More defensive combat AI

[Checkmaty]

Currently the AI is way too aggressive in close combat with melee weapons. They will constantly swing away at eachother and rarely block or parry any incoming attacks, basically showing little to no signs of self preservation. As a player I can just block/parry an attack from the AI then swing and score a hit over and over again allowing me to defeat large groups on my own (this is on hardest difficulty). AI vs AI combat is a hug fest with the faster attacker constantly stun locking the opponent until he is dead or unconscious. Large melees end way too fast (under 30 seconds) with most combatants dieing the instant the two sides meet.

A more defensive AI would add much to the combat IMO. Having the AI block or parry incoming attacks more often would up the difficulty, make large battles last longer, and improve the visual/audio atmosphere of combat. Maybe even adding in a defensive move like backing out of range of an incoming attack would also be great.


     

 

[LordMutaz]

it really depends..

I've noticed that when I go beserk on them, they will try to defend as long as possible, really they are trying to break your shield so you have NO defense period.

 

[Checkmaty]

I've also noticed them retreating when outmatched but when standing toe to toe with a shieldless AI almost all my attacks will score a hit. Practically every swing from combatants in a large melee is a hit unless they are directed at me. Armor is the only thing keeping the AI alive for more than 5 seconds in battle.

 

[GaGrin]

This goes along with them being completely unaware of weapon reach too.  No matter the optimal range of their weaponry, they love to get as close as possible which means troops with long reach are throwing away that advantage almost instantly.

 

[Durandal]

This goes along with them being completely unaware of weapon reach too.  No matter the optimal range of their weaponry, they love to get as close as possible which means troops with long reach are throwing away that advantage almost instantly.

They also do a lot of swinging while just out of range. This makes it a lot easier to kick their butts, as you can whack them with a big two handed weapon while they're recovering from a rather ill-advised strike.