I've done a little programming myself, so perhaps I can explain this better (Although I never got anything productive...)
If the enemy has a movement of
1 Space, then the code must check for the availability of the 4 adjacent squares.
Plus, assuming the enemies attack is Melee (or thereabout), that adds 8 more squares to check for enemies, to run the ai. It adds up to 4 for move, plus 8+4 for enemies to attack, requiring a check of 16 suares.
If the enemy has a movement of
2 Spaces, then the code must check for the availability of the 4 adjacent squares, plus the 8 squares adjacent to them.
Plus, assuming the enemies attack is Melee (or thereabout), that adds 12 more squares to check for enemies, to run the ai. It adds up to 8+4 for move, plus 12+8+4 for enemies to attack, requiring a check of 36 suares.
If the enemy has a movement of
3 Spaces, then the code must check for the availability of the 4 adjacent squares, plus the 8 squares adjacent to them AND the 12 adjacent to those.
Plus, assuming the enemies attack is Melee (or thereabout), that adds 16 more squares to check for enemies, to run the ai. It adds up to 12+8+4 for move, plus 16+12+8+4 for enemies to attack, requiring a check of 64 suares.
As you can see, this adds up fairly quickly. 4 Square would require 100 squares, and 5 would require 144.
Oh, and don't even think about bringing up the fact that I'm new. I've been stalking you for some time!