AI Critique: Dustin Kelley

MGS3 AI Intro Tactical espionage missions while avoiding elite Russian soldiers Development team underwent field training As a result, they were able to implement a rather realistic, advanced AI system

Some AI Techniques Used Patrol paths React to abnormal changes in the environment React to sight and sound Team tactics –Group formations, flanking attacks –Call for backup if comrades are nearby Take cover during gunfights, while edging toward the player Watch dogs

Be Stealthy Different camouflage outfits for different situations –Tree bark, brick, water, etc. Represented by a % of how hidden you are –Higher %, less chance of being seen by enemies

Careful, They Will Find You Enemies work together in groups They will notice anything unusual –Suspicious sounds –Moving grass –Footsteps (seen or heard) –A downed comrade Hide the bodies –A missing patrol partner May panic and call it in

Huh? What was that? Any suspicious movements/sounds/etc will be investigated If nothing is found, two options: –Continue what he was doing before –Call in an alert, game enters Caution mode More enemies may arrive to investigate further Enemies are even more alert than usual Command center does routine checkups with the guards over radios –If an enemy doesn’t respond (dead/unconscious), his position will be investigated, and sometimes replaced

Crap, they saw me! Once spotted, game enters Alert mode and you are relentlessly pursued… for a short while –Must quickly find a good hiding spot, or take on all of the enemies –The area is searched heavily for a minute –A longer Caution period follows If the spotting enemy is alone, he may run away for a moment to call for backup If they see where you try to hide, they may try to flush you out with grenades

When the Sh!t Hits the Fan A single 1-on-1 encounter can escalate into an all out war if backup is called Enemies will take cover during gunfights They will reposition in an attempt to move in closer and closer to you Grabbing an enemy as a human shield –Others may hesitate to shoot you Difficult to find a hiding spot, they will follow you

Some Little Things Enemy watch dogs in some areas Placing a rotten food item may sometimes cause an enemy to eat it and become poisoned Hide in cardboard boxes Shoot out an enemy’s radio

So is it Good or Bad? Pros: –Advanced enemy AI –Realistic tactics Cons: –Patrol paths can be predictable –Sometimes forget about you quickly and move on as if nothing happened

Summary Having such an advanced AI system greatly improves game play –Feeling of tension when sneaking around –Quickly turns to panic when you are spotted The vast amount of detail in the AI greatly outweighs the minor cons