Byzantine pikes

[nine-o]

Now I figure they probably don't due to the fact that early-era pikes would pretty much result in an overwhelming Roman juggernaut, but shouldn't the empire have at least one pike unit? I'm all for balance and everything, don't get me wrong, but it just seems wrong what with Roman history and all...

[Point Blank]

They do, Menaulatoi Pikes after 1500.

[nine-o]

I was thinking of the kontaroi actually, who had pikes in real life, but honestly in the game it'd have a good chance of making those already pesky Romans too strong.

[Hoplite of Ilis]

They do, Menaulatoi Pikes after 1500.

Hey Man! This is my ultimate favorite unit. I'm at 1470 something (savage AI, no RR/RC). I have long ago attained victory and I go on just to see this unit in battle. Am I getting close to having them?? - My brain starts to melt, and there's 5 factions left.

[dajarvi]

Wow. Hoplite. Talk about perseverance.

[AnthoniusII]

I was thinking of the kontaroi actually, who had pikes in real life, but honestly in the game it'd have a good chance of making those already pesky Romans too strong.

Kontaratoi (despite the same name with a unit in the curent roster)with long spears did not exist in SS timeframe.
Scutatoi in SS timeframe though used the standard 3m long spear that was slightly longer than the average spear in the west.

[Ferdiad]

They do, Menaulatoi Pikes after 1500.

Theyre crap though.

[nine-o]

Kontaratoi (despite the same name with a unit in the curent roster)with long spears did not exist in SS timeframe.
Scutatoi in SS timeframe though used the standard 3m long spear that was slightly longer than the average spear in the west.

Ah, I see. I was thinking that they simply weren't introduced to keep the game balance from going completely wonky. So when exactly did the romans start using pikes, do you know? This always interested me, I kind of enjoy thinking about what could-have-been had the romans gone back to something more like Alexander's armies...

[AnthoniusII]

Ah, I see. I was thinking that they simply weren't introduced to keep the game balance from going completely wonky. So when exactly did the romans start using pikes, do you know? This always interested me, I kind of enjoy thinking about what could-have-been had the romans gone back to something more like Alexander's armies...

CBUR project

Armies from late 9th to 11th centuries.
Nikephorean Reforms
Thematic armies.
Link

[Point Blank]

Theyre crap though.

Haha, well they have shorter spears so better vs inf but worse vs cav, but their armor is decent.

Make a moderate speedbump for Lancers etc. Still pretty resistant to obsolescent eastern archery.

[Ferdiad]

If your still playing at 1500 your Inf will have been outclassed for the last 100 years so your armies should be centred on cav ala Skantarios.

[Sassanid Saxon]

the Mourtatoi archers age very well, especially with their armour upgraded. they usually serve as my most common "field battle" infantry late. the foot acritae are also useful against late European troops due to their javelin firepower.