AI Notes - Axis Defensive Strategy on the Eastern Front

[Edwin P.]

At some point in time the Russians will usually go over to a offense and the Axis will need to adopt a defensive strategy on the Eastern Front, either to respond to Allied actions in the West or to regroup.

One problem in SC1 is that the AI can't handle this very well. Often times my Russians will go around the Axis lines to cut off units on the Southern front and the AXIS AI will not attempt to break them out. Then the AI will usally see six to ten units surrounded and destroyed, one by one. Units which could have been used to form a defensive line around Warsaw.

I think that the AI needs one strategy when it is on the offense and another when it is on the defense. It also needs to be able to select and choose which strategy to employ for each front (Guard, Defense, Build-up, Offense) along with assigning priorities to each front.

Perhaps if the Allies invade France adopting a defensive strategy in Russia and a build-up strategy in France. Once built up switching to an offensive strategy in France. Once the allied invasion force is defeated then switching to a defensive strategy in France and a Build up Strategy in Russia. Then from the Russian Build-up to a Russian Offensive Strategy.

Guard - Minimal Forces assigned to guard this front

Defense - Aim is to contain and slow enemy advance

Build-up - Build up forces for an offensive by concentrating airpower and operating in units

Offensive - Go on Offense to destroy the enemy.