a question for the experts

[pikeman666]

As the recipient of frequent whompin' by the AI I wondered how the heck the AI got out in front so fast. I've used the advice here and become a better player, but it is still no sure thing for me. Of course this keeps me playing! I've heard about the AI cheats - that they know where all the resources are, etc.. But has anyone ever seen if the AI does warrior-warrior-worker-settler, and also the forest chop thing?
Can you "dissect" the activities of the AI? I would also expect that the way the game is coded should provide some insight.
just curious . . .
Pete

 

[svv]

What level are you playing on? If it's anything Noble or below, the AI will not be cheating. If higher than Noble, then "cheating" is inherently part of the game.

I don't think the AI exploits the forest chop. If you're losing, you might just be making some small mistakes, or getting unlucky. If you have 6 AI opponents, then all things being equal it is six times more likely that one of them will advance quicker than you do.

 

[Wodan]

Next game you play, open up worldbuilder every 20 turns and go and look at what the AI is doing.

Wodan

 

[blitzkrieg1980]

^^^Wow... I never thought of that, Wodan. Who says you can't use WB as a tool to learn how the computer does things? No one! I understand the AI is generally terrible at war and tile improvements. Is there anything that the AI does which humans can utilize/use in order to try moving up in difficulty level?

 

[Wodan]

^^^Wow... I never thought of that, Wodan. Who says you can't use WB as a tool to learn how the computer does things? No one! I understand the AI is generally terrible at war and tile improvements. Is there anything that the AI does which humans can utilize/use in order to try moving up in difficulty level?

Sure. Generally, the AI runs a pretty mean SE. In addition, Mansa does a good job at a CE.

Plus, take a look at what builds they make, and in what order they build them.

I think the AI does a better job at whipping than humans do. Mostly that's because the AI has an algorithm it goes off of and never forgets to check a city. Thus, it always whips at exactly the optimum time.

Wodan

 

[Thedrin]

I've heard about the AI cheats - that they know where all the resources are

The AI doesn't know where all the resources are. The AI city placement code (which also governs the blue circles) just isn't all that great.

 

[Antilogic]

Blast, Wodan beat me to it!

That is how I learned how to do well on Prince and Monarch...play a game or two where you just open the world builder and look around. Say you want to start a wonder. Is anyone else working on it? Did you miss it? Now, look around for the clues as to whether or not you missed it...what years do the AI start building wonders? Which do they typically choose? Figure out when they build their troops, what kind of troops, how quickly they hook up their resources, etc.

Thedrin, that little exploit did occur in Civ3, if I recall. Not in Civ4.

 

[pikeman666]

Next game you play, open up worldbuilder every 20 turns and go and look at what the AI is doing.

Wodan

Sheesh - I should have thought of that.
And I've managed to get up to the "level playing field" level, so I guess my own incompetence is the root cause of losing!
Thanks!

 

[bassist2119]

Pikeman,
Welcome to the forum. The fact that you're here inquiring about optimizing strategies is proof enough that you're not incompetent. If you haven't done so already, check out Sisiutil's beginner's guide. The "beginner" clause is rather misleading; veteran players often find an antic or two that they aren't currently implementing and find their game soar higher.
If anything, you're probably at the most exciting phase of the learning curve! Enjoy! The most critical thing to do now is to play through adversity. You'll learn twice as much from a game that doesn't reach a victory condition as one that does.

 

[pikeman666]

Pikeman,
SNIP!
You'll learn twice as much from a game that doesn't reach a victory condition as one that does.

Spot on!
I am not interested in playing an AI opponent that "rolls over". If someone wants that they need another game - Civ 4 won't do that.
I am looking forward to that world builder peek method.
Pete