Is the AI too difficult now?

[Grautvornix]

"Medium" in 0AD (= "Normal") I believe is intended for players having reached some intermediate playing level. Newbies are really recommended to start with "Very Easy" or "Easy" otherwise it can become a bit frustrating quickly - and that's what the game says. Although the classification is correct, there is a bit of "affecting the player's pride"and not everyone can stand this (I know, grown-ups should be capable of taking a defeat in "Easy", but we should also aim at creating a "fun" experience).

We might rename the levels to be more inviting, as e.g. "Very Easy" might be felt as embarrassing, especially for experienced players of other RTS.

Can I therefore suggest to rename teh levels to something like this (just a proposal) :

• Very Easy --> Beginner,
• Easy --> Intermediate,
• Medium -->  Advanced
• Hard --> Professional
• Very Hard --> Advanced Professional

We might add a note somewhere (in the tutorial or in teh help text or tips&tricks?) that if you are mastering "Very hard" you should be ready to go for multi player with human opponnents and will find adequate challenges there.

I'd be interested to read your opinions!

[Deicide4u]

44 minutes ago, Grautvornix said:

Can I therefore suggest to rename teh levels to something like this (just a proposal) :

• Very Easy --> Beginner,
• Easy --> Intermediate,
• Medium -->  Advanced
• Hard --> Professional
• Very Hard --> Advanced Professional

There isn't anything wrong with the AI difficulty names, and most other RTS games are using this nomenclature.

Professional? So, you can become a professional in 0 A.D.? Professional is a person who has a profession. And Easy is way too easy for an intermediate player.

Edited 3 hours ago by Deicide4u

[Grautvornix]

@Deicide4u your are right, an this was really not an important suggestion. 

The issue seems to be (according to some messages I've seen over the years in this forum) that newbies for this game overestimate their capability (like - exaggerated - "Easy is for kids, I have played many RTS already and will manage a serious challenge") an then don't like the game as the AI is perceived too hard. I agree that one should learn to play first. The game - while it should be challenging - should be fun as well for newcomers.