1.x AI Faction Progression Thread

[Tarkus]

I haven't started a 1.1 campaign yet -- haven't even downloaded the new install -- but after reading this thread I'm struck by the sweeping conclusions people are making ("Faction X much better than before"..."Faction Y doesn't do anything anymore") based on just a few years of playing through a single campaign.

This is a simulation, folks...with each faction's activities subject to the whims of fate (Fortuna?!) over the years AND between replicate campaigns, even played by the same person on the same computer in an iterative fashion. I would think a little more experience collected by our great and enthusiastic community would be warranted before significant conclusions are drawn about the long-term strategic behavior of one or another faction. After all, it's only been four days!!!

[Reality=Chaos]

Still some trends are emerging. And it's all good as far as I'm concerned. Every faction is seriously trying to expand, unlike in 1.0. Some are very unsuccesful so far (like the Casse in my game) but try they do, which didn't happen in 1.0. So far I like the AI expansion. It feels more... I don't know... challenging.

[mini]

and is this with BI.exe or RTW.exe?

As I gather, BI exe gives a better AI?
I got BI, but i always get an install shield error when i put the cd in, so i'm forced to stick with rtw.exe, which installs just fine.

[Reality=Chaos]

Mine is without BI.

[Titus Marcellus Scato]

BI is definitely better for naval invasions than R:TW. Any other AI improvements are only marginal.

[The General]

BI is definitely better for naval invasions than R:TW.

There are no naval invasions in RTW.

Or, well, I've never seen one.

[bigmilt16]

Naval invasions are a common occurrence in BI. In my Romani campaign, the carthaginians will invade sicily, corsica, and sardinia when you capture it from them. I've also had the Epirotes and KH invade Italy too. For the first time, I am forced to built and keep up a half-way decent navy to protect myself. The AI also assembles much better armies too (no more skirmisher armies either).

BI is definitely worth trying. It is far more challenging.

[QuintusSertorius]

There are no naval invasions in RTW.

Or, well, I've never seen one.

In my Romani game, the Karthadastim just reinforced Sicily with an additional family member and three decent pike units. Not exactly an invasion, but better than nothing.