Fri May 04, 2007 5:15 pm
Indeed...
One way would be to have "programmed" divisions appear, like the reinforcements of historic brigades, with an HQ, general and perhaps the historic brigade already contained in the division. That way Athena not only does not have to "buy", or even move the HQ, it will just appear for her in theater for her to use. She then only needs to know how to "fill out" a division with reinforcements.
This would especially help on the more "historical" formations... such as Stuart and his cavalry.
If Athena understands how to fill the divisions and use them in the army organization, having leaders appear attached to a divisional HQ would also be a good idea. Though most folks don't like the AI "cheating", I would hardly call assisting the Athena with army organization even close. It's a way to enable her to at least maintain parity with humans capable of abstract thinking.
I would say a combination of both is the best. A few historical units and a few HQs in theater to give greater balance to Athena, who is fighting with one arm behind her back.
You can do this and still maintain historical accuracy if you tie the appeareance of certain brigades and leaders (with division HQs) along the ACW timeline.
I'd go easy at first, put say 5 or 6 per side in a patch and see how the players react. I can't see anything but good coming from this.
Ray (aka LAVA)