MAR: "Middle of Action Report" from a newb

[Harry]

Thanks for those suggestions, carlosjuero.

One thing I'm wondering: will I ever learn the actual identities of my randomly-chosen AIs?  Or do I just have to figure it out on my own?

[x4000]

Also, you did a terrific job implementing scouting.  It matters, which is great.

Thanks for that, I'm glad it is proving fun and useful.  The upcoming expansion emphasizes scouting an even greater degree, since there are then some AI structures that affect adjacent planets, and that's then important to know before you attack a planet.  I've definitely been trying to continually think of ways to make scouting fun and relevant.

Incidentally, I took a look at the wiki topic on scouting and saw that there were a few new tactics that I needed to update there.  I've put those in now, and they might be of some interest.

One thing I'm wondering: will I ever learn the actual identities of my randomly-chosen AIs?  Or do I just have to figure it out on my own?

Yes, if you win or lose the identities are revealed -- but, before that point, you have to figure it out from contextual clues.  With those that don't use special types of ships, that can be pretty difficult to do.  If you want to always see the identities of randomly-selected AIs from the start, there is an AI Modifier in the lobby for that (although, that may not be available except in 2.001 beta versions, I can't remember, and it's certainly something you have to select before starting the map new).

Even with a given AI type, the difficulty can vary based on the scenario, though -- some maps are inherently easier than others, based on the fact that they are procedurally seeded with a fairly high degree of variance.

[Lancefighter]

wait until you come across one with a counterspy at every planet >.>

Really brings out the hate 

[x4000]

wait until you come across one with a counterspy at every planet >.>

Really brings out the hate 

Very true.  Counterspies are designed to make you have to play fairly blind, which is a very different experience.  Variety is good, I think -- scouting is normally so important that when that is taken away, that makes for a very different game.

[Lancefighter]

thankfully, it seems scout starships were designed for that one of those can easily scout through any mk1 and mk2 system (yay no tachyons), and might even be able to go through a mk3 system or two if your lucky.

except, of course, the damn thing costs 10k each metal and crystal.. not a small investment, especially at the start

[x4000]

Yup -- so not completely blind in the short-range area, as you say.  But in the longer-range planets, you tend to then have no idea what is out there.

[Lancefighter]

absolute horror when you hit a pair of mk4 planets right next to each other that you have to get by in a chain..

And they both have two counterspies 

[carlosjuero]

Yes, if you win or lose the identities are revealed -- but, before that point, you have to figure it out from contextual clues.  With those that don't use special types of ships, that can be pretty difficult to do.  If you want to always see the identities of randomly-selected AIs from the start, there is an AI Modifier in the lobby for that (although, that may not be available except in 2.001 beta versions, I can't remember, and it's certainly something you have to select before starting the map new).

Even with a given AI type, the difficulty can vary based on the scenario, though -- some maps are inherently easier than others, based on the fact that they are procedurally seeded with a fairly high degree of variance.

You can also go to the High Scores screen and, as long as you have made a high score in your current game, it will show you the AI you are fighting against. Thats how I knew my horrible luck game opponents were the Tank and the Sledge Hammer (screenshot):

[x4000]

You can also go to the High Scores screen and, as long as you have made a high score in your current game, it will show you the AI you are fighting against. Thats how I knew my horrible luck game opponents were the Tank and the Sledge Hammer (screenshot):

Ha!  I had not thought of that approach.  Yes, that would also work.  The game list all high scores, so as long as you have ever exited or saved the game, it will show up there.

[Harry]

Thanks for the further info.  That updated page on scouting is helpful.

I put this AAR on hold temporarily while I tried a 7/7 game.  I was doing OK until about 2 hours in, when a wave of infiltrators streamed right past my defenses and took out my home command center!  Ugh!  But I think I can play with the 7/7 AI; I just had never encountered infiltrators before and was caught unprepared.

[x4000]

Oh yeah, those infiltrators can be really nasty, that's for sure.  Their balance was tweaked some in 2.001, in 2.0 I think they are a bit overpowered.  But, multi-shot stuff like MLRS turrets do well against most swarm-type ships such as infiltrators.  Another thing that is great against infiltrators is having buffer planets between them and your home planet, since they will often kill the command station at at least one planet when they come in a big wave.

[Harry]

Hmm, I probably did neglect MRLS turrets.  I'll try to remember to include more multi-shot stuff in the future.  

Edit: Does the wiki list which ships/turrets have multi-shot capability? 

[vaseline]

I know its been a while since this was originally posted but as a new player searching through the forums for "beginner advice" I found this to be one of the best AAR's in the forum - the volume and detail of information provided in x4000's replies in particular were soo helpful!  The wiki is ofc a fantastic resource but this AAR provided advice and information in a game context which was easier to digest and relate to my own experience of playing AI War.

In particular the issue Harry seemed to face being an over abundance of resources - I am currently playing what seems to be a VERY slow 60planet map against two lvl5 AI's (perhaps too low even for me:) in which I seem to be permanently maxed out in resources. After reading this post I feel I have a much better sense of the game - gonna try somw new tactics - do a load of deep strikes/knowledge raiding, even if it does cost me a few [hundred] ships. What the heck, its just metal and crystal!

In light of my ramblings I am wondering perhaps if this post could be bumped or expanded upon in some way? or does that not really follow normal forum etiquette? I don't use forums much so wouldn't really know:) It just strikes me that this post alone could really help out other newbs.

Anyways, fantastic game and fantastic post.