I'm done with the basic A.I. fixes. I think you guys are going to like this.

The new EXE is added to the basic HAM 3.6 download (see top of this thread). There are now TWO EXE files inside the package. The one called "JA2_with_HAM_3.6_Beta_PLUSAI.EXE" will run the improved AI system.

This dual-exe configuration should players to use either EXE to compare which one has the better A.I. I'm hoping to hear feedback on this issue as soon as possible!

Peace.

We should get those fixes into the SVN source code post-haste. I'm not sure who's in charge of that, but if you're reading this, pretty please?

As for improving the A.I., we'll need a whole new thread and discussion with the community about which way they want to take it. In the meanwhile, I'm going to try and focus on what can be done about the current setup, and improvements we can make to it to make the A.I. more fun/interesting/difficult. This may take a while (my time isn't as open as I'd like), but I'll report everything I find or think up.

Also Headrock, I may start referring to you as HeadSock again, as I feel it more aptly describes your coding skills (ninja-esque).

I'll begin some testing tomorrow with the new EXE. I'm planning on using the 25 APs system and playing the first couple of maps (Omerta, squad encounter on the way to Drassen, all three Drassen maps). I'll report my finding here.

Once again, thanks for all your hardwork. I hope Telpscorei and yourself will make this game even more enjoyable.

Make sure to also test mid-game. Early game AI isn't suffering as much as midgame and lategame AI from the current problems. So improvements aren't likely to show clearly in early game

That may not be the best idea. Moreso than any other feature, messing with the AI could have all sorts of unintended consequences. It will have to remain in testing for a while before we can say that it's solid enough for the SVN.



I tested it at roughly 30 progress. Here's what I got:

I played out a battle between 18 Elite Militia and ~8 Red Enemies at the Cambria Mine (WildFire map). The AI seems much more willing to open fire - In fact, with the INCREASE_AI_WILLINGNESS_TO_SUPPRESS setting turned on, I got massive amounts of bullets flying. Unfortunately, on that map the militia favoured bunching up on their way around the front of the fence, and there was a lot of shooting friends in the back. However, not counting friendly-fire, the battle would've ended at around 14-0. In other words, the militia (who are also AI controlled) managed to absolutely cream the opposition, primarily by keeping them suppressed.

We need to see what happens in a non-suppressed game with AI Willingness not turned on. I bet it would go differently. Most importantly, those of you who have been complaining about AI issues, try to see if those issues don't occur as often. It's unlikely that this EXE changes the AI radically, but it should at least encourage the enemy to open fire more than it usually does.

Well I may have a suggestion for the AI on one matter. Seeing as the decision data gets deleted upon movement to next action, maybe we could add in a parameter that takes into account previous actions. For instance the AI forgets where an enemy is due to tunnel vision = running repeatedly in and out of a lightsource (breaklight, flare, ambient light). If there was a way for it to remember where it last saw an enemy during it's turn and through a single subsequent turn then it would prevent it's secondary, tertiary and further calculations from disregarding technically known enemy positions.

Secondly is there a way to link the radio contact call with two separate functions. First upon sighting an enemy and calling in it's position to others in the sector. Secondly to let snipers have a bead on a target (equals lots of more deadly hidden snipers...).

Should make things more interesting, but they are only suggestions.

Finally one thing that should be easier than AI hacking, could you please have a look at the coolness progression vs enemy equipment code? Mainly because of the exploit of using the latest guns on your squad to get the best items off the AI Elites. Currently I can have Coolness 10 guns by Drassen and Cambria going via Chitzena, Chit SAM and San Mona. This would be max 8 days into the game. It's even quicker if I start with a KAC PDW which is Coolness 6 to start with, which has resulted in more than one Dragunov or equivalent off the Elite in Omerta on Expert or Insane level.

This already happens.



Wait, so you're saying the enemy picks its weapons based on how good YOUR weapons are? I thought it was based on progress?

No it doesn't. What happens is that if a target is in LOS at the end of an enemies turn all enemies have LOS on that target. If you are not in LOS at the end of the turn, yet you were spotted during it, a sniper will not fire as it is classed as not having been seen.

That's from a players perspective rather than a coding perspective though.


