Tired of stupid AI performance? New and Improved M-m-maps!

[NewAgeOfPower]

So, as per usual, I was aghast at poor AI research rates, and while I can't build them facilities, surely I can improve their tech rate from 14 years/tech (midgame) to something that could theoretically pose somewhat of a challenge>

I quickly conquered a faction, and after enslaving it, had about 50 formers mass produce bore-holes for its bases.

That faction quickly began to generate 1 tech every 3 turns.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

So I began work on a map where every starting zone should have a few boreholes, and some other resources. I wanted this map to maybe someday see multiplayer action, so you can perhaps tell by the 'hard to get to' goodies I placed there.

Sword.mp was my first attempt. As you can see, I made it at 2 AM and it didn't turn out perfectly. However, it was still quite good, but dumb AI factions sometimes didn't lift restrictions before others, and were left behind. Also, warfare was a huge and constant mess, due to the proximity. I decided to start from a larger map set.

It hasn't been playtested yet, and I have the less-destroyed copy also up for those who want to do some more of their own editing.

Sword:         First attempt
XMPProto:    Less Destroyed
XMPFinal:     Fully Fleshed Out - Playtest this please.

[Buster's Uncle]

Why not high-altitude reflector/solar farms w/ all the aquifers/rivers you can cram in instead?  Equitable energy yield that way.  Cuts way back on the mins, so better EC/research, but not so much with the early tank rush. 

SSSSS
SRSRS
SSSSS

Dude - we sure could use more maps in Downloads, and maybe someone writing up how-tos on map making, too...

[NewAgeOfPower]

The AI insists on trying to build fully equipped units that takes each base 5 turns to crank out late game, and forgoes building, I don't know, Robotics Assembly Plants.

This is to compensate for their lack of knowledge in how to make freaking Trained Recon Rovers and then upgrade them.

If 3 people tell me these maps are worth uploading, I will do it. Writing a review/tutorial?

Lol. Maybe over winter break.

[Buster's Uncle]

I wish we could get Darsnan active to kibbitz on this - he's the reigning expert on AI enhancement, and would LOVE this if it's a new idea.

I don't think you answered my question about reflector farms.

Your maps are worth uploading.

[NewAgeOfPower]

I thought I was clear- AI likes building mineral intensive crap that can be more efficiently done with some energy.

Thus, Boreholes.

Thanks, BU, I have one Vote so far. 2 more required.

Also, the sheer beauty of type-XMP... mmm... Delicious. I might someday get around to writing a story about this strange world The Unity was diverted to.

[Buster's Uncle]

Yes, AI likes building mineral intensive crap, but why throw them the nuts with the juice?  They only need the juice for research, so why feed the tankrush?  What am I not getting here?

[NewAgeOfPower]

I'm not getting something.

Tankrush? What does that mean?

[Buster's Uncle]

It just means that Santi has more units than you, and you swiftly come to regret the fact.

I thought you were talking about wanting to boost AI research, not necessarily the rest, as boreholes would make them much worse neighbors early on.

[NewAgeOfPower]

If I can't deal with an Impact Rover Rush, I don't deserve to run people over with Shard/Neutronium hovertanks come midgame.

If someone disagrees with me, I did create a version with less terrain enhancements for their modding pleasure, although there is still a tower to fight over for human games.

Admittedly, starting with Sparta! or Yang next to me makes the game dicey. Its quite the struggle, and if I don't stabilize quickly I can kiss my butt goodbye.

AIs don't get full benefit of Boreholes early game, even with my bonuses added on. A human player (unfortunately) has the advantage of initiative, for he can choose to beeline restriction removal.

[Kilkakon]

I can't really comment on boreholes as my game doesn't use them. The AI actually performs rather well in my mod due to a lot of the advanced terraforming not being available. While it gives me a challenge on transcend I don't think I am that good at the game though (never played MP outside of LAN)... hard to say.

So I suppose I can say that I read your thread! XD

[vonbach]

Oddly the one thing I've found that helps the AI is to set the mines nutrient value so it doesn't lose the nutrient when it builds
them. Its a simple fix works well with the AI.