Tiller Gameplay Question

[Sheltowee]

Got several of the Tiller ACW titles, which I use to play solitaire. I love the gameplay, historical emphasis, and graphics- but not so impressed with the computer A/I function.

With advantage setting at neutral, I have no issue in defeating the computer- regardless of scenario, or which side I am playing. And I am no master tactician....... but the A/I play makes ridiculous moves, and lacks any logical, aggressive response to my movements.

It's just not very challenging. And again, I am not touting my own gameplay. But how can you lose when the computer moves an entire brigade to the far edge of the map- and then sits there for the duration?

So, I was hoping someone could coach me on how to set the interface to a setting that would give a more challenging contest. Any recommendations? Am I possibly missing something here?

Would like to get more Tiller games, but just maybe not worth it.

 

[The Ninth Ohio]

Those games (now sold by Wargame Design Studio) have always been much better when playing a real human. They have recently upgraded the AI, as in within the last six months, and I believe an update can be downloaded for free from their website. I haven't tried it myself but some folks on the FB group say it made a huge difference.

So that's my first thought. Failing that, in the past I have tried to handicap myself by issuing orders to my subordinates (writing them down and determining when it would arrive from the source, making sure I'm always using skirmishers, not committing 100% of my men all at once, and the like.

 

[Sheltowee]

Those games (now sold by Wargame Design Studio) have always been much better when playing a real human. They have recently upgraded the AI, as in within the last six months, and I believe an update can be downloaded for free from their website. I haven't tried it myself but some folks on the FB group say it made a huge difference.

So that's my first thought. Failing that, in the past I have tried to handicap myself by issuing orders to my subordinates (writing them down and determining when it would arrive from the source, making sure I'm always using skirmishers, not committing 100% of my men all at once, and the like.

Excellent- thanks much. Will certainly check into the updates. Appreciate your advice.

 

[The Ninth Ohio]

Excellent- thanks much. Will certainly check into the updates. Appreciate your advice.

Eh. I downloaded the Antietam update today and started a campaign as federals. Cedar Mountain was a Minor Victory, and I only missed Major because I only really committed two brigades and some cavalry. Groveton was also a major victory with the CPU pushing really hard for Groveton but taking about 5-1 casualties in the process.

After two small to medium battles, I can't say I'm terribly impressed with this upgrade. Aggressive does not equal intelligent.

 

[rpkennedy]

The AI is much better when playing on the defense but still not great. The variables are just too complex on the offense for most game-quality AI. Personally, I usually play the Civil War games double-blind solo. In addition, there are some good tools out there that add some needed complexity to the scenarios (adding time delays for ordere based on distance, random events such as a lost messenger, etc.).

Ryan

 

[The Ninth Ohio]

The AI is much better when playing on the defense but still not great. The variables are just too complex on the offense for most game-quality AI. Personally, I usually play the Civil War games double-blind solo. In addition, there are some good tools out there that add some needed complexity to the scenarios (adding time delays for ordere based on distance, random events such as a lost messenger, etc.).

Ryan

I've refereed a couple games along those lines that went well as long as everyone participated to about the same degree. Even just a regular PBEM game is a big improvement from anything the computer is capable of.

 

[Sheltowee]

The AI is much better when playing on the defense but still not great. The variables are just too complex on the offense for most game-quality AI. Personally, I usually play the Civil War games double-blind solo. In addition, there are some good tools out there that add some needed complexity to the scenarios (adding time delays for ordere based on distance, random events such as a lost messenger, etc.).

Ryan

Thanks! Have never tried setting both sides to "manual" mode. Can you do on WDS titles?

 

[rpkennedy]

Thanks! Have never tried setting both sides to "manual" mode. Can you do on WDS titles?

Yes. When you're choosing the scenario that you want to play, choose "Two-Player Hot-Seat" under mode.

Ryan

 

[DixieRifles]

After two small to medium battles, I can't say I'm terribly impressed with this upgrade. Aggressive does not equal intelligent.

This is interesting because it reminds me of my cousin many years ago. He liked to play computer wargames but, unlike you, he complained because he always lost. His theory was the computer is making the moves that you enter so he knows how to counter your move.
I think his problem was he was not that good with a computer. He was dyslexic which Im not putting that down but he wouldnt read any instructions. He would tell me about a new wargame he bought and then start off complaining how he cant move his troops and how that computer is cheating.
I listened and shook my head.

 

[The Ninth Ohio]

This is interesting because it reminds me of my cousin many years ago. He liked to play computer wargames but, unlike you, he complained because he always lost. His theory was the computer is making the moves that you enter so he knows how to counter your move.
I think his problem was he was not that good with a computer. He was dyslexic which Im not putting that down but he wouldnt read any instructions. He would tell me about a new wargame he bought and then start off complaining how he cant move his troops and how that computer is cheating.
I listened and shook my head.

It's helpful though that the Tiller games are roughly based off the regimental level "Great Battles of the American Civil War" series from the 70s and 80s. A system I was playing from about 12 years old and am very familiar with.

I think part of it too is that I don't enjoy war games that are "games". I prefer simulation, and thus don't take losing so hard.

I can get games elsewhere. HPS/WDS is about as close as you can get to a simulation at the moment, provided you're playing a human opponent, and have both agreed on some basic ground rules. For example not parking extra supply or officer units on hills to maximize line of sight, not sending cavalry units on suicide 10 mile flanking missions to capture that extra VP hex, etc.

 

[DixieRifles]

I think part of it too is that I don't enjoy war games that are "games". I prefer simulation, and thus don't take losing so hard.

Yes, I did buy a "game" that was WW2 and you were a soldier at D-Day and Anzio etc. Fun but nothing to learn from that.

 

[bankerpapaw]

Got several of the Tiller ACW titles, which I use to play solitaire. I love the gameplay, historical emphasis, and graphics- but not so impressed with the computer A/I function.

With advantage setting at neutral, I have no issue in defeating the computer- regardless of scenario, or which side I am playing. And I am no master tactician....... but the A/I play makes ridiculous moves, and lacks any logical, aggressive response to my movements.

It's just not very challenging. And again, I am not touting my own gameplay. But how can you lose when the computer moves an entire brigade to the far edge of the map- and then sits there for the duration?

So, I was hoping someone could coach me on how to set the interface to a setting that would give a more challenging contest. Any recommendations? Am I possibly missing something here?

Would like to get more Tiller games, but just maybe not worth it.

I have the Tiller Gettysburg. I don't like to use the AI. Troops tend to "pile" up and not move. I wish it had a feature on taking prisoners. Still love the game!!

 

[Sheltowee]

I have the Tiller Gettysburg. I don't like to use the AI. Troops tend to "pile" up and not move. I wish it had a feature on taking prisoners. Still love the game!!

Exactly what I'm talking about!

 

[Sheltowee]

Yes. When you're choosing the scenario that you want to play, choose "Two-Player Hot-Seat" under mode.

Ryan

Well now. That added a whole new element!

 

[rpkennedy]

Well now. That added a whole new element!

If I'm not playing against someone else, that's the way to go. Although I have to say, the AI for some of their WWII games isn't too bad. It made my what-if invasion of Japan wargame very challenging.

Ryan