Mod: Improved Computer Opponents - MA

[Edratman]

Attached is a mod that attempts to improve computer opponents. Six MA nations have been modded to “Improved Computer Opponents”, T’ien Ch’i, Caelum, Arco, C’tis, Marigon and Man. These nations were chosen for this mod because they were the six nations with least victories on the MP scoreboard (when mod was started). The mod also includes the Better Independents mod. It is mandatory that you disable existing BI mod to avoid conflicts (I made some minor changes to the BI).

Factors that were not changed:
1. There were no changes to any unit stats for national units.
2. There were no additions of units, commanders, heroes, or any other changes of this sort.

Factors that were changed:
1. Starting armies were enhanced.
2. PD was enhanced
3. Only the strongest units, priests, commanders and mages were kept on the recruit lists.
4. All nations have four starting magic sites to enhance gem, gold and resources.
5. Capitol only recruitment restrictions were removed.
6. All nations have “Great City” as the start fort.



Try this out. If there is any demand for expansion of the nations in the mod, I will attempt to please the community. Just set up a game with your favorite MA nation and specify these 5 nations from the regular game set up menu.

I recommend that you start with at least 15 provinces per player, 20+ is better. If you use impossible AI settings these nations are tough, Man is outstanding. The only sure way to beat them is with magic, if you can last long enough.

Version 1.1 Marigon added as Improved Computer Opponent nation. 8-20-08

[Edi]

You may want to update the mod to include the updated version the Better Independents mod. The "No Independents" name was dropped a long time ago, by the way.

[Edratman]

You will have to forgive me. It started out as NI and I still think of it as NI.

In another 25 years, when you reach my age (I checked), you too may opt to forego some changes.

[Endoperez]

I'm not sure how many regulars still play single-player, but I suspect that this will be referenced to new players every time they ask about AI. So even if you don't get many comments or views on this, this will hopefully continue to draw attention to itself.

[Edratman]

Endo,

Judging by the number of downloads, I suspect you are correct.

Story of my life, a day late and a dollar short.

I admit to be significently amused nevertheless. There is a two or three week old thread on the main forum with the usual count of "I need a tougher AI opponent" posts. The AI is KO and JK's baliwick, but these changes really work. The mod really isn't any thing more than Better Independents (plus significent gold and resources) applied to standard nations. Removing the cap only restrictions was proven necessary by my testing, but once again it is merely Better Indies.

[Edratman]

The mod makes it appear that the computer is using sacreds better. From what I've seen that is not quite true.

It still uses apparently random, quixotic blesses, based on whatever logic it uses to make pretenders. But because of the limitations on available recruits and the removal of the capital restrictions on sacreds, there are a lot more of them.

But that alone is better. More sacreds with any bless is better than a larger quantity of mediocre 10 HP/8 mor spearmen.



(The above is just an attempt to see more of the cool icons.)

[Edratman]

For example, the only recruits I left Man are longbows, wardens and knights. So Man armies are comprised of nothing but first class troops and the few good independents available.

Add in the extra gold and resources and Man spits out nothing but good sized armies with nothing but good troops. The better starting armies allows them to expand every turn, unless it is dumb enough to tackle a major knight indy province (which it is). Thus more gold and resources again.

All in all, the same formula a human player uses without the complex strategy and research depth a good player uses.

[Edratman]

Marigon added as sixth opponent nation.

[HepSulph]

Edratman, thanks so much - I still only play single-player, I very much appreciate this, and (re-)registered special to say so

[Edratman]

Thank you for the kind feedback.

I am working on EA now. The holdup is that there are 2 aquatic nations at the bottom of the MP success list, Oceania and R'lyeh. I don't play any fishes because I don't like them for some reason. So I have to play a couple of quick test games to see if I've got them as close to right as I can.

Once again the sole criteria is the MP winners circle. EA will be Oceania, Yomi, Argatha, R'lyeh, Pangea ad Kailasa. I am not inclding Hnnom because I am ascribing its present lowly rank to vintage.

:b anana:

(I love putting these new smiles/emoticons in my posts.)