New Byzantine units?

[theshelledone]

Hey all, i'm new to these forums but have played TW games since first medieval. I was wondering what the new units/new balance changes for the byzantines are in the Crusades campaign. I know they get a greek fire unit which everyone has been raging about, but I'd like to know if they receive any new traditional units. Their infantry in particular seemed weak in MTW2 compared to the first medieval.

[suntaiguy23]

well the changes kinda suck imho with the exception of the greek firethrower

they add a two handed sword infantry, a mace shield infantry, and another calvary which is basically kataphract but a bit better, oh and mangonel which is awesome (smaller trebuche type weapon that throws keg that explodes in midair greek firethrower tho is baddassness on the ultimate level, a bit overpowered too lol

[the_mango55]

They get a mace unit similar to the Byzantine infantry (with less attack power but armor piercing)

They get a two handed sword infantry. It isn't great but it's pretty cheap.

The Varangian Guard is greatly improved, they own the battlefield now.

They get a new, even heavier, cavalry, that can stand up to late knights in battle (but their charge isn't quite as good)

[theshelledone]

Cool, well at least there are some new nits. I'm glad to hear the vangian guard have been upped, I was disappointed with their performance in the original game. This new mace-shield unit intrigues me, is it better at holding a line then byzantine infantry? Or is it mainly an offensive weapon?

[TRAYURI]

Two handed infantry now get a 9 charge bonus. Heavy cavalry only get 7. Their two handed unit, the Alamanoi, can charge just as good as the Varangian Guard, yet they own in hand to hand since a two handed sword attacks much faster than an ax.

The mace armed infantry are called Pronia Infantry. They are similar to the old Byzantine heavy infantry units but carry maces. They have less attack but are effective against armor.

Two handed swordsmen dominate. They are cheap and very versatile.

[Theseus1234]

aren't byzantine infantry still in the game?
cuz i remember using pronia's as my main line and having byzanitne infantry holding the flanks or something...