Correct. It's supposed to be based on progress but the Elites can bypass the cap if you have weapons at the cap level. However there is no limit on their bypass so they keep on being 1-2 coolness grade choices above your current loadout rather than the global coolness cap. This means if you have that KAC PDW at the beginning there is a chance the Elite will be equipped with a Coolness 7-8 gun instead of a Coolness 3 gun max. A very big balance issue that has followed over from Vanilla, where it didn't matter so much due to the limited arsenal.

I'd sy this is a myth. I haven't seen a single believable account of it.




And some pople are just prone to conspiracy theories and ludicrous post-hoc rationalisations

Actually you're right. On EXPERT and INSANE. These difficulty settings allow enemies to use each others' LOS freely, without having to get reports. However, it is supposed to work the way you described in NOVICE and EXPERIENCED. I haven't played either of those modes in a while, though.



I can't confirm nor deny. I believe I've already had this discussion though and looked through the code for clues. If I remember correctly, I found only progress-based dependencies. Elites do get a bonus though, they can get pretty good equipment at the start of the game. But it doesn't depend on what YOU'RE carrying.

How many saves would you like. I have many many with me having Coolness 10 weapons with global progress of only 20-30.


Sometimes a conspiracy is true. First thing with a theory defined as a conspiracy is denial, followed by hostility, followed by universal truth as though the originator was always right and it was ludicrous to think otherwise once it is proven.

I've checked it again (yeah, this is all very familiar, meaning I've already checked this a while ago). Elites can easily reach coolness 10 weapons. And no, it has nothing to do with your equipment. In fact, it has much more to do with your current location on the map. The closer you get to meduna, the more high-end weapons you'll encounter. In fact, I can't even find any correlation to player progress at all.

P.S. one of the reasons that coolness 10 weapons are available is that the enemy item choice list allows some of them at what would nominally be coolness 9, possibly even 8.

It's a very complex when you get down to it. I suggest you activate Slow_Weapon_Progress and see if that works for you.

Tried that. Here are a few screenies:

Click image for real size


Click image for real size


Click image for real size


Click image for real size


Click image for real size


Click image for real size


Click image for real size


These range from SVN 1001 to 1165. It still occurs even with 1205 but I have now current saves left due to a corruption of my JA2 Section on my HD

Will have some more new ones with 1205 as I test further with my current build. Thing is I can verify that I have seen this repeatedly since before HAM came about. The last three cannot be explained by location or progression seeing as progression is below 10 and the SL8, G41A2 and G3A3 are all level 5 coolness and all dropped by AI. No purchasing going on as progression doesn't allow it.

*Shrugs* what can I tell you, that's how the weapon choice mechanic works. In theory, at cambria you should be able to get weapons of category 6-8 from dead elites. It has nothing to do with what weapons you're holding though, that's all I'm saying. As to whether or not this should be changed... I'm not sure exactly how to go about that. Fix weapon choice to progress? Remove elite advantage?

It's cool

The problem is I can use this exploit whenever indepedent of location or progress so there must be something happening somewhere to interfere. I just don't know how

An elite can drop coolness 5 weapons pretty much at the game start. None of your screens shows anything that is beyond the usual mechanic. What happens is that your brain tries to find explanations from correlations it sees in the game. Don't worry, happens to everybody at some point. Sometimes you're fooled, sometimes you make a good catch. This time you were most likely fooled.
But of course if code relating to this theory of yours is found, then that'll only show how many aspects are covered by this great game

Yeah true. Thing is though I have noticed on many occasions that Coolness 8 Snipers have dropped in Omerta (yes I checked the equipment of placed enemies in the map) but only when I had the KAC PDW. It never happened with a Coolness 5 or less weapon equipped. I would really love to find out whether it is just my imagination or whether it is just that something else is borked.

BTW in the images above you'll note that KSVK's in Cambria is actually out of progression range in the first image.

The G3A3 well out in the 2nd image (Progress 5/7 out of 100).

Plus the last 4 all have Coolness 5 guns with progression less than 10.

With that 2nd pic I actually tested the theory in that game ages ago and it started in Cambria with that gun and ended 4 sectors later with G11's, KSVK's and OSV 96's (last two are both Coolness 10) just from equipping the highest level guns that were dropped. NO other variables were altered, though I was fighting in Cambria. Then after that a test where I equipped with level 3-4 coolness weapons and armour/attachments and I got drops in the region of 5-6 coolness. So unless I am mistaken there is something somewhere causing this, or I am very lucky in Cambria

In your first image, you're at progression 30 and in Cambria (closer to Meduna than e.g. in chitzena) so i'd say you get weapons from pretty much all tiers. At which one is the KSVK in 1.13? i don't know that off-hand.


