When I think about some of the factors that made the Bungie Halo games stand the test of time… Enemy combat AI is definitely up there (there are other key factors too).
With this new slipspace engine it would be great if 343 could explain what this new software allows them to do with AI behavior trees. It’s funny because smart AI and AI that are fun to fight, aren’t always one and the same. Halo CE apparently had a very simple AI loop, but the less variables meant they consistently acted in certain ways.
I’m def on board with all the progress 343 have made with infinite and even prior to that with the Halo Wars 2 narrative (even their upcoming book, having blue team return to Reach sounds dope). But I’d say keeping “enhanced mobility” and ensuring enemy AI builds off the standard in Bungie games, are my concerns at this point.
Hopefully the inevitable gameplay reveal will address this…
Sorry I can’t input more on the development of NPC AI, but I find it funny using the term smart AI when, as far as we know so far, the main antagonist of the game is “smart AI Cortana”
I’m hoping slipspace is a big leap in tech from this current generation in more ways than just graphics. Lord knows the XBSX will be able to handle some crazy -Yoink-, now it’s up to the engine to make use of it.
I was actually hoping main thing they would upgrade in the engine was the ai…
or at least the ability to script them more easily.
I thought good game ai would be the end game for gaming upgrades. Graphics is at a very satisfying point. Gameplay mechanics explored most options available. World beauty and size has been explored through multiple frachises.
At this point the only things that could potentially be done are fine tuning tweaks… fanservice… bringing us a story driven by characters we love, creating new characters we will love… and an interesting story at that…offering different ways to play the same game (Variety in general without dilution)… and better in game ai.
Ok that list was longer than I expected… but you get the point.