AI War 2, the space grand strategy RTS hybrid game, has received a new patch that makes the vicious AI even more vicious, with stronger defenses and tactical acuity, and increased difficulty. The patch notes are nearly 15k words, and the 1.3 update, according to the developers, "feels almost like a sequel in a way." That said, AI War 2 is a sequel to AI War: Fleet Command, a strategy game with perhaps the most clever and competitive AI in strategy games. AI War 2 is equally intense, and as the name suggests, the highlight of the series is how good the AI opponents are.

The new updates in this 1.3 patch are impressive. There are basic additions such as more powerful enemy emplacements and new, even more difficult opponent types that switch between strategic profiles; the AI now understands how to divide its forces to attack multiple targets, holding some forces in reserve until you deploy your fleet elsewhere It can even hold some forces in reserve until you deploy your fleet elsewhere and attack while you are tied up in another battle. While the AI in video games has always excelled at using hammers, the developers at Arcen Games have taught the AI how to attack with a scalpel.

It's been a long time since I last checked out AI War 2, and since then the game has come a long way, release included. The game still plans to support multiplayer co-op at some point; a summary of the 1.3 update is on Steam; AI War 2 is available on Steam and GOG for $19.99, and is currently 40% off on Humble.