G3 as in 5th slot is NOT out of the order at progress 5 out of 100 in cambria. Cambria is a lot closer to meduna that for example chitzena. Do you have any examples of this happening in chitzena?


Again, coolness 5 guns can be dropped pretty much at the beginning of the game. I give you one very specific example: in C13 there's an enemy placed that would, if present in the map as elite, always drop ak-103, MSG-90 and comparable weapons (in earlier 1.13, but they were at tier 5 or 6 those weapons). I looked up this placement in the map and well, it all goes the usual way and this character is correct to draw weapons from that tier, even if it seemed very odd, it was correct. At progress of below 10 and as far away from meduna as drassen. This is completely normal behaviour. The reasons why we see it so much more often in 1.13 are, i guess, more enemies and extra elites and also more rapid jumps in progression. It all adds up so far without some ghost function intervening.

KSVK and OSV-96 are both Coolness 10. I got the OSV in bottom right of Cambria. Got KSVK in bottom left of Cambria (not mine the one above it). I have had MSG-90's in the patrol's around Drassen (I know they aren't equipped normally on the random patrol's). I have had HK21e's from the patrol on the crossing 2 squares below Omerta. How I beat the DCA once in fact due to that gun.


Yes SL8 in Chitzena.


Thing is this is not just on Insane or Expert level, it occurs on lower levels too. Happens on Novice too. Just go grab a roving patrol down near Cambria before progression goes anywhere and if you have that KAC PDW you'll get drops of G11's and so on. Cambria isn't nearer to Meduna than Grumm and I get worse drops in Grumm than Cambria. But then I could indeed be wrong too. I would just like it proven either way.

Ok, I'll go through this one more time, and then this topic will not be discussed on the HAM thread again, alright?

A) Program is trying to randomize an enemy. It randomizes an "equipment modifier" for this specific enemy.

• Distance to P3 is the base factor. Its range is -5 to +5.
• Modified by a random number between 0 and 9, giving a possible range of -5 to +14.
• It is then min/maxed to a range of 0 to 9 again.
• A result of 0 gives an Equipment Modifier of 0
• A result of 1-2 gives an Equipment Modifier of 1.
• A result of 3-6 gives an Equipment Modifier of 2.
• A result of 7-8 gives an Equipment Modifier of 3.
• A result of 9 gives an Equipment Modifier of 4.

B) This equipment modifier is then used to calculate how good the soldier's equipment (gun included) will be, compared to a "basic" loadout. It starts by calculating a Difficulty Modifier.

• At INSANE difficulty, the base modifier is equal to 30.
• If PROGRESS is greater than 0, the base modifier is increased by 5 points.
• If the player is not making any money from mines yet, the modifier is decreased by 5 points.
• The difficulty modifier is increased by (HighestProgressSoFar / 2).
• Difficulty modifier is AGAIN increased by distance from sector P3. This time it is between 0 and +30.
• Difficulty Modifier is min/maxed to between 0 and 100.

C) A simple calculation will give us the basic weapon level we want:

• Basic Weapon Level = ((DifficultyModifier / 10) - 5) + Equipment Modifier

D) We figure out a modifier based on the enemy's level.

• ADMIN Level Modifier = 1
• REDSHIRT Level Modifier = 3
• BLACKSHIRT Level Modifier = 5
• Basic Weapon Level is increased by Soldier's Level Modifier

E) Roll a random number.

• For ADMINs:
• No modifier
• For REDSHIRTs:
• Number rolled between 0 and 6
• If it comes up 3, increase Basic Weapon Level by 1 point.
• If it comes up 4, decrease Basic Weapon Level by 1 point.
• For BLACKSHIRTs:
• Number rolled between 0 and 10 (or 11, if using NIV)
• If it comes up 4 or 10, increase Basic Weapon Level by 1 point.
• If it comes up 5, decrease Basic Weapon Level by 1 point.

F) Basic Weapon Level is min/maxed to between 1 and 10.
G) Basic Weapon Level is used to get a random gun. This is done by looking at the category corresponding with the Basic Weapon Level value, in the file (DataFolder)\TableData\EnemyGunChoices.XML. Any weapon in that category can be selected. COOLNESS IS IRRELEVANT.

---------------------

Let's see what can happen in Omerta on day 1, INSANE difficulty.

