Real Experience: Generative AI Can Already Beat "Paradoge"—I Let It Handle PC Controls for a Hardcore Strategy Game

The Road to the Meiji Restoration

Since the AI performed beyond expectations during the tutorial, I decided to let it carry over that know-how and finally take on the Meiji Restoration. I’ve installed a mod to adjust the Japanese text and fonts, but I’m not using any mods that affect the game’s core mechanics.

Right from the start, the AI launched the game on its own and, without hesitation, proceeded to the nation selection screen, where it confidently selected “Spectator.” It had started the game as a bystander without choosing a nation to play as. Realizing its mistake, the AI simply ended the game, returned to the title screen, and reselected the Tokugawa Shogunate.

For a while after the game began, the AI continued to experiment. The biggest obstacle was the policy of national isolation. According to the rules, the path to the Meiji Restoration cannot be opened unless this policy is ended. The AI was waiting for the “End of the Opium War” event, but perhaps because the war never occurred in this world, the event did not trigger even after 10 years had passed.

Losing patience, the AI sought to end the isolationist policy on its own by appointing Dutch scholars and townspeople to key positions in the shogunate to begin discussions on opening the country. However, faced with opposition from the daimyo—who wielded overwhelming influence—it failed once again.The situation took a major turn in 1856—20 years after the game began—when Russia’s “Black Ships” arrived.

Faced with the Black Ships demanding the opening of the Japanese market, the AI immediately decided to capitulate. It realized that yielding to the demands would ultimately bring an end to the isolationist policy.The shogunate opened the country exactly as the AI had predicted. Furthermore, the AI granted trade privileges to the Netherlands and stoked the growing Sonno Joi movement within the country. This was because the AI believed that the rise of the Sonno Joi movement was a prerequisite for the Restoration of Imperial Rule, which would lead to the Meiji Restoration.

Once again, the AI’s prediction proved accurate: the Restoration of Imperial Rule was accomplished in just four months after the arrival of the Black Ships.The nation’s name changed from the Tokugawa Shogunate to the Empire of Japan. However, a development occurred that even AI had not anticipated. The “Respect the Emperor, Expel the Barbarians” movement it had instigated intensified, leading to a civil war that divided the nation in two. It was the Boshin War, but in a form different from that of history.

In this game, the war progresses automatically as both sides deploy their armies to the front lines. However, the AI failed to notice this mechanic and allowed time to advance without sending any troops to the front lines. As reports of defeat poured in one after another, the AI realized its mistake and, recognizing that it was losing the war, began devising a strategy to turn the tide.

From that point on, the AI’s strategy was spot-on. It sent troops to the front lines and ordered them to focus solely on defense, while continuously sending supplies and reinforcements. Blocked by the solid defense, the enemy gradually became exhausted, and before long, the tide of battle had turned.The following year, the Boshin War ended with the AI’s victory, and the “Kōmei Restoration”—rather than the Meiji Restoration—began. This was because it was still the reign of Emperor Kōmei. That’s how early the restoration began.

The AI’s struggle continued thereafter, and the Restoration was finally completed in 1861—25 years after the game began. Although there were numerous perilous moments along the way, the AI brilliantly achieved its ultimate goal.

Through this challenge, I was amazed by the remarkable progress in AI technology, but at the same time, I felt a sense of dread. While playing, I witnessed the AI mercilessly impose heavy taxes whenever it faced financial difficulties and suppress minority groups when necessary, and I sincerely thought, “I don’t want a future ruled by an AI like this!”

Since the method used here is relatively simple, it wouldn’t be too difficult to undertake the same challenge if you had access to an AI of comparable capability. If you decide to try this yourself, please take great care to ensure the AI doesn’t damage your valuable PC system.