Improve Ranged Unit AI

from AshesoftheSingularity Forums

So, I just encountered a problem regarding the AI for ranged units.

If you have ranged units, like the Artemis, ultimately, you would want them to stay out of range of enemy units and defenses. Unfortunately, the AI constantly has your Artemis close into the range of the enemy, even if you have sight / radar range on them. This creates a situation where you must constantly micro said units. It also creates problems since you have to shuffle your Artemis back, creating a situation where they can't shoot (since they only shoot forward).

I also noticed something similar for scout aircraft. Scout aircraft shouldn't move into range and attack units unless they are ordered to. Otherwise, they may move into range of enemy anti-air and get killed off easily, thus defeating their purpose.

I see a solution either being to change the AI or, better yet, create "stances" as you have in similar games (like Dawn of War, for instance). The AI behavior will change depending on the stance they are in.

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Reply #1 from AshesoftheSingularity Forums Top

It is somethign I've been looking at for a logn time.  The solution is a lot harder than one might think because the Artemis does't want to kite the enemy but it comes up with various decisions where it'll stand its ground or go in.  But yea, unit AI is something that will continue to evolve in this game.

Star Control: Origins
Reply #3 from AshesoftheSingularity Forums Top

Quoting Frogboy, reply 1

It is somethign I've been looking at for a logn time.  The solution is a lot harder than one might think because the Artemis does't want to kite the enemy but it comes up with various decisions where it'll stand its ground or go in.  But yea, unit AI is something that will continue to evolve in this game.

Ah, I see. Well, I hope you all can figure something out.

My idea would be that, if it's part of a meta-unit, it will, obviously follow that meta-unit and work as it does currently. However, if it's not part of a meta-unit, or part of a meta-unit that contains no close range units (e.g. just Artemis or maybe some anti-air as well), it will stand it's ground and fire from where it's at. If it's not within range, it will move within it's maximum range, stop, and fire from there.

In that way, the player could group Artemis in their own meta-unit and have them stay out at maximum range. On the other hand, one could put them in a group with others and have them stay with the meta-unit. This would allow the player more options for dealing with different situations.