Theres something cool andmetaabout interacting with, playing as, or fighting against an artificial intelligence in video games.
To be absolutely clear, this isnt about the games with the smartest CPU AI.
Were not discussing whether the AI in a game is tough to beat.
Were talking about fictional depictions of artificial intelligence.
Heresa handy primeron the difference between the two concepts.
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I loveBSG:DLfor a lot of reasons.
As far as turn-based-tactical strategy games go Im hard-pressed to think of one I enjoy more.
In essence, its a naval combat game with the additional challenge of a vertical axis.
But what truly sets it apart is the enemy.
When I play most war/strategy games Im forced to reckon with a certain level of politics.
And thats probably a good thing.
Its just a game, right?
ButBattlestar Galactica: Deadlocklets me face the reality without feeling like a genocidal jerk.
The Cylons arent humans.
In fact, Ive never met a gamer who doesnt.
Claptrap is one of the best things to ever come out of the celebratedBorderlandsfranchise.
According to reports, he wasnt offered money commensurate with the gig.Gearbox saidthat wasnt the case.
Without Claptrap,Borderlandsis just Mad Max with fart jokes.
Number three
My personal favorite AI character of all time is GLaDOS.
), and eventually a robot.
The reason I likeGLaDOS so much is because its just flat out sassy.
Its the AI Id most want to hang out with at a party.
But, like, in a snarky queer way where we mock everyone else.
Portalwas one of those games that changed the way everyone looked at gaming.
People werent ready for the games stunning combination of jaw-dropping graphics, gut-busting comedy, and incredible game play.
But most of all they werent ready for the psychotic, murderous, cake-loving-and-lying-about intelligence that is GLaDOS.
GLaDOS, for my money, is the most entertaining AI in games.
Not only is it hilarious, its also a talented singer.
Number two
The robot species fromSynthetic Dawn, aStellarisDLC.
You are the AI inSynthetic Dawn.
Stellarisis a grand strategy game set in space where you control an entire civilization.
But its also full of unique situations.
Today, Cortanas most used as Microsofts version of Alexa or Siri.
And, in some ways, it remains the same in the real world.
We couldnt always just say Cortana, whats the whether like in Amsterdam right now?
and have a pleasant-sounding robot give us the correct answer.
Cortana reminds us that the future is now.
And, doubtless, it was instrumental in inspiring the development of the AI systems we use today.
