Gameplay/AI

FS: What was the reasoning behind having a "build only" period at the beginning of a multiplayer game? Our understanding is that this mode was implemented to prevent "rushing." Why not implement other methods of preventing the "rush," like having defensive structures available at the outset which are effective against early units but weak against more advanced tech?

Actually, the real reason for the "pre-build" phase is to eliminate the early base building exercise that can become very tedious and repetitive. The concept is that while you are en-route to your mission location, you can pre-plan and build an initial base (mind you, only the lowest tech level stuff). When you land and start your mission, your stuff is there ready to go. It has the added benefit of preventing rushing to a certain extent because your not actually physically on the battle field yet. Of course, someone could still rush you as soon as pre-build ends, but you've got a much better chance of being prepared for it now. But mostly, we just wanted to get to the fun stuff quicker, instead of sitting there for a long period of time, building the same 3 or 4 buildings every game.

Rimtech combots rampage in a Milagro base

FS: Tell us more about the AI - what sorts of new wrinkles can we expect from Metal Fatigue?

JH:Our AI has multiple personalities - we call them AI commanders. In the single player mission you'll face all sorts of different commanders, usually one picked at random, so you cant always expect the AI to behave in the exact same way. In multiplayer or skirmish mode, you can choose a specific commander to fight against, or have one chosen at random. So, perhaps you want to brush up on your base attacking still, pick an AI that plays a highly defensive game. Or maybe you want to work on your underground defense skills, pick a commander that favors strategies that utilize the underground layer. There will be a nice selection to choose from.

Standing guard on the hill