Custom Battles vs Campaign Battles

[Problem Sleuth]

I've noticed I play -far- better in Campaign Battles, even if I have the overwhelming disadvantage. IE, open field battle, very little terrain to take advantage of besides a few stands of trees, outnumbered and outclassed in both infantry and cavalry, but still taking a nice win. Fought with 650 Frenchies against 2100 English, won with about 260 losses and about 1850 kills, 600 of which were captures. I microed perfectly. I turned a "Defeat is a distinct possibility", with about 4/5ths of it blue to a Clear Victory. Or Heroic. Not quite sure.

However, even when I have an advantage in Custom Battles, I can't seem to win. I think it might have to do with familiarity; namely, I don't have a general that I have stars/dread/chivalry to, I don't really know the strength of my troops and when they collapse, I don't know my mission parameters, and most importantly, I don't have -motivation-. There isn't that promise of your empire collapsing should you lose the battle, of a massacre of your men and women should victory evade your grasp. (In retaliation for the thousands of enemies killed in battle and executed, of course) My strategies are crappy, my microing is crappy, and my troops buckle. Quickly. I don't know their breaking points.



Anyway... Does anyone else have this issue?

[Emperor Tom]

You are probably both over confident and underestimating of the enemy. You rely too much on unit types rather than the regular man for man scenario.

[Lost Crusader]

I think it's the lack of motivation that makes you sometimes loose custom battles. In the campaign battle, the stakes are much higher. Knowing that the poor outcome of the battle may cost you a province or two, maybe even a kingdom, you put more effort into the battle. And if you, like me, start to bond yourself with the general and veteran units, you are extra careful not to make a mistake, and loose.

And whether you win or loose a custom battle, who cares...

[vonKrysiak]

I think motivation would be the factor here - for example I have no motivation to play custom battles at all. I mean what for? there is nothing after that one battle hehe...
But what you said about knowing your general and the strenght of your army makes sense as well!