guns, germs and steel? (and horses)
hey everyone, after another somewhat mediocre campaign in the America's
playing as the Mayans. Historically inaccurate details began to attract my attention. Mostly about the unit balancing. It would seem if you didn't know any better you would look upon Native vs Native battle tactics and think "why are the Europeans wearing warpaint, padded armor and feathery decorations?"
Well, if you do, its probably because your noticing, like I, that the formations and unit commands are of course identical.
A few things,
1 - Aztecs and Mayans weapons and fighting strategies, unlike Europeans, were not to kill the enemy but to capture them so they could sacrifice them. Which is why there weapons commonly consisted of obsidian and clubs. I'm not saying they really had a choice in upping the anti on their gear but all the same I would like to see more P.O.W.'s when playing as any of the factions in question.
2 - Speaking of weapons, I noticed that when fighting Europeans such as Spain or New France etc. I could spend half the money they do on units
and still devour their new age units and tactics in a 1 - 1 ratio. Although were lead to believe gunners had any impact on medieval society. the truth is quite obvious if you tell them to hold their ground they start performing some kind of weird dance formation and only put out 1/4 the amount of rounds any other missile unit would. If you want then to fire at a target running towards either of their sides they have to turn the entire formation around which is such a long and hairy process, that by the time your done the battle will be at a conclusion. And finally commanding them to target oncoming native infantry and being affective is nigh impossible. The enemy is almost as fast as horses. You'll get off one volley!thats it. If anything at least make it so that one shot is a little more affective, rather than watching any of its victims who are bare breasted just shake it off like an annoying drizzle of rain.
3 - Alas, European infantry seem to be no were as near as powerful as one might think. Even though having advantages like plate armor, steel weaponry and professional training in military drills that have been perfected through centuries of conflict, the impact is folly when it comes down to the real meat and gravy. Over and over, slaughtering European forces is quite simple.
4 - And finally cavalry. Cavalry could be one of the only units that really make an impression on the native factions. Their mobility can be outstanding up against fast runners, and their charge almost unstoppable thanks to the speed update. Unfortunately one of the most prized possessions of the Europeans is not only countered but copied as well. I have no problem with those factions bearing anti-cavalry units, but at least make it so the the units carrying clubs of obsidian aren't wiping out my whole mounted armada, even when being flanked.
Anyways, no hard feelings to anyone who might be offended. But I think the Campaign would be far more interesting if gunner units were either faster or did more damage. And it would be more challenging to take on technologically advanced foreigners even if you have them outnumbered.
SOOO....peace everyone and tell me what you think
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Originally Posted by Heavy_
. And I was going to add in the element of having distinctly more powerful units for the natives but I wanted to wrap it up. Also are there any mods that make musketeers a little more deadly against armor??
