Difficulty Modifiers in FE

from Elemental Forums

In many 4x games, the higher difficulties give free stuff to the computer. In most cases, I don't mind the computer getting free cash or units. However, when there is TC, I do not like difficulties to buff the computer. In E:Wom, the higher difficulties did buff extra hit points to enemy units, which resulted in some peasants having 40+ health (when I have 5). While it does make the game more difficult, it is also far more frustrating.

 

Could we have sliders for seperate difficulty settings? For example, sliders for:

  • AI Econ
  • AI Tech
  • AI Bonus Health
  • AI Bonus Levels (tougher champions)
  • AI Spawn Units
  • AI Intelligence (if multiple intelligence levels are coded in)

 

This way we can tailor our games the way we like. I always enjoyed fighting countless hordes of units, not countless hordes of ridiculously high HP units.

 

In some games, fundamental tactics can even change when bonus combat statistics are given. Take Shogun 2 for example. On normal, peasants will route fairly quickly if cavalry charge them in the rear; spear walls don't work well if looking the other way. However, on very hard, the peasants will defeat most cavalry 1 on 1.

 

Anyways, here are some thoughts. I look forward to beta testing the game.

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Reply #1 from Elemental Forums Top

Good post. The problem with difficulty settings is to make the player feel challenged whilst maintaining the sense that the challenge is fair. This is why I (and many others) never play the total war games with battle difficulty above medium. Believing that the ai might have run his economy better so he can afford more guys is a lot easier than trying to believe that the enemy group of spearmen with identical training and equipment can swat aside your own. If this means the player is always at an advantage in tactical combat then so be it.