M2:TW Generals Expansion

Combining the popular topics of AI and expansions I would like to propose a combination. Besides a simple expansion I think there should be certain AI changes to the main game. The change I would like to see would be to include historical generals to the game.

The initial reaction may be, “Duh, they already did that” or “That can be modded in” etc. However, I propose combining different AI with different generals. Therefore you don’t simply face a general that gives combat bonuses to his troops but one that fights differently (slightly or dramatically) than other generals from his faction.

This change could be quite simple: In R:TW there was a problem with the unit vs. army AI. The tactical differences between generals could be something as simple as weighting the balance between these two (as they should also be modified for each faction/unit) or a radically different army composition.

We’re all aware that you face different challenges from different factions but what if a single leader in a faction was able to make us alter our tactics? This would add some flavor to the game if not improve the challenge of it.

Edit: I've just been humbled. I'm reading the Darthmod 8.0 thread. Doh!

I think that's a good idea. Generals already have personality traits which impart bonuses when attacking and defending, so why not personality traits that make them inclined to act aggressively or defensively? Obviously I have to put a caveat on this though- CA should make one AI that is amazing (or at least pretty challenging), and then make variations on it. No use having a dumb aggressive AI and a dumb defensive AI.

This would be a great idea. Some generals perhaps favoured a certain formation and this could be infused into the AI thinking.

It would just add another thing to think about when preparing to fight and add a bit more realism to the game.

I hope they read this or have it in mind.

I think, either in an expansion or perhaps the next iteration of the TW series, they should go the semi-RPG route of a game like Romance of the Three Kingdoms and allow you to play as a Knight, a Lord, a Duke, or a King, and essentially 'work for' the AI. But then that's why they don't pay me the big bucks to make these decisions for 'em. :)

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Originally Posted by Aquitaine

I think, either in an expansion or perhaps the next iteration of the TW series, they should go the semi-RPG route of a game like Romance of the Three Kingdoms and allow you to play as a Knight, a Lord, a Duke, or a King, and essentially 'work for' the AI. But then that's why they don't pay me the big bucks to make these decisions for 'em. :)

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Excellent idea. The series seemed to make some moves in that direction with the Senate missions and offices, the family trees, vices and virtues etc. They just need to make a more determined push. We are trying to do something semi-RPG in the Throne Room with the Will of the Senate PBM. Players assume the role of an a particular general (their avatar).

I'd be inclined to take it further, and put your character on the battlefield, so that you control him issuing orders and/or leading a charge etc. I'm probably not the only person here who has dreamt (literally, I am ashamed to say) of combining a TW strategy battle with action/RPG-type individual combat of the Mount and Blade type. Having done Spartan Total Warrior, the idea of melding of the genres must have occurred to CA. The gaming technology is probably there to do it: apparently, a new game (is it called Civilisations at War: Rise and Fall?) tries to mix strategy and action but it sounds far from TW/Mount&Blade quality in both elements.

The problem in that idea is AI. In current times RTW AI is just not smart enough to give you briliant orders.