On the hunt for 4x games with good to superb AI? Challenging AI?

[Vuyek]

So after playing Distant Worlds way too much I am on a hunt for a challenging AI. Preferably of the non-cheating variety (i.e. I get extra resources and military as AI, because.... that's easy to code).

The age of the game does not matter, it can be a game from the 1990's for all I care about graphics.

Made threads on Endless Space 2 and Stellaris (and HOI4) and it looks like AI is pushed back as a priority in grand strategy 4x games...

Cheers.

[Vuyek]

I'll start - GalCiv II.
Still a very good challenge by the AI, I still play it.

[athelasloraiel]

AI Wars, best AI to date. Extremely innovative. Personalities....Arcen games is famous on their alternative approach to games.

ALmost unbeatable on hard.

[Mr.Kill]

Pandora first contact. Still owning people since 2013

[CyMonk]

Originally posted by Mr.Kill:

Pandora first contact. Still owning people since 2013

+1
just remember you have to own the dlc, too, and the latest ai patch isn't included, you have to download it separately.

[CustodianV131]

Originally posted by CyMonk:

Originally posted by Mr.Kill:

Pandora first contact. Still owning people since 2013

+1
just remember you have to own the dlc, too, and the latest ai patch isn't included, you have to download it separately.

Have they been working on it outside of Steam or is that a community effiort? Also where can I find more info about that?

[BlackSmokeDMax]

Originally posted by CustodianV131:

Originally posted by CyMonk:

+1
just remember you have to own the dlc, too, and the latest ai patch isn't included, you have to download it separately.

Have they been working on it outside of Steam or is that a community effiort? Also where can I find more info about that?

There is a thread on the game's Steam forum.

[CyMonk]

Originally posted by CustodianV131:

Have they been working on it outside of Steam or is that a community effiort?

as far as i understand the ai updates were fan made originally but included officially later on. however for some reasons the devs stopped updating.

Also where can I find more info about that?

http://steamcommunity.com/app/287580/discussions/0/481115363866568842/

[Bou]

GalCiv 2,3 or AI War (RTS with 4x elements). DWU AI was horrible though.

[Nasarog]

Pandora: Wrath of the Nashira (First Contact is the base game) with Ail's adjustments.

[CustodianV131]

Thanks for the info on Pandora. Sorry I didn't have any suggestins myself, but enjoying the thread.

Oh... age didn't matter... Ehm Warlords 3 - Darklords Rising might suit you then.

[CyMonk]

Originally posted by Nasarog:

Wrath of the Nashira

warlock 2: wrath of the nagas? ;P

[Vuyek]

Hey, I am currently playing King of Dragon Pass.... which is.... kinda sorta 4x? It's from 1999.
I have no idea how to define the genre of a game which has 4x, fantasy pre medieval tech clan/tribal management and difficulty which makes me cry.

[Ruldra]

Originally posted by Uncle Timo:

Hey, I am currently playing King of Dragon Pass.... which is.... kinda sorta 4x? It's from 1999.
I have no idea how to define the genre of a game which has 4x, fantasy pre medieval tech clan/tribal management and difficulty which makes me cry.

I don't think there's an AI in KoDP. Events and outcomes are randomized. It is tough to win but not because of a smart opponent.

[pavig]

Been playing Decisive Campaigns Barbarossa - it's an evolution of a traditional (1970s style) hex and counter wargame with political elements, so pretty far from 4x, but it has the complexity and interrelated systems to give a similar feel. AI seems very solid, and the RPG like interference from superiors and relationship management with subordinates ensures you need to make enough tactical/strategic pivots that play feels fluid.

Historical depth elevates it, but yeah, playing the Germans or Stalinist Russia in WW2 can feel weird and probably isn't for everybody. But if you're in the mood for an insanely complex tactical game with a complex branching narrative, evolving long term strategic layers (such as supply lines etc), then it's great. Not nearly as dry and clinical as most traditional war games.

If you pick it up you can download the Decisive Campaigns Community Project free from the developer - a mod focused build of the DC engine which a bunch of folk have made scenarios for, some of which look pretty good.

So, probably a weird suggestion but if you've ever been curious about war games, enjoy the depth of Distant Worlds, and want AI that actually knows how to play, then worth a look... oh, also Pandora with all the caveats mentioned above, though that AI does love getting into a “let's share maps” loop. ;)

[marlowe221]

Originally posted by Ruldra:

Originally posted by Uncle Timo:

Hey, I am currently playing King of Dragon Pass.... which is.... kinda sorta 4x? It's from 1999.
I have no idea how to define the genre of a game which has 4x, fantasy pre medieval tech clan/tribal management and difficulty which makes me cry.

I don't think there's an AI in KoDP. Events and outcomes are randomized. It is tough to win but not because of a smart opponent.

As a KoDP veteran, I believe you are correct Ruldra.

That said, the internal, randomized systems work so well that it is easy to think that there is an AI playing against you!

Great game though. I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't played it.