First post here but a long time viewer of OFPEC and other OPF community forums.
I have a question regarding the AI in VBS1. I find the original code in OPF to be seriously lacking both situation awareness and knowledge in basic combat tactics.
A simple example. AI attack patterns are pretty much straight forward, just like any arcade FPS. Even if you take out half a squad the AI keeps running into your line of fire. No suppressive fire when a unit is moving, no smoke, retreating or regrouping. AI seems to lack knowledge in how to use cover and obvious advantages in the terrain. There is no such thing as firing from cover. No support or tactics regarding indirect fire, mortar or artillery. Infantry cannot enter even the simplest of buildings or use walls and corners properly. More often then not the AI simply runs around in random patterns taking snapshots at targets the second its spotted, often with the entire group badly positioned and exposed to enemy fire. Don't get me started on the vehicle AI. It completely lacks any knowledge in armoured tactics or the use of formations.
I noticed some improvements when I upgraded to the GOTY edition, mostly around how the AI use grenades but that's about it. I guess some issues could be fixed with heavy scripting but then OPF would be like any other heavily scripted FPS game and not the open and dynamic virtual battlefield simulation that it claims to be.
Despite it's flaws it remained my favourite tool for creating military and tactical simulations for a long time. Today I rarely have time to play much but when I do I prefer racing simulations and Söldner online.
So the main question. Is VBS1 like OPF with prettier and more detailed models or have the actual AI been improved enough to make it worth the purchase?
Regards // CarlGustaf