| Automated race file generation |
Wed, 21 September 2005 14:16  |
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 WhiteNoise |
 | Civilian |
Messages: 2
Registered: September 2005 | |
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Hi,
As this is my first post to this forum, please forgive any newby errors.
One of the nice aspects of Stars! is the ability to automate much of the game. For example creating a new game/universe using the stars! -a option, or running turns using the -b option.
In order to try out different race designs to learn of strengths & weaknesses, it would be very useful to be able to generate a race file automatically, as opposed to working your way through the "custom race wizard".
Is there any application/method for generating a race file, eg using a race.def file similar to the game.def file used for the -a option.
I look forward to flood of suggestions.
Regards
WhiteNoise
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| Re: Automated race file generation |
Wed, 21 September 2005 17:40  |
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| Steve |
 | Officer Cadet 1st Year |
Messages: 217
Registered: November 2002
Location: 40 deg N, 90 deg W | |
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Suggestion:
Start with a generic HG race for say JOAT - say 19% growth, centered habs, IFE, NRSE, NAS, RS, OBRM, factories 12/9/16/g, mines 10/3/16, Cheap weapons everything else expensive. Note you have to adjust the habs last.
Test it.
Change the PRT and adjust the habs to make the points fit.
Test the results and see other changes that jump out based on the strengths/weaknesses of the other PRT. Probably does not work well with AR and HE.
Next try a race with G immune and test the variations.
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| Re: Automated race file generation |
Fri, 23 September 2005 04:46 |
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| WhiteNoise |
| Civilian |
Messages: 2
Registered: September 2005 | |
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Thanks for your replies and suggestions. I'm following them up.
On a related note, is it possible to get the AI to play a custom race?
The reason for asking this is because there are a huge number of possibilities that I would like to explore systematically. The simplest way to achieve this would be to design a race and then let an expert AI run it while recording progress for that race. This would allow me to rapidly find examples of both good and awful race designs, from which I could learn a lot by playing through personally. More importantly, it would mean that I wouldn't have to play a large number of marginal race designs that would teach me little compared to the time taken.
While I can get the "Housekeeper AI" to run a custom race, as the manual explains: "This AI will keep planets and fleets active, making sure your production queues are busy, etc. This AI does not develop any strategy for you."
Have I missed something in the game setup or hosting dialogs/options that will allow me to request that a game is played by the expert AI using a custom race design. Or is there a stand-alone AI that can be used, like the computer players available for vga-planets, eg SpaceLord, Admiral & Cplayer?
Regards
WhiteNoise
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| Re: Automated race file generation |
Fri, 23 September 2005 08:33 |
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| iztok |
 | Commander |
Messages: 1207
Registered: April 2003
Location: Slovenia, Europe | |
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Hi!
| WhiteNoise wrote on Fri, 23 September 2005 10:46 |
there are a huge number of possibilities that I would like to explore systematically. The simplest way to achieve this would be to design a race and then let an expert AI run it...
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Don't. When you'll be over with your first PBEM game you'll eat a dozen of expert AIs before brakfast  . The best way to learn is to play in a game with real opponent(s). But first you need to get some knowledge about game mechanics, and that's what testbeds are for.
Throw together a race (best way is to modify "standard" Humanoids the way Steve proposed), and put it in a tiny packed universe without opponents and with checked AccBBS start. Play it for 50 turns several times. Directions, how to play you'll find at "Stars! must know forum" here on AH.
When you'll be able to constantly get over 25000 resources by turn 50 you'll be ready for a beginner game. If you'd still like to train a bit more, start the game in small packed uni with two expert Robotoids and one expert Cybertron and also check "Computer players form alliances" (this will only prevent them attacking each other on purpose). First 30-50 turns will be interesting as to learn how to throw together defensive measures (minefields, orbitals, ships) and execute pop-drops (drop you population on planets of other players to take over them). But when you'll field BBs with Jihads / Jugg's, the game wil be pretty much over and you'll only learn how to mop-up the defeated player(s).
So please start playing PBEM ASAP (we need fresh blood, literarily  ).
BR, Iztok
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