How about fixing the arena AI?

[Ludial]

Really now, I barely start the fight and I get hit from four different directions at the same time. They just love so much to gang up that I don't even see a fight. And the sprint feature means that Athletics would not help you outrun them. And it's not just me - it's an arena feature that also works against the AI at times. Four to six fellas just decide to team up and screw everyone else. I just had a 'fight' where all seven(yes, seven) NPCs dropped alongside me in the arena went after me. So nobody else to hit them in the back, no outrunning them. In M&B, at least, they'd gang up on you after you knocked out at least a dozen, or used the bow too much. Fair and square. In Warband, it simply sucks. This isn't training anymore, it's 'come to get your arse kicked around like football'.

 

[Winterwolf00]

If you want training go to the training field. The Arena's money isn't worth the effort anyway.

 

[Ludial]

What's the point of the arena then? It was supposed to be for training. Now it's bs.

 

[RalliX]

Indeed, I think arena winnings should be at least doubled, and let you be able to choose what weapons you spawn with.
I also think arena tunics to cover our ugly-arse rears should be put on us.

 

[Ludial]

Indeed, I think arena winnings should be at least doubled, and let you be able to choose what weapons you spawn with.
I also think arena tunics to cover our ugly-arse rears should be put on us.

I wasn't talking about that. In M&B the arena was my first source of gruellingly hard earned cash. Something I'd take pride in because winning there was truly an achievement for a new character; hell, I know I've taken a pounding even with lvl30 chars, that's how unpredictable success there could be. But it was immense fun despite all the frustration. Most of all, it was excellent training, both for practicing tactics and fighting styles and for upping weapon proficiencies(along with my first five or so levels and some cash). The fact that it would drop one with random weapons meant all proficiencies could be trained(I actually regret crossbows and throwing weapons are only available in some tournaments). Now there is one outcome in the arena and only one - gangbang. The only characters that have some chance of survival in there are veterans with proficiencies in the 300s and some particularly skilled fighters in front of the keyboard. Which basically completely eliminates the purpose of the arena as a training ground. If the AI won't be changed, than the arena should be at least removed.

Which reminds me - arenas aren't exactly period-correct. Instead, those training grounds that only serve as props in most castles could be given a real purpose. It would be more realistic. And in towns the devs could introduce military training plazas that would have similar functions to arenas. And training should only be done with whatever soldiers are available in the town or castle, including the player's garrison and mercs in taverns and lords(essentially large sparring fights).

 

[venomousraptor]

It'd be nice if the arena horses could make tighter circles so the AI wouldn't constantly run into walls.

Even I have difficulty turning the horse properly in the small enclosed spaces. I can imagine the AI is completely helpless with regard to that.

 

[looy]

It'd be nice if the arena horses could make tighter circles so the AI wouldn't constantly run into walls.

This, cavalry battles in the arena are a total joke.

Anyway, I think the AI needs tuning up in lots of places, but the arena is one area where its particularly bad. You can't win 2v1 fights without at least taking a hit (the second guy will hit you through his teamates' falling corpse).

 

[Awec]

Not to mention the fact that archers in the arena almost always shoot the player rather than anyone else.
I don't understand why you can be an archer in the arena. With wooden swords and things it's going to hurt but you won't take serious damage. With arrows, as my teachers used to say when I threw pencils, you could take someone's eye out.
The archers also don't tend to move, which can result in another archer spawning on top of the first, which is just plain stupid.
Plus, barely any (and in the case of archers, none) fighters spawn with the same weapon as the player.
And one last point, it's just infuriating to be going on a streak only to have some ******* spawn directly behind you and 1hit you before you turn around to check. There should at least be some kind of door into the arena that fighters run down, rather than just randomly appearing.

 

[Askorti]

It'd be nice if the arena horses could make tighter circles so the AI wouldn't constantly run into walls.

Even I have difficulty turning the horse properly in the small enclosed spaces. I can imagine the AI is completely helpless with regard to that.

Actually... Its a greatest possible tactics in a tourney. Long time ago I noticed that its possible and very easy to force bots go run at the wall... Then I just kill them without any worry
But I agree, it should be changed.

 

[Xzafierk]

I agree with every single suggestion in this thread also can we have throwing weapons and crossbows in the regular arena

 

[RSwordsman]

I agree with every single suggestion in this thread also can we have throwing weapons and crossbows in the regular arena

Throwing weapons would be good, but a crossbow seems like it would be more of a liability. Since it's always free-for-all, you'd probably only have time for one shot unless you have high xbow skill before the enemy is in front of you. Although now that I think of it, the "skirmisher" loadout in Rhodok tournaments would fit well in the regular arena. Light crossbow and arming sword; I'd actually really like that combo.