CMBB is a superb game, no question about it. Its list of strengths is lengthy and impressive.
That said, the strategic/operational AI (as opposed to the TacAI, which is a different issue) leaves a whole to be desired, especially on the attack. While it's true that well-designed scenarios can help make up for the AI's inherent weaknesses, try playing the AI on a random QB map, particularly in an ME or with the AI attacking. As the first poster noted, it still tends to just lump all its units together and casually march them towards the biggest/closest flag. It's a little better at defending since there it's mainly just a question of initial unit placement, considering the AI does little if anything with mobile reserves, counterattacks, outflanking, etc. It also tends to be too predictable on the defense, almost always placing AT guns along the back edge of the map in any available clumps of trees. Those can indeed be good positions, but when they become predictable, they're not so good anymore
I really hope the AI will be a major focus of improvement in BTS' next game because, as noted above, not everyone likes or has the time for PBEM's or TCP/IP games. Those can be great fun, but they can turn into big hassles too, unless you find really good, honest, and conscientious opponents, which can be easier said than done. Plus, why include AI games if they're not meant to taken as seriously as multiplayer games? They shouldn't just be a teaching tool for newbies, but should be a fun challenge for all players. And that's not to say they're not fun, just that they could definitely stand improvement.
(Btw, I've played hundreds of AI games in CMBO/BB, so I'm not just spouting!)
[ March 02, 2003, 09:53 AM: Message edited by: Stacheldraht ]