Required Modpack (if not included with the download):
UserPatch 1.1
; Illuminati AI v1.1
; by Aleph
; ==== SETTINGS ====
; Game Version: AoC UP 1.5
; Game Mode: Random Map
; Civ: Any
; Teams: Any
; Map: Any land map except Michi. Works best on open maps like Arabia.
; Map Size: Any (should correspond to number of players)
; Difficulty: Hard
; Resources: Standard (Low)
; Population: Any
; Reveal Map: Normal
; Starting Age: Standard
; Victory: Conquest
; Teams Together: On
; Lock Teams: On
; All Techs: Off
; ==== TAUNTS ====
; 120 - force monks-only strategy (only 1v1 and monk civ - AZT/BYZ/JAP/SAR/SPA/TEU)
; 123 - confirm illuminati
; 250 - chat current strategy (allies, self, AI enemy in 1v1)
; == NOTES ==
; UserPatch required, does not work with Age2:HD
; does not cheat
; cannot play water maps or michi-type maps
; not optimised for pre-walled maps (e.g. Arena) and chokepoint maps (e.g. Black Forest)
; designed to excel against other AIs in tournament settings
; will work well in mixed AI teams and against humans, but not a good teammate for humans
; changelog 1.0c -> 1.1
; - new supplementary/counter unit system - will no longer make too many different unit types
; - overhauled retreat from TC/castle for much better reliability and versatility
; - will now also save scout from enemy TC
; - will now pick smush strategy more often (FC maps)
; - will now mine or buy stone when needed to rebuild/relocate its TC
; - vastly improved monk micro
; - monk micro now also works vs multiple opponents
; - mangonel micro now also works vs multiple opponents
; - made deer lure and boar steal more precise
; - improved many other duc features using 1.5 commands
; - improved mill placement and timing
; - improved land nomad TC placement
; - improved first lumber camp placement
; - improved team game resign rule
; - added a few 1.5 SNs
; - added Subjugator, Maiar and Pharaon to the list of AIs it can co-op attack with
; - fixed some problems caused by obsolete code
; - fixed a critical bug that happened if the initial barracks construction was cancelled
; - fixed a rare bug that could stop vill production while trying to rebuild
; - fixed a bug that would sometimes build a farm before having a lumbercamp
; - fixed 2 bugs that caused boar steal to be aborted mistakenly
; - fixed a very rare bug that could prevent buildings from being placed
; - fixed a rare but critical bug that could prevent building the first lumber camp
; - many minor tweaks and fixes
Illuminati is a fine AI and an excellent addition to the UserPatch AI Scripting Ladder. Though a rather specific AI tailored to 1v1s as Aztecs on open maps, Illuminati stands as a prime example of what can be achieved when elite scripting skills are meshed with the increased potential that the UserPatch allows AI scripters with various new forms of functionality. As of now it sits at an ELO rating of 1628 in the ladder, a very impressive achievement given the company in which it stands.
With regard to gameplay, the AI benefits from the high level of game knowledge exhibited by its scripter, who used to commonly play AoE2 multiplayer at a competitive level. Unsuspecting players will watch in shock as their base is overpowered by masses of Monks, pikes, eagles, and siege. Furthermore, the early game of this AI is formidable, and it can achieve Castle Age times quite impressive for an AI. Although there are a few things that could be improved (such as a dearth of military buildings as evidenced in some ladder games) and some bugs here and there, the author has done an excellent job of responding to feedback and improving his AI accordingly.
Additional Comments:
An up-and-coming AI, Illuminati definitely deserves a look. Even experienced multiplayer players will find it to be a healthy challenge, and I'm sure that as time goes on the author will continue to improve it even further. Excellent work, Aleph!
[Edited on 01/12/16 @ 01:50 PM]
estyty
Posted on 12/19/16 @ 02:16 PM
Rating
4.5
Illuminati is definitely a TOP AI and at least a MUST HAVE.
Its newest version "0.9" is hugely improved for teamgames. Keep up the good work Aleph :D