[Cerek the Barbaric]

I've got to agree with andrewas on this one. I turned the Party AI off very early in BGII, because it was a bigger hassle than it was worth.

A lot of times I like to have one or two characters fire the opening salvo at the enemy and then retreat to draw them into a trap, but with AI on, ALL the members would start attacking automatically. After having my strategy thwarted for the umpteenth time by my own party members, I finally just turned it off for good. I found it is MUCH easier to direct all the members individually.

I also found that - unless there is a mage in the group you're fighting - the BEST strategy is to have everybody attack the same opponent at one time. I used to "divide my forces equally" among the enemy and that led to some long battles. Finally, in the Underdark, I just started concentrating all attacks on one opponent and found out I could wipe out the enemy forces much quicker that way.

The only time I deviate from this is when there is a spellcaster in the other group, then I do try and have at least one member fire missile weapons at them to disrupt their spellcasting.

Also, if you tell your mages to just fire offensive spells at the enemy, the computer will choose which spells get cast and may end up frying your fighters (who've advanced to melee) with a Fireball rather using a Magic Missile.

Go to the Options Screen and set the game to PAUSE WHEN ENEMY SIGHTED...this will give you plenty of time to decide your strategy and direct your characters actions.

P.S. - It would also be a good idea to let us know exactly which game your playing. That way the MODS can move this thread to the forum dedicated to that particular game. This will keep the threads in the proper areas and will also result in a LOT more specific advice and wisdom from members who are currently playing the same game.

[ 12-23-2002, 10:28 AM: Message edited by: Cerek the Barbaric ]