Applause for AI variability

[grcurmudgeon]

One thing that has become very apparent using PWCG is how much the AI varies from the novices to the aces (or at least I'm assuming it does, if not then the illusion is great). I was getting used to just sliding in behind an enemy, staying with their turn, waiting for them to lose enough energy that they would have to stop and level for a bit, then hammering them (or at least trying, still working on my gunnery).

 

Then I hit a mission where an enemy flight bounced us as we we were returning to base. I turned into them, the rest of the flight kept going home. The enemy had altitude, but two of them could not pull out of their dives and crashed. One kind of danced around following the main flight and eventually wandered home. But the other guy and I got in a real nasty fight. He put a hole in my canopy early, but I was able to extend, and he turned after the main flight that was on approach. I slipped in behind him but could NOT get good shots in. He was jinking way more than the average pilot. I got a few minor hits in, but it took a LONG time before I could do any real damage. Even so he managed to extend and make a break for home, and since I was down to 7.62 rounds I let him go. It was a very different fight than the typical one.

 

I can also see the difference in AI wingmen. The 0-kill novices love to get into trouble and do silly things. I have a 2-kill squad leader and a 1-kill squad mate and they are the only ones that seem to have a reasonable chance of returning home. If my flight is led by anyone else, I expect to be the only one making it home. That's annoying but also very gratifying to see the difference in pilot quality. 

 

Having that mix on every mission keeps me on my toes and makes things very interesting.

[Varibraun]

Agreed!!  One of the many reasons PWCG keeps me engaged.  Working to help improve my squadron's skills and focusing on flying with the same wingmen until they achieve that all important 5th victory.  It makes each victory more important and the loss of squadron mates personal.  You almost groan when the new guys show up as replacements.