Microscope Solution using AI

[andrewqsmith]

Found a great site where a javascript program online takes AI input and produces a solution. After several time trying to beat it myself, the first try with this site proved a winner. Thought I would share for any future players stuck on this puzzle:
http://analogbit.com/software/infection_ai/

[ChristosK]

Thanks!

[Hawk Zombie]

I JUST came here to post this.

Apparently the AI gets beefed up beyond what it was originally intended to be, so it's next to impossible to win, unless you're able to think 3-4 moves ahead in your mind at all times. I'm trying to beat it (own it on GoG :P) without any help, and happy to say this was the ONLY part I just said 'screw it'

[Johns723]

It's possible to beat without AI but takes hours to figure out a proper strategy. Some of it is luck / some of it is strategy. The problem is that the opponent AI processes moves based on your moves. I read somewhere that it was much easier to win against the AI on 386 / 486 cpu's because they couldn't process possible outcomes as quickly as modern cpu's. Modern cpu's make it near impossible to beat because it's processing possible outcomes much faster than was intended.

From what I remember, the opponent AI doesn't make predictable moves. So you can make the same movements as a previous attempt but the opponent AI doesn't always respond the same way as before. Part of the trick is to make movements that will tempt the AI to make moves that leave it vulnerable to your plays / he makes big gains, but you make even bigger gains (you make it possible for him to take 3 of your blue, but puts himself in a position where you take over 4 of his green right after, etc.).

I did beat the puzzle on a modern quad core cpu a couple years ago. Took me hours and wish I had made a video to put on youtube. Whatever strategy was used, I remember playing the blue close as possible to the left side of the game.

[identifiedasbeingdisrespectful]

that would explain why I couldn't beat it in dosbox with my original cds too. I definitely beat it on a 486 when it was new. Shivers had a puzzle that worked like that too I think.

[AntiNuLL]

The Microscope AI is actually limited by the CPU
so if you run the game in dosbox and CRANK the cpu way down it is super easy
I haven't tried the steam version honestly even though I own it

[Insertnamehere]

The AI cant beat my computer^^, and I cant either.
Deleting the game and watching the rest on "lets play".

[identifiedasbeingdisrespectful]

Originally posted by Insertnamehere:

The AI cant beat my computer^^, and I cant either.
Deleting the game and watching the rest on "lets play".

the java applet posted in the OP will absolutely beat the puzzle for you, no matter your CPU speed..

[Insertnamehere]

well it didnt - maybe I should send screenshots to "believe it or not" but its true anyway

I admit I only tried it twice, though, cba to do that again, maybe there is a luck factor involved

[identifiedasbeingdisrespectful]

Originally posted by Insertnamehere:

well it didnt - maybe I should send screenshots to "believe it or not" but its true anyway

I admit I only tried it twice, though, cba to do that again, maybe there is a luck factor involved

You put in the AIs moves, not yours. Are you doing that? It's reversed from how you'd play the actual puzzle. I.e., you're inputting the AI moves and it's giving you the right move to make at each step.

[Mine Turtle]

Thanks for posting this. It helped out ALOT!!!

[hompsar]

Thank you so much for this! Seriously had been at it for hours and no end was in sight. This was a lifesaver. Just couldn't do it anymore.

[identifiedasbeingdisrespectful]

Originally posted by hompsar:

Thank you so much for this! Seriously had been at it for hours and no end was in sight. This was a lifesaver. Just couldn't do it anymore.

don't feel bad. Its difficulty is based on CPU cycles available. It is literally imposible on a fast enough CPU. On the original 486 it was designed for, it was hard, but not that hard.