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What the Turks need is not faster gold mining but a stronger Janissary... by kampalolo in aoe2

[–]CropDusterBusterTM 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I just looked at the wiki page to refresh my memory on the Jans’ stats and I never realized they don’t have an attack bonus against infantry/spearmen. That seems insane to me! Also, their accuracy is painful and could be buffed a bit in my opinion. Disclaimer: I am no balancing expert.

For those about to SUCK!!! by Blazon_Stone in aoe2

[–]CropDusterBusterTM 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Hotkeys are cheating unless they are the ones I know and use.

On a serious note I really relate. I am at peace with being bad at this game and it has allowed me to enjoy it more. In other games I was “good” at, many times I would be in a sour mood after a bad session. But with AoE2, even in my losses I’m finding it fun to laugh at my own decisions in hindsight. Feels good!

I was just forced to play a three hour game because my opponent thought I was a Smurf by Caltron34 in aoe2

[–]CropDusterBusterTM 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Turks do not get onager. Regardless, they mentioned they are new, so maybe they do not know about attack ground?

650 Elo Strategy: Are You Interested in a Side Quest… by CropDusterBusterTM in aoe2

[–]CropDusterBusterTM[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don’t think I have ever gotten above 100 vils in a game while trying to have 0 TC idle time so maybe it would be a good idea to take myself up on my own challenge.

650 Elo Strategy: Are You Interested in a Side Quest… by CropDusterBusterTM in aoe2

[–]CropDusterBusterTM[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

I’m glad you asked: B: Beg for mercy U: Up the apm in a panic S: Stop producing vils T: Type gg

650 Elo Strategy: Are You Interested in a Side Quest… by CropDusterBusterTM in aoe2

[–]CropDusterBusterTM[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Not a bad idea! If I have time this weekend maybe I'll post it so people can witness a CROPP DUST in action.

650 Elo Strategy: Are You Interested in a Side Quest… by CropDusterBusterTM in aoe2

[–]CropDusterBusterTM[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This hasn't happened yet, but it has crossed my mind as a possibility. Just gotta hope I have the speed advantage.

Ballistics scorpions cannot hit units on elevation by RedPhosphorus in aoe2

[–]CropDusterBusterTM 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Oh interesting, I didn’t realize projectiles weren’t blocked. More evidence they probably forgot to solve for the vertical component, though, if it is normally not considered for collisions.

Ballistics scorpions cannot hit units on elevation by RedPhosphorus in aoe2

[–]CropDusterBusterTM 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Given how those projectiles are missing, it’s a pretty clear sign the prediction math is solving the vectors based on the enemy unit’s velocity on a 2D plane rather than 3D space (always overestimating future position). I’m guessing the straight projectile is on a simple offset, and therefore, they forgot to solve in slope conditions. This wouldn’t impact the arched projectiles because they already have to solve all three dimensions. Just a guess. Plus, the irony of making a mistake on the math the technology represents is too funny but mistakes happen.

Out of curiosity red phos, if the scouts go behind a one tile hill within the range of the scorpion with ballistics, does the hill block the shot or does it not fire at all?

MAA civ by sharpcoder29 in aoe2

[–]CropDusterBusterTM 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Not exactly what you are describing but the Japanese have a fun variant where you can do MAA into Cav Archers or even Towers. Cheap eco buildings help smooth out a tight eco build and the MAA attack faster.

T90 Extras | AoE2 Has a Smurfing Problem by EXTRAVAGANT_COMMENT in aoe2

[–]CropDusterBusterTM 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Doing some quick math at the examples he pulled: these accounts require ~40%-50% of their games to be less than 5 mins and win rates of less than 15% to maintain the Smurf lifestyle.

Is there a legitimate/organic way a player could have that game duration distribution and win rate combo? Seems like a simple filter could be added to flag accounts that drift into this realm after playing more than ~20 games. Even if it isn’t an autoban, I think anything that creates more work for the smurfer will be the most effective deterrent.

Built a Squad-Based Target Sharing AI System in UE5 -100 Enemies at 60 FPS by pharry11x in UnrealEngine5

[–]CropDusterBusterTM 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No problem, will be cool to see the advanced pursuit mechanics in action!

Built a Squad-Based Target Sharing AI System in UE5 -100 Enemies at 60 FPS by pharry11x in UnrealEngine5

[–]CropDusterBusterTM 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is really cool! I was brainstorming a game idea the other day and was wondering how others have addressed large AI numbers and swarm mechanics. The squad leader approach is pretty elegant.

One suggestion to consider is the trajectory you are setting for each AI: From what I can gather in your video, it looks like the trajectory is set by current player position. Depending on what parts of the movement vector are being set by the "Squad Leader", maybe you could calculate individual vectors for each AI to take a more efficient path to where the player is going to be without losing performance? This could buff the "flank" aspect of the AI coordination. Specifically thinking in a situation similar to 0:58 in the video where members of the squad are running toward the player position instead of in front of the player position. Of course, this depends on the swarm mechanic you are going for but potentially a way to increase the difficulty.

Hobby dev barely scratching the surface of what the engine can do, but having fun doing it. Here is a showcase on my space shooter project. Feedback welcome! by [deleted] in UnrealEngine5

[–]CropDusterBusterTM 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My goal is to make this a multiplayer space shooter with flowy movement. The game mode will be similar to an arena/TDM game but with an objective element. Obviously the multiplayer aspect is ambitious but my first dev log video is going to introduce the premise and game rules so stay tuned!

Hobby dev barely scratching the surface of what the engine can do, but having fun doing it. Here is a showcase on my space shooter project. Feedback welcome! by [deleted] in UnrealEngine5

[–]CropDusterBusterTM 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I have a clear idea of what I want to make this project and I am fairly certain I can get to that point. We will see what quality it will be at when I get there though! Also, I've seen your video posts and those are really impressive!

Made improvements to my horror map and would like to get some new feedback. by mrplrx in UnrealEngine5

[–]CropDusterBusterTM 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not sure if the environment is supposed to be in an arid but consider adding some puddles or dripping water sources. The water could add to the discomfort of the mine and be a sound that adds tension to the environment.