can be circumvented by a dishonest AC player (or an honest one that finds themselves in a bad position).  There have got to be other ways to make the AI more effective...albeit not easy ones.

For what it's worth I've found giving AI Aero Colonies and a few other units of that nature does make it more effective...and you can even leave it on Autocalc Costs and with normal technology limitations.