The "EB shieldwall", the AI, and you

[Watchman]

I recently quite by accident realized what the "can form shieldwall" description given to a few EB units means in practice (namely, the alternate formation behind the "loose formation" button is simply denser instead of looser). There really should be an explanation about it somewhere, maybe in the relevant units' UI texts or something.

Anyway, once the human player realizes this neat detail he or she can naturally employ it to his heart's content. What I'm curious about, however, is if the tactical AI is smart enough to recognize it and use it, and without being specifically told to by the formation_ai.txt or something similar.

What are peoples' experiences ?

[Kralizec]

I've never seen the AI use it.

EDIT: I haven't tried this yet though, I should probably give it a try.

[Redmeth]

I don't think I've seen the AI use it, but what EB units have this?
I don't believe I've ever used it, I only use loose formations for skirmishers, archers and horse archers.

[The Celtic Viking]

I don't think I've seen the AI use it, but what EB units have this?
I don't believe I've ever used it, I only use loose formations for skirmishers, archers and horse archers.

Quite some germanic units can do this. Frameharjoz, Wodanawulfoz, Haruskoz-Swaiut and Sahsnotoz just to name a few. Don't know much about units from other factions, though.

Can't remember ever seeing the AI use it. It may be because usually when a battle of mine involves units that I know can do this, they are fighting on my side, but when they have been the enemy they've always been in a loose formation.

[Watchman]

Judging by the description the Belgae Milnaht should, but their formation values kinda don't reflect it... The Arverni Arjos have it, anyway. The Baktrioi Agema and Hypaspistai look like they might be meant to have it, or alternatively use the normal tight/loose scheme - but their formation values are weird enough I suspect some of them have changed places. Ditto for Massiloi Hoplitai. Other types of hoplitai lack it, anyway.

[Ludens]

Casse Rycalawre had this ability in the 0.7 build, not sure if they still have it. I have never seen the A.I. use it, though. I am using Thorlof's latest formations, without the rest of his battle pack.