Artificial Intelligence

AI Can Jump and Climb Ladders

Explanation:

Allow AI's to climb and jump over obstacles, so that they can chase you everywhere, some could even perhaps climb up rope arrows.

Points to bear in mind:

Should only be implemented if it can be done realistically, an AI that jumps without bending its knees does not look good.

Would distrub game balance. Unlike real life you would not run away if discovered. Allowing the player to escape in this manner (by climbing obstacles where the AI cannot follow) restores the balance.

This obvious discrepancy between what Garrett can, and the Guards can't makes for unrealistic situations, implementing this idea will change that.

The guards abilities could be limited as they are wearing heavy armour, and climbing/acrobatics would be restricted in that manner.

A new AI type could be created that can climb and jump, specifically designed for that purpose and used in moderation.

(1)Not all AI guards have heavy armor (ex: archer) and it would be funny to see a heavy armor guard to grab a nearby ledge and TRY to climb up but fail. The RAG-DOLL physics in the Unreal Warfare Engine can make this REALY REALISTIC! (2)Archors could climb to higher places to gain a better line of sight. This wouldnt make the game harder if the level designers use this correctly. NOTE:In the spirit of the unreal engine, editors could specify whare AI can at least TRY to climb ledges and latters by placing a AI CLIMB marker. UT level designers will know what I mean. Wether thay can do it or not depends on thair vitural weight. Heavy guys CAN TRY but most likely (unless very strong) couldnt do it.

I remember an old interview with Randy Smith in which he mentioned that an important element of Thief gameplay was the use of " Safe Zones " - Areas which the player can access but AI's and threats cannot. Some of these are obviously designer specified, others are dynamically created by the player. Once entered, the player is safe, but must face the fact that he or she must eventually re-enter dangerous areas in order to complete the mission. I agree strongly with this idea. However, this is in no way incompatible with giving AI's more mobility - I for one would greatly enjoy this, more mobile and persistent AI would encourage you both not to be detected in the first place ( since more mobile AI's would make it much more difficult to escape ) and also encourage the player to think creatively, using scenery and inventory to create unofficial safe zones - as long as the designers provide some areas the player can take refuge in.

Date Last Update: 12/6/1981

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