If FFG were to build an X-wing AI App that gives you a worthy opponent for single player dogfight would you buy it? and if now what if it included a single player story line?
It has been a loooong time since my plastic ships have been on the table and I really miss it, but even before this COVID-19 situation there has been times where I really would have liked this option, but now I REALLY would like that FFG had developed such an option.
i ) I know there is online play both using VASSAL and TTS, but I play X-wing because I like the tactile feel of it, to have the actual models on the table... and being a long time computer player, the computer mapping of game mechanics developed for the physical world, just does not work for me.
ii) I also know there are excellent fan-made AI implementations (they are fun, I suggest you go try them out) but there is always an element where you (the opponent) have to make some choice for the AI/or roll a dice to determine their next step, and since you have to carry out their steps you know in advance what the AI is going to do the next turn - which you can heavily exploit. So, while fun, they are no real challenge.
As a thought-experiment:
What if FFG where to design an X-wing AI App, where you could upload the list you want to play with, and which would present you with an AI designed list (based on your current collection of ships, minus your current list), and using live recording of the playmat, set dials and act as an opponent? Calling out the movements, actions, and engagements you should perform with the AI's ships.
Furthermore, using such technology they could implement a single player campaign where you could play through a story line spanning several scenarios.
Would you be interested in buying this? and how much would you pay for such an option?
(Appologies if this have already been discussed).