Genoa VS. Venice

**Geleco** · October 19, 2008, 07:45 PM

I feel like playing one of these factions, but I don't know which yet. What are their strengths and weaknesses? (Besides starting position)

**Nikos** · October 19, 2008, 07:47 PM

Genoa. just because Venice sacked Constantinople.

**Landwalker** · October 19, 2008, 08:04 PM

What Nikos said. Screw Venice.

From a more mechanical standpoint: Venice has a "stake-archer" unit, Genoa does not. Genoa has better crossbowmen (and Genoese Crossbow Militia). Genoa has a better heavy cavalry unit (Famiglia Ducale vs. Venice's Stradioti). Venice has a better heavy infantry unit (Venetian Heavy Infantry).

But Venice was a major cause for the sack of Constantinople in 1204. So screw them.

Cheers.

**Space Wolves** · October 19, 2008, 08:11 PM

Genoa

CROSSBOW SPAM

seriously, i've won battles with 8 units of Genose Milita.."MILITIA" crossbow men, and 2 heavy cav units obviously.

these guys can take the beatings, and still shoot back and kill loads.

**NW Leyt** · October 19, 2008, 08:27 PM

Genoa, because of what the previous posters said. And because I'm playing as them right now in a bitter war with Venice, as well as the rest of the Catholic factions (yeah, don't try to kill the pope on turn 5). Venice really is being aggressive right now and making this all too difficult. So, play Genoa and kill them for me.

**Mega Tortas de Bodemloze** · October 19, 2008, 09:05 PM

Personal preference: Venice... Warhammers {AP hvy foot} and long ranged armored archers. Geoneese Crossbowmen get obliterated by heavy horse just like any other ranged unit.

Play Venice and wipe the Geoneese from the earth's surface.

Woot! oh yeah.. Ally with El Papa first and feed him lots of gold pieces.

**MaDmAn_1988** · October 19, 2008, 09:14 PM

I vote venice because iv found xbows have a small bug when shooting off walls so it harder to defend, plus the war hammers guys are machines and their ap attack chews through standard knights

**Angrychris** · October 19, 2008, 10:50 PM

turks took byz and most of venician empire so go with genoa

**Bacon!** · October 20, 2008, 12:03 AM

Personally i prefer Venice as its more of a challenge and i find the Venetian Archers much better then the Genoese Xbows. The only issue with Venice that bothers me is i think you have to may family members considering how much you start with, although thats probablly just my playing style

**frederickm** · October 20, 2008, 01:29 AM

I never considered any of the Italian states, as to me they were all pretty pathetic and seemed pretty identical. Moreover I like to be a 3rd party to the feuds on the Italian peninsula when I do get there.

**Spartan90** · October 20, 2008, 01:53 AM

I play them both extensively, so I'll explain their pros and cons..

Economic: Both have a similar economy, as you'll generally take over each other's territory anyway. Venice is probably a little more difficult, because you'll be at war with more nations that are after your small trading settlements on the outskirts of your small empire.

Archers: Venice are better at defending walls as they have access to archers that have flaming missiles. However, Genoa's crossbowmen are the deadliest archers in the game when in the open.

Infantry: Venice wins pants down - their AP Venetian Heavy Infantry can smash though any soldiers that the enemy send your way. Genoa has to rely on their reasonable strong broken lancers, or their Italian Spear Militia with armour upgrades.

Cavarly: Genoa wins here, their heavy cavalry they can access from their cities can smash any cavalry that Venice has.

Gunpowder: Virtually exactly that same units.

Navy: As above.

Overall: I think Genoa is better. Their starting position is more centralized, meaning you won't be at war with numerous factions at the same time. This, in effect, makes their economy stronger. Also, because their best units are obtained through cities, Genoa is heavily city-orientated, making their economy even stronger. Venice still needs castles to get their best infantry.

Genoa is a defensive faction, whereas Venice is more of an attacking faction. Nevertheless. Genoa is excellent in the open field with their elite crossbowmen and powerful cavalry backed by their excellent spear militia and their decent heavy infantry. Venice basically CANNOT be beaten in sieges - their Venetian Archers are above average, and the AP infantry will smash anything that comes through those gates.

In conclusion, I personally prefer Genoa over Venice.

**Mega Tortas de Bodemloze** · October 20, 2008, 02:17 AM

Thanks Spartan90 for your wisdom..+Rep{IOU} {paid 2:41am}Very incitefu.

**Skooma Addict** · October 20, 2008, 08:20 PM

Go with Venice. Genoa destroyed my France campaign. Screw them.

**marceror** · October 20, 2008, 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by Spartan90

Infantry: Genoa has to rely on their reasonable strong broken lancers

I don't think Genoa even gets dismounted broken lances in SS 6.1.

Venice still needs castles to get their best infantry.

Really? I'm pretty sure they can get VHI from the highest level barracks in a city.

Is this the difference between having real recruitment and not having it (I don't have it installed). You almost need to specify this point before posting on these boards, as there seems to be signficant faction differences depending on whether or not it's installed.