Feature request: Add command (button/shortcut) for Area Guard mode

[dejo01]

Several years ago, I was messing with the scenario file of the original Dune 2. I discovered that almost all of the AI units are set to Area Guard or Ambush, while the player units are all set to Guard.
I changed some of the player's units to Area Guard and 2 things happened:

1. Upon selecting one of those units, there was no active button (makes sense).
2. When an enemy unit started approaching, the units on Area Guard mode started moving towards the enemy and attacked it on their own. When the enemy was destroyed, they returned to their original position.
   This happened until I gave an explicit command to these units.

I think it would be useful to provide access to this command, as an extra button (probably under Guard).

As for Ambush, I suppose it's only useful to the AI's units scattered around the map.

[miniupnp]

there isn't space where to add a button. Fighting units already have Move, Attack, Retreat and Guard.

[dejo01]

Hmm... Just an idea. Maybe Shift+Guard would activate Area Guard?

[miniupnp]

that's a good idea

[miniupnp]

@dejo01 : could you test 2d44f2c ? (my branch issue_311 https://github.com/miniupnp/OpenDUNE/tree/issue_311 )

[miniupnp]

you'll need also 9c39109 if you are using SDL2 ;)

First make sure Shift does work by going to the save game menu and test with save game name input ;)

[miniupnp]

@dejo01 is shift+guard working as you intented ?

[dejo01]

Hi. I'm sorry for taking so long to respond.
It doesn't work as intended. The unit seems to accept the command but it acts as if I clicked on Retreat.: It returns to its original position. Maybe it's a side effect because this command was supposed to have effect only on start of mission. A possible workaround (IMO) would be to alter the initial coordinates, so that the unit stays where it is.
Of course, none of the buttons are highlighted after Shift+Guard.
Also, an infantry unit replies as a wheeled unit.

[stavrossk]

+1. I would also like to see this feature in the next version.

[miniupnp]

@dejo01 well I don't know where the initial coordinates are stored. could be in some script engine variable :(
I have also tried to make SHIFT attack do AMBUSH

[miniupnp]

maybe also it should be possible to shift Havest => HUNT ?
@dejo01 you can make some test by yourself : https://github.com/OpenDUNE/OpenDUNE/blob/master/src/gui/widget_click.c#L258

[dejo01]

Interesting. Hunt could be useful for a harvester.
I have an additional suggestion. Is it possible to switch the button labels whenever shift is pressed/released?

[miniupnp]

that's sound pretty complicated

[drnovice]

In my opinion, "Area Guard", "Ambush", "Hunt" shouldn't be used by human player: they have clearly been designed for the AI, and human player may haven't total and conscious control of them.
Area Guard could be too comfortable and human player would be too lazy by defensive actions.
Hunt & Ambush have an aggressive behaviour, after "flag seen" between human & IA is active, it will go against opponent without a "group movement strategy".