How to determine which AI?

[Kabosh]

Firstly I would like to applaud the developers for their level of involvement in the community and their frankness. This was the main reason I decided to purchase the expansions (I was going to make do with the basic game).

Also the level of strategy and replay ability is amazing. I'm in love with the fact that you cannot win (at least I can't) by the normal tactic of steam rolling everything in sight. The game to me is much more about careful management, scouting and quick raids.

It's taken me a little while to figure out how to scout large distances (use loads of mkII scouts in one go, I was using scout star ships before). This leads me onto the reason behind my post:

When using random AI types how do you determine what AI type/s you are fighting against (when using random AIs)? So far from my scouting I can se no indication. I have seen posts from people explaining they scout to find what types of AI they are against and then formulate a plan of action. Is this based on experience and seeing the units/posts/guardians etc that are being used? Or is there something obvious that I am missing?

Any help is much appreciated.

[Mánagarmr]

It's difficult as all AIs do not use specific buildings to give their types away. It's usually a combination of scouting the ship types, structures and general AI behavior. Is it using a lot of stealth ships? Likely a stealth master then. Counter spies on most planets? Very likely it's a counter spy then. Sending you larger and tougher waves than usual? Maybe a mad bomber?

You simply have to analyze the situation and make a best guess. It helps if you are familiar with the different types of AIs available.

[Kabosh]

I thought it might be something like this. I think i prefer it this way as it adds to the need to fully scout and assess the situation.

Also Moonshine Fox the video tutorials you did were very helpfull, good job.

[Mánagarmr]

Also Moonshine Fox the video tutorials you did were very helpfull, good job.

You're most welcome! There's a slight mistake in the intermediate tutorial that bothers me but other than that I'm quite pleased with them. Glad you found them helpful!

[HitmanN]

There's also the 'Reveal random AI types' option in the game lobby, if you just want a random opponent, but don't want the result to be a secret.

[Kabosh]

There's also the 'Reveal random AI types' option in the game lobby, if you just want a random opponent, but don't want the result to be a secret.

It appears there is something for everyone. I think I'd rather it be kept a secret, at least for the moment.

Now if only there was a random minor fraction option. Maybe there is? I can't check at the moment as I'm not at home.

[Winter Born]

There's also the 'Reveal random AI types' option in the game lobby, if you just want a random opponent, but don't want the result to be a secret.

It appears there is something for everyone. I think I'd rather it be kept a secret, at least for the moment.

Now if only there was a random minor fraction option. Maybe there is? I can't check at the moment as I'm not at home.

check Mantis to see if it is a suggestion yet
See my sig for help

[Vinraith]

I suggested it allowing random minor factions ages ago, back in the 3.1x days. I've no idea if it actually got translated over to Mantis or not, though.

[Echo35]

There's also the 'Reveal random AI types' option in the game lobby, if you just want a random opponent, but don't want the result to be a secret.

I was going to say that. I usually play with it on to get a feel for AI Types (Like when I'm playing a difficulty I don't usually or when new AI Types are introduced). They are unique enough that after playing a while, you'll be able to tell based on their behavior.