Observations on PT 1.10

[Techstuf]

So far.....it's been interesting observing the new PT update's behavior. The AI is really starting to show itself. I have noticed the barrel of my tank changing it's angle slightly right after the CPU launches a volley and have had shots miss by 5 clicks or more that were well sighted in the shot before. Also notice scoring incongruities when the CPU is way behind. A sort of handicapping feature (cheat) to keep things half way interesting...(for the newbies). Also noted changes to Mass Driver..;)

And has anyone noticed a peculiar repetitive pattern emerging in 'random' weapon selections? I've played the same game 3 times in a row today.

I'm sure Mike and company had their hands full Coding this one....I hope they get it Web enabled soon so we can quit playing against the roBot.


:cool:

[Techstuf]

Wait, scratch that. As hoplessly addicted as I was to the former version of PT, I'm kind of glad they 'soured' the milk, a bit, as it were. It has empowered me to actually get a few things done around here! The LAST thing I 'really' need, is a web version of PT!

It's been fun guys.

TS

[ZackTheMan]

The random selection gives lava to the computer ALOT these days...thats my only complaint....but makes the game more interesting

[Techstuf]

Yes, the AI is one adaptive little booger....the downside, going through the motions of various repetitive game sequences until the AI has all the information it requires to increase it's proficiency.


TS

[Slater]

did you notice that sometimes when the computer fires, it displays an angle of over 360 degrees?

[Everlast]

did you notice that sometimes when the computer fires, it displays an angle of over 360 degrees?

I haven't noticed anything like that...:shocked:

[Techstuf]

Also, the handicapper can be an outright bastardo....the AI has definitely been given an interesting set of objectives.

Pay close attention to scoring during volleys as well.

Based on observations thus far, one might intone that this is perhaps the most 'PC' version of PT yet created...:confused:


TS

[Techstuf]

The verdict is in....ok, mine anyway....

The new version is sort of a dud. Except perhaps to newbies who fail to grasp the 'in your face' cheating handicapper in action.
Personally, I would rather win by a landslide nearly everytime than be forced to stare wincingly at the capitulative display put on by the updated AI's cheat protocol. Tip for possible future versions....put more effort into logistical option sets for the CPU than into point shaving/stealing. The combo is rather 'off putting'.


Don't get me entirely wrong....I do appreciate a few of the new AI action strategies. But skewing my tank's aim settings while giving the CPU puzzlingly generous scores for marginal hits, smacks of defeatism.


PT is a game worthy of so much more.....


And since I'm not smart enough to dig in and do it myself, I guess.....who am I to talk?



TS

[theguy0000]

I agree, when fighting any normal person, it takes a couple vollies to get their aim right, and they cannot immediately recover their aim after the opponent moves or they are hit with those weapons that mess up the aim. But fighting the AI, that makes those tactics useless...it's not so much AI as an auto-aim-and-fire system....But ignore me, I'm generally stupid about this stuff and have no idea what i'm talking about...

[???revived]

In almost every game with an AI, said AI cheats. This is required, because humans are infinitely superior to them...

[Techstuf]

True enough. However score manipulation and 'sabotage' are unworthy to become a part of PT, in my opinion. I should think it may not prove too difficult instead to employ a few more 'if this, then that' protocols by plugging in the data at each volley.

For example, say I'm hiding in a dome.....perhaps the CPU might see it's way clear to fire a lava cannon or other appropriate weapon at such juncture instead of employing statistical chicanery, a cop-out in my view. PT should be destined to become a wildly popular game if not for being hamstrung by the mistrust engendered toward the platform by the dubious protocols recently enacted. I do appreciate the line of sight weapon aiming improvements and I'm sure the game's developer's are merely walking the fine line of cost vs. benefit (given the game's current position in the marketplace) the best they see fit.....however, returning to a level playing field and fine tuning the CPU's set of reasonable response options would make for an even more enjoyable gaming experience.


Long live PT,


TS

[Santris15]

Makes me want network play even more now!

[Techstuf]

Ditto. PT has been growling for a network debut from the start. But then I'm biased because I'd make you all my grunts from the get go.

TS