Is the AI crazy or something???

[llebsirhc]

I've been playing CIV3 for about 2 and a half years now and still love it as much today as the first day I tried it. I have Conquests now and play it daily. One big problem I have is the AI and its ridiculous demands. I'm sure everyone has encountered this at one time or another. For instance, last night, playing as Persia and dominating the game, I was in a tech lead by about 5 or 6 advances. Suddenly, number 2 Egypt requested an audience and although I was busy, I obliged. Anyway, they offered their world map (which I had pretty much filled in for them and traded them dozens of turns earlier) in exchange for my world map and REPLACEABLE PARTS. Are they nuts? Who would do that? Then, to top it off, when I refused and laughed in their face, they declared war on me. Needless to say, they were swiftly brought to extinction by my hordes of cavalry.

The question is, why? Why does the AI do stupid things like this? Are they just looking for a "justification" for going to war with me? I could see if they were the dominant power and they were extorting cash and/or techs from weaker civs, but when I'm clearly dominating, why would they risk a beatdown? Can anyone put this in perspective for me because it just makes no sense!

 

[Tomoyo]

You don't have to accept those crazy deals y'know. The only reason the AI wants a tech is because they feel that their WM is worth enough that all your gold isn't worth it.

Oh, and no AI is perfect.

 

[llebsirhc]

Maybe you misunderstood. I had replaceable parts and the complete world map. They had the partial world map. I did NOT accept their deal. Then they declared war.

What I'm asking is why is the AI programmed to basically commit suicide?

Then again, maybe I'm just venting because it's ridiculous... not a problem, just an annoyance.

 

[Tomoyo]

Those two events are not related.

 

[punkbass2000]

The AI doesn't think. It has no longterm strategy. It plays this turn and this turn only. Asking 'Why does the AI do stupid things?' is like asking 'Why does my toaster burn my toast?'

 

[sausnebb]

Besides, you don't have to decline thier offer, you just say: "Would you like to hear my offer (or something)" and then you click "never mind". I'm not completely sure, but I don't think this would hit your rep.

 

[Mr. Do]

Refusing the deal would not lead to an instant declaration of war. Doesn't work like that; the AI either demands things (in exchange for nothing) or it offers trades. Often ridiculous trades, sure...

 

[Tomoyo]

Declining their offer doesn't hurt your rep. Doing what you did wouldn't either, but would involve extra clicking.