A) Distance Modifier as calculated will return a value of 6. After further calculation, the actual modifier is -3. A random value of 0 to 9 is added, giving -3 to 6. It is min/maxed to a range of 0 to 6. Within this range, the final Equipment Modifier (which we will use later) will be between 0 and +2. In fact, 40% chance of it being +2, and 20% chance of it being +1.
B) Insane difficulty gives a base 30. Progress is 0, so we get +5. However, we are not producing mine income, so we get -5. Distance modifier is applied again, giving us +6 points, for a total of +36 Difficulty Modifier.
C) Calculation between Equipment Modifier and Difficulty Modifier yields between -2 and 0. This is the basic weapon level.
D) Blackshirts have a Character Level Modifier of +5. Add to the Basic Weapon Level to get a range between (0+5)=5 and (-2+5)=3. Let's take the best (and most likely) outcome of 5.
E) Roll a random number between 0 and 11 (assuming NIV). ~16% chance to get +1 to the basic weapon level, and ~8% chance to get -1.
F) min/max is irrelevant. Our current range is between 4 and 6. Let's take the best outcome, the 6.
G) Pick from category 6 in EnemyGunChoices.XML. These choices include:

• SVD
• FAMAS
• Five-SeveN
• G36C
• FNC
• M16A4
• AK-107/AK-108
• AS-Val
• M1919
• M14
• RPK-74

Among others.

Getting even closer to Meduna, and raising progress level to ~30, could potentially increase the gun choice level to 8 or possibly even 9.

Now, if I ever have to repeat this again, I will personally shoot myself in the head.

Ok thanks for clearing that up. Sorry for going on about it, but it does annoy me that you can get overly effective weaponry so early in the game.

Still a very convoluted formula for giving entirely inappropriate weaponry too early though

Then I suggest you use SLOW_WEAPON_PROGRESS: Remove points (A) and (D), and replace the calculation in point (C) with (DifficultyModifier / 10). Simpler.

In the Omerta example, the enemy will be limited to a choice from category 3:

• G41A2
• SOCOM
• Guyrza
• Stechkin APS
• SIG P226R.40
• Desert Eagle
• M-900
• Mosin Nagant

Etcetera.

Sounds promising

Feedback time:
On the Main Strategic window, the text in it's box doesn't wrap correctly and runs off the right side. Happens in both 800x600 and 1024x768 (haven't tested 640x480 as not editing the interface in that!!). EDIT: Happens in 640x480 mode too...
This may have been pointed out already...

Bug two, may not be related to HAM at all, but when you hire a merc for a day and have set a different landing zone time (instead of 7am you use 5am for instance) you get extra hours for free. Looks like the contracts always start at 7am when landing in Omerta.

Huh. Previously it was being cut-off prematurely. I've got to get that value right once and for all!



Probably not HAM related, but I'll have a look anyway.

[EDIT: Can you get me a screenshot of that text run-off?]

sure


Click image for real size



Click image for real size


Also might not be HAM related but doing a 640x480 test and used goggle switch (Shift+N) and ended up with a NADA item on Raven's helmet!

If we are talking about the AI ...
I BASE_SIGHT_RANGE increased to values of 20-30. In this case, the enemies seen me and do not have enough long-range weapons, "dying away" on the spot, without attempting to find shelter or change position. Naturally, they became very light and helpless targets for my sniper!

Is anyone using the Enhanced AI EXE yet?

@ Kaerar: Please note that the program doesn't dynamically adjust line width when changing resolution AFTER receiving the message. In other words, if the message was received in 1024x768, if you switch to 800x600 the message will be truncated. It's a program limitation. I've also adjusted the end of the line so that the few end pixels don't get cut off at the resolution in which they were received.

I'm going to try it out and report back, just need to reinstall my whole machine at first + other things.

LOL! "Just"!

However met this yesterday:
The baddies took a sector in Drassen while my party was away and was no militia to defend and I kept a lot of stuff there from many previous battles. About 2 days later I reoccupied the sector and many of the items (mostly ammo, camo kits, medikits, vests etc.) were doubled or tripled, with the same quality/quantity percentages and packages.

I'm really anxious to try any improvements in AI, but I'll have to finish my own over-ambitious project first.
It'll probably be HAM 12.6omega by then.

