Corinth AI questions

[november]

Just played my first ACW campaign, the first stage of Corinth as the Union.

Great fun. I intended only to mess around in order to learn. For the first several of the 104 turns I did absolutely nothing. Not knowing what to expect, I waited for things to develop, fully intending to start afresh once my position became hopeless.

Once the Confederate attack developed, I played just another turn until I’d played 40, when I decided to play it through. It’s great fun, isn’t it?

OK, now to my point. I played like any other noob but won a major victory, Union losses 700+, Confederate 3500. Now to my question.

1. Is the AI always so hopeless?
2. If I understand correctly, each stage in the campaign has set troops dispositions depending on your option but the casualties carry forward. If so, is the Confederate position compromised after this first stage? If it is, does that mean a full campaign is impossible against the AI?
3. Is there any difference between the ACW titles in terms of challenge?
4. What’s the best way to experience a challenging AI? Play scenarios outside the campaign?

[KG_RangerBooBoo]

Let me try and answer your questions. If I don't get them right then I'm sure Rich will be along to straighten me out.

1. Well yes, the AI is going to be pretty hopeless, especially the more you learn.
2. Yes, a full campaign is possible against the AI. I believe the engine replaces your losses at around 20%, which accounts for stragglers, lightly wounded etc. If a unit is totally wiped out I think it may take two scenarios for the remnant of that unit to reappear.
3. I think that each offers unique challenges..when played against a human opponent! Not sure if there is going to be that much difference with the AI
4. I believe your best chance at getting a challenging game out of the AI is to play some of the smaller scenarios outside the campaign.

If I would make one suggestion it would be to think about playing another human by email rather then trying to get the AI to offer you a challenge. As your knowledge and experience with the game system grows the AI will be less and less able to provide you with a challenge. Playing another human is going to give you the best challenge and give you a chance to meet some new wargaming friends. Don't worry about how much time you have, you can find someone who will match whatever pace you can manage. Just give an idea on how many turns you can do a week when you post looking for an opponent and someone will fit the bill. Be prepared to take your lumps the first few games but also be prepared to enjoy a lot more challenging game.

[rahamy]

Unfortunately Mark is correct, the smaller scenarios are the only place you are going to find much of a challenge. The Larger scenarios are just too much for the AI.

As for playing other people, to give you an example I have people I get a turn a day from (on small battles) and then I have people I get a turn a week or more from. So it's very flexible.

Even if the A/I was challenging, I'd still suggest playing another person as it is far more enjoyable.

[rahamy]

I see you got a whole slew of responses at the ACWGC...

So you know, both Mark and I are members there as well, so you can participate in both quite easily, or just one, which ever suits you better. The basic differences are that we are totaly unstructured here, you post, play games, etc. as you see fit and have time. In the ACWGC there's sides, roll calls (usually once a month) and you must keep one game going at all times. I like both, but if I had to choose I would go with the unstructured method now days.

[november]

All responses, including those on the Blitz, were the same: play PBEM. I guess that's what I'll do.

I didn't realize the other board was so structured. If I'd taken the time to investigate, I wouldn't have registered, so I'll probably play here and/or at the Blitz.

Thanks for all responses