Enable ''disengage button/hotkey''

Is it possible to implement a ''disengage'' function ? Not the disgrace of a retreat, nor the uncertainty of how long the units will keep on running. Disengage simply means that the selected unit will stop fighting and step out of the fight, while the rest of the engaged units will continue fighting so the enemy doesn't break through. The disengaged unit is then available for flanking, countering advancing enemies (from the rear) and such. This function would be a tremendous asset when enemies keep on coming from the front, pinning down your troops time and again, while other enemies come around and hit you from behind.

Johntheright wrote:

Is it possible to implement a ''disengage'' function ?

That is what retreat is for, currently. The enemy is not going to allow you to disengage easily.

Therefore to implement this properly:

1. You would only be allowed to disengage, if another of your units (or a partner in a cooperative) can hold down each of the attacking enemy units;
   
2. Problem is, to be fair & competitive, the AI would have to to be able to also use this feature. This is a very hard programming problem for insufficient benefit.
   

Mainly for the second reason above, I am opposed to this feature (as nice as it would be to have): -1

Thanks for your reply, Joy !

I disagree with you, as the difference between retreating and dis-engaging is the control over the unit that performs the manoeuver. Retreat in its classical form is not a manoeuver, but an act of panic and utter loss of control. Retreating units can run miles away before finally stopping, being totally vulnerable as long as they do. Dis-engaging is just a normal manoeuver to make a unit instantly available again in a controlled way. It just steps back and you pick it up right away. Also, retreating units can in fact run every direction. I've seen them run forward, right into the heart of the enemy they were facing. Hardly the manoeuver I opt for...

And no, I don't feel guilty if I were to use it while the AI doesn't.

My initial thoughts is this could lead to some concern for PvP matches.

Although I would love to use it against the AI.