AI Placement of Opposing Units

[Neuer Art]

When creating a new battle or operation, there's an option for the placement of AI-controlled opposing forces - "Use Scenario Default" or some such thing (not being in front of the game at the moment, I'm going from memory). Does this mean that, if this option is selected, the computer must place ALL forces (including later-arriving reinforcements) within the original confines of the area controlled by the computer? It seems that in the scenarios I create with large playing areas, the computer persists in placing all its forces along the edge of the map designated as being in its control. Then, if I'm defending, I have to wait while the opposing forces make the trek across the map.

Does disabling the "Use scenario default" allow the computer to place its forces further forward into the map? And/or do reinforcements turn up in areas CURRENTLY controlled by the opposing side, or are they still confined to the original controlled area?

[Schrullenhaft]

'Scenario Default' leaves the forces where the scenario designer placed them. 'Allow computer to place' or whatever it is called allows the StratAI to place the forces as it sees fit. Some scenario designers put a bit of effort into placing the force on the map for the scenario, so this option is often best. If you have played the scenario once before then possibly letting the AI choose where to place the forces may provide for some surprise (and the AI is limited to the scenario designed setup zones).

[Neuer Art]

I can understand about the designer going to length to place the various units involved in a scenario. However, if the designer is ME - and I want to play the scenarios I create, I'd like to have the element of surprise, instead of knowing exactly where every opposing unit is located. So if I do not place the units on the map, but let the Tac-AI (sorry for the use of the generic term "computer") place the units as it sees fit, what happens to the units? Do they always get lined up on the map's edge, as seems to be the case in most of my scenarios? Or does the Tac-AI actually place the units throughout the zone initially controlled by the Tac-AI? And what of reinforcements that come into play later in the scenario - does the Tac-AI start them from the map's edge, or somewhere in the original controlled zone, or somewhere in the zone(s) currently controlled by the Tac-AI?

[MrSpkr]

Originally posted by Neuer Art:

So if I do not place the units on the map, but let the Tac-AI (sorry for the use of the generic term "computer") place the units as it sees fit, what happens to the units?

The AI places them within the zone(s) in which a player could have set them up.

Do they always get lined up on the map's edge, as seems to be the case in most of my scenarios?

Umm - I don't believe that should happen if you opt to let the computer to be free to setup forces.

And what of reinforcements that come into play later in the scenario - does the Tac-AI start them from the map's edge, or somewhere in the original controlled zone, or somewhere in the zone(s) currently controlled by the Tac-AI?

Reinforcements always start in and around the area fo the reinforcement marker, whether that be on the edge of the map or in the middle of a battle.

Steve

[Dook]

To clarify even further, when you create a scenario in the scenario editor, you need to create setup zones for both sides. Next, go to the map preview and place the troops for each side within the setup zones (you can leave them outside the setup zones but then they can't move except into the setup zone. It sounds like maybe you just picked units for the AI and didn't place them in setup zones?

If you choose "stick to default" for the AI, it will keep the units in the exact locations you specified. If you choose "free to place units," it will place the units as it sees fit within the setup zones. To maximize your surprise, create a single very large setup zone and let the AI be free to place units.

For reinforcements, there should be reinforcement flags when you go to the map preview. Reinforcements will arrive where the flags are placed. As a result, it is impossible to be surprised about the location of the reinforcements (unless you are really forgetful), but you could fiddle with the probability of arrival to make the timing of the reinforcements somewhat of a surprise.

The best answer to your dilemma is to play another human in a well-designed scenario by a third-party author. You will then have lots of surprises.