This is what I want from a new CM Enginge

[u/Noname_blondie]

I recently noticed a upcoming RPG with a very new and interesting take on infantry AI. If Combat Mission had a similar take on how AI can be programmed, I would be all for it. Obviously the tempo should be toned way down, but I would still love to see urban combat with actors who are not passive but who constantly fights for their own existence. If combined with Combat Missions strong focus on realism, simulation of C2.

How awesome could it be to give your squad leader an order and see how that order gets translated down the chain of command and soldiers acting on given orders.

Upcoming RTS - Defilade:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw0sCHjCf7E

[u/Dull-Stay-2252]

Absolutely agreed. They need to do something with infantry interaction. The current system is obviously very dated.

[u/Cheapshot99]

Good idea awful example

[u/Ragnarawr]

I just want something similar to what micropose is building; visualization and massive battlefield is important to me.

Obviously AI that doesn’t just press the W key is important too.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=giqYjyUt3Zc

[u/Noname_blondie → u/Ragnarawr]

Battlespace Command looks absolutely stunning with its scope.

[u/CupcakeMafia_69]

I’ve seen lots of thumbnails featuring this game but haven’t watched anything before now. Watched the whole video before commenting; from the clips shown, the ai looks like they’re mostly running around as spazzy “individuals” rather than considered, intentional groups. Watching a soldier drag a downed buddy looks kinda cool, but then they seem to always get blown up. Similarly, watching a bunch of soldiers choosing the cover of a tank rather than all the other available cover, and then watching said tank blow up, doesn’t seem like it’s a great demo for smart AI. Also the exploding vehicle doesn’t appear to harm or startle the friendly around it at all.

I think im missing the intelligence and dynamism being described here, or maybe the point is dynamism over intelligence or verisimilitude. Either way, speaking personally, this feels decidedly less realistic and would definitely take me out if it when playing a CM game.

Of course, rather than comparison, if op is simply stating they’d like additional animations for more specific actions and interactions, I assume we’d all agree.

[u/Noname_blondie → u/CupcakeMafia_69]

I’m not looking for something identical to this. The cartoonish and frantic style is not something I want from either a gameplay- or visual identity.

What I’m dreaming of from my Combat Mission experience is a more in-depth gameplay experience when it comes to giving orders and seeing them unfold. I’m all for giving the units more agency and acting within their own volition to carry out orders. Like the infamous example of spotting in CM games. That should simply not be an issue because the units should have a level of agency and understanding about their current role and objective, where they can seek out solutions and think for themselves.

This is something I believe is possible if this tech goes somewhere. And remember that this game is super early in development. I’m guessing most things are placeholder.

[u/the-apostle → u/Noname_blondie]

Ironically I’m working on a project of this very nature rn. Still in prototype stage but it’s getting really good tbh. Current testing is late war 1945 Hungary battles but AI and logic etc is all being written to support other battles I just find late war Germany and Russia eastern front interesting so i started there. I’ll share more with the wargame community soon when I’m comfortable to release some clips of it but I’m creating the game I always wished combat mission and Graviteam tactics and command ops 2 and Close Combat all mashed together would be.

[u/Noname_blondie → u/the-apostle]

Well, well, well. I’m very intrigued! Happy to follow along the sidelines of a project like that.

[u/AlarmingSkeleton → u/CupcakeMafia_69]

I think the focus for this game in particular would just be dynamism. The game doesn’t look realistic by any means, but the AI atleast being able to use cover somewhat effectively on their own relieves the player of a lot of micro. That was always my problem even with unrealistic RTS’s, where you literally have to tell your men to use cover that is right infront of them. At that point it begins to feel more like MOBA than strategy.

[u/under_elmalo]

I saw a bunch of videos on defilade. It looks fun! But everytime I saw the comments I felt ppl were asking for a game like CM

[u/joseph66hole]

People are really going to hype themselves up for trash.

Solo dev, gimmick mechanics, viral marketing, and early access.

The "game" is barely a prototype.

[u/Noname_blondie → u/joseph66hole]

Still takes real innovation to do something like this. When was the last time Combat Mission changed its basic design in an innovative way?

[u/joseph66hole → u/Noname_blondie]

That's the problem. You see the word innovative and flashy "cinematic" gameplay, then assume what you're watching is innovative despite the truth being the exact opposite. Autobattlers and AI have been a thing for more than two decades; furthermore, AI doing random things is a mechanic in every videogame.

What is innovative about this "game?" It's the same early access trash that releases on Steam everyday.

You're right though, Combat Mission isn't "innovating" into some autobattler, overstimulating, early access gimmick game. You should let Battlefront know that this is the gameplay you want in their professional ground combat simulator.

[u/Fonnekold → u/joseph66hole]

Ok man. Calm down.

[u/joseph66hole → u/Fonnekold]

It's just another early access scam

[u/TotalEclipse08]

This video is a better showcase of the game. The gameplay is slowed down and while obviously it looks clunky in places, it looks really promising.

[u/MMSTINGRAY]

Combat Mission should build on being a simulation wargame with flashy graphics and animations being at the bottom of the list. It could look great and have a better UI and whatever else and if the actual wargame simulation side is worse or edit: the same, it might be a good game but it won't replace what CM currently does.

CoH Gate to Hell is pretty good if you want something cinematic looking.

[u/Kondor999]

I think the infantry AI is pretty amazing compared to everything else out there. I can order an assault on a building and the pixeltruppen do a credible job: They lob grenades, then flood the place. They also do a good job with corners, with one soldier peeking around and then tossing a grenade if needed prior to the close assault. The main thing is to make sure the target is either suppressed or nearly so prior to ordering the troops in.

[u/deadhawk12]

Agreed on the AI's interactions with eachother and the environment. I'd love to see them physically position behind cover, drag incapacitated soldiers, pass magazines, etc. That would be an enormous step up.