How much of a challenge are you finding the AI?

[Makris1821]

Hi all,

I was wondering how challenging people here found the AI. I played BoA and found the AI solid. I've only played the Bull Run scenario so far in ACW, and it didn't really put up a fight at all. Is this just because of the nature of the scenario?

Thanks, Makris

[Queeg]

I've found the AI to be comparable to that in BOA, which I think is very good.

[Primasprit]

[...] I've only played the Bull Run scenario so far in ACW, and it didn't really put up a fight at all. Is this just because of the nature of the scenario?

Yes. The small battle scenarios are quite nice to learn how some game mechanics work but the 'real game' is about the bigger campaign scenarios.

Cheers
Norbert

[Coregonas]

I believe standard-game-AI is good, but somewhat static.... So "easy" if you are a experienced player. The same was BoA.

However... playing against difficult AI is not the same.

What about considering all USA generals 5-1-1 instead of 3-1-1?

I m playing a very hard game and ... having serious difficulties holding all fronts....

Oct-61 --- Lyon is advancing hard on KY, A couple divisions near Richmond... The 4 cities near Washington are USA... mot battles lost, and my small militia army in the Missisipi is also pressed for a couple divisions. Also, some of my Richmond ships lost due to fort fire...

If you feel easy the game, of course try against some human, or upgrade difficulty... Until you win the AI on hard....

[Mangudai]

The AI changes somewhat with each patch. I played the most on 1.07c default settings.

The AI had an odd habit of leaving the most important cities almost undefended, and stationing it's army in nearby regions (not necessarily covering ones). I also noticed that the AI capitals did not have much supplies when I took them. Perhaps the AI was sending it's supply wagons away and eating more than just a depot/city can draw.

I also suspect that the AI reacts poorly to threats in multiple directions. For example, landing union forces in Florida seems to make a confederate AI move its armies in Virginia and Tennessee south a few regions to completely inactive positions.

I am now playing with lots of AI advantages and extra aggressiveness. I was dissapointed that my Union forces took Mannassas, Fredericksburg, and Winchester in 1861 without getting a whipping.

[tagwyn]

I am getting a stalemate from the AI in all games I have played so far advantage usually to the opponent. When I can start winning against Athena I will try another human. T

[Pocus]

Ai is a job in progress yes...

[GShock]

AACW AI is possibly the best on market, and yes, i've seen it improving patch after patch.

The only thing the AI is missing is the naval invasions. I've never seen anything but the amphibious landing at norfolk which i lost but then recaptured due to the fact i reinforced and the AI didn't.

This is the only flaw the AI has.

At normal level it is a challenge, at hard level it's even more deadly so, it's good as it is...just this flaw with lacking amphibious assaults but, as far as i know, all AI of this kind of games have such problem in common.

I'm sure Pocus will fix it though.

[richfed]

I wholeheartedly agree, GShock. The AI is excellent - immense improvements over the months.

I have seen minor amphibious assaults at Baton Rouge, Wilmington, etc., but I agree, the game would be awesome - and complete - if the AI could ever sustain these things!!!

[GShock]

I've also seen amphibious landings by USA in Alabama but the point is 2 units arrive in my territory, i can levy 20 while USA doesn't reinforce anymore so it's only a matter of time before the amphibious assault is repelled...there's no constant reinforcing. in VA Usa attacks and keeps reinforcements coming....with amphibious it should send and keep sending by sea transports and sea movement but well...it doesn't.

It's really the only thing the AI misses.

We discussed about scripting invasions as events but that doesn't do in pbem unfortunately. It would be yet another good reason to keep the CSA on the move instead of making it entrench....but as i said, i'm sure pocus will fix it

[Brochgale]

I've also seen amphibious landings by USA in Alabama but the point is 2 units arrive in my territory, i can levy 20 while USA doesn't reinforce anymore so it's only a matter of time before the amphibious assault is repelled...there's no constant reinforcing. in VA Usa attacks and keeps reinforcements coming....with amphibious it should send and keep sending by sea transports and sea movement but well...it doesn't.

It's really the only thing the AI misses.

We discussed about scripting invasions as events but that doesn't do in pbem unfortunately. It would be yet another good reason to keep the CSA on the move instead of making it entrench....but as i said, i'm sure pocus will fix it

I also got a invasion of Alabama but AI did not follow it up and I had time to deploy reinfocements to Mobile and Sparta - but it did make me sweat for a few turns. Dont know if it tried a Carolina invasion or if the Fed fleets there were just a feint. It did make me deploy some divisions away from Virginia front just in case. I almosy fatally weakened my AoP in the process though. But AI is getting better I think. It is testing me more!