EDIT: and wow, that's kinda a special bug xD must be the "friendly neighbours bringing presents" mod

Didn't know there was one Going to test it now

As for the truncation that was my bad I took the wrong screen grab. That wasn't supposed to be the one I posted but you get the idea


I remember having a duping bug a while back too, though it was a much older build. I wonder if someone else can shed some light on this one

I am. So far, I've only done some testing with Hitman on the first Omerta map. From what I've seen, the AI is fixed: enemy soldiers fire much more often, while still seeking cover sometimes.

This was with all basic HAM options turned on and with the 25 APs system. I'll continue testing and keep you informed.

I guess then that this is a result of capping the CTH minimum at 1 for AI calculations. With more "unlikely but possible" shots to consider (rather than "completely hopeless" 0 CTH shots), the AI is less likely to reach the cover calculation.

What are "basic" HAM options?

to Headrock
As for HAM (and HAM 3.6 in particular) - excellent, great work!
As for AI (HAM3.6_AI test). A good modification. But there is nuance. Enemies do not change the route of the movement. They reach a certain point, "decide to" hide and ... few passages reappear in the same place! Thus they have ~ 0 chance to come to the necessary distance and open fire on my mercenaries.
http://tinypic.ru/?do=view&pic=2010022205740_244.jpg

Yeah, I wasn't expecting to solve that issue. They don't randomize their movement. I might be able to do something about this, but it would require a more thorough alteration of the AI routine.

I believe in the success of your work and mental support!

In fact, the enemies (with a medium-range weapons) do not have enough aggressiveness. In my understanding they are storm-troopers - the backbone, shock core. They have less to hide and attack, even under a hail of bullets (crawl, if the danger is very great - this is not done in any of AI).
How to be a kamikaze-soldiers (who have only a pistol) I do not know (Keep close to friends and wait for someone to kill them to pick up his weapons?)

Thanks, I definitely need... err... mental support.



True. Probably because the function that looks for better cover only allows them to close the distance if the enemy is significantly weaker than they are. However, this isn't easy to change without making the AI even more stupid.

Sorry I meant with all the default parameters (i.e I didn't touch the INI).

Now, I've started a new game and conquered Drassen. Everything if fine so far.

@all: HAM 3.6 is now merged in the official 1.13 source. There is also a new Release EXE available. Take a look in the 1.13 release thread:
http://www.ja-galaxy-forum.com/board/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=244934&page=0#Post244934

No rest for the wicked though, I'm trying to rearrange the entire INI file as we speak. My god that thing is so messy I can't believe anyone can make sense of it all.

Don't worry, no one does!

Having fun with the facilities right now, even though I think the penalties for using them are sometimes quite heavy (just lost a permanent health point at Drassen airport while training militia). But for now, I left the FacilityTypes XML untouched.

As I always say, keep your mercs in good shape, if you lose a few health points you should give them a little exercise to train them back up. The club at San Mona is great for this, BTW.

Still, I myself am getting fed up with people reporting that airport penalty (it's not your fault, I guess people will always find it unacceptable...), I'm probably going to remove it altogether.

UPDATE

The HAM 3.6 Settings Package has been released. This comes instead of HAM 3.6 Full, as there's no reason to release that anyway now that HAM 3.6 is part of the main 1.13 download.

The package includes INI and XML files that activate all HAM features to their optimal levels, including all 19 HAM facilities. This package is meant to be installed on top of JA2 1.13 build 1208 or later. It does not overwrite any files, and can be easily switched on and off using a VFS file.

The package also includes the PlusAI executable, for those of you who want to try out the (hopefully) improved combat AI. Help us test this baby so that it too can join the rest of HAM 3.6 in the main code.

Check out the top page of this thread for more info about the Settings Package.

Hi. So what's been going on in here? Anything new?




Just teasing. I am looking forward to getting back to 1.13 and this all looks good.

Nope. Still trying to get that suppression formula working. It's been holding back the release of HAM 2.3 for almost two years. I can't get my head around it.

And you?

A borg like mentality army would be soooo awesome .. Imagined if they starts suppressing in order to let the flanker to close in from your sides.

Good luck is the best I can offer to you. Until STOMP catch up with HAM 3.6 and hopefully includes your improved AI system .. I cant play yours

Man, only wish I can have time to play this new ham.

IMHO needs to be changed Armory line of the enemy (I will try)
IMHO, with pistols, no AI can not do anything
pistols and SMG are not for the infantry, they can give some guards in the sectors ...