Noob here. Wanted to know if the AI reacts the same every time you play a scenario or if it can vary from game to game.

To a large degree, that is under the control of the scenario designer, but the AI also reacts to the player's actions. Play the scenario two different ways, and you'll see two somewhat different responses from the game.

Variable starting points for AI units have an effect on this as well.

As the other guys have said, a considerable portion of how the AI behaves will depend on how the scenario author has set up his scenario.

 

There can be, for example, variable starting points for both sides as well as variable chances of certain units appearing (again, for both sides).

 

So, while the AI will have the same overall objectives and intent, the orders of battle and the geometries of how they face each other could be quite different.

 

Much depends on the player too, of course. Given the circumstances, it may not be desirable or even possible for you to play the scenario exactly the same way.

As the other guys have said, a considerable portion of how the AI behaves will depend on how the scenario author has set up his scenario.

 

There can be, for example, variable starting points for both sides as well as variable chances of certain units appearing (again, for both sides).

 

So, while the AI will have the same overall objectives and intent, the orders of battle and the geometries of how they face each other could be quite different.

 

Much depends on the player too, of course. Given the circumstances, it may not be desirable or even possible for you to play the scenario exactly the same way.

And don't forget that for both AI and player a lot of what happens such as detection and missile hits etc depends on probabilities. Some times you might sneak by undetected, sometimes not...sometimes a misisle gets by defenses and sinks your carrier, sometimes you live to drink beer in the next port...

Don