My assessment so far of SPQR-TW 7.0

[Gluteus Maximus Inflatus]

OK,

I haven't done a whole lot yet, but this is what I have observed so far in noting differences between v6.4 and the new v7.0:

* I started playing as the Romans (of course). The Gauls promptly attacked Genua on Turn 2 just as before, while Hannibal will strike whichever settlement I don't have covered with an army within the first few turns. OK, so far so good...nothing new to report.

* Within just a few more turns, I realized that the Gauls have become MUCH more aggressive with v7.0 versus in v6.4! They start attacking me towards Ariminium sooner than they used to. And if I give up on Genua and don't utilize it as a delaying tactic, they go for Arretium with equal gusto within just a couple of turns! I have tried it both ways. If I commit to trying to keep Genua, then I am denying myself precious resources (and denarii) in the short-to-long-term. Either way, I must hold on to Arretium at all costs, since I can ultimately make so much money from the mining resources there. It wouldn't be so bad if it was just the Gauls, but I am fighting a two-front war as Hannibal and the other Carthiginians are on Italian soil. Thank goodness they have not been as aggressive so far, as it would have been almost impossible to survive more than a few more turns, I think.

* It really sucks to still only start with 5,000 denarii with these new hyper-aggressive Gauls...10,000 would allow me to invest in defensive measures almost right away...but oh well...!

* The Gauls just keep coming and coming...they are obviously in superior numbers and the AI just keeps funneling them down both sides of the Italian peninsula to continue to hammer at Arretium and Ariminium. While my generals initally keep winning victory after victory, the Gauls eventually get the upper hand simply due to attrition. I cannot funnel my own troops to the front quickly enough, and eventually, I exhaust the populations of my settlements and run out of money. By this time, they are ganging up on my armies 2-to-1 or even 3-to-1 (each in the 3K to 4K range), and I get spanked and have to finally give up the settlements. I fight to hold on to Arretium at all costs, but the writing is on the wall, so to speak.

* This most recent time, though, had an interesting development...one of my armies was dealt a CRUSHING defeat by the Gauls in the vicinity of Arretium, and it retreated backwards into Senate territory...! (Oh no, I thought...now the Senate will turn on me, too!) NOT...in fact, the very next turn saw the Senate mobilising and attacking the Gauls in force. At least five stacks, including the armies led by the Senate Faction Leader and Faction Heir, cleared the area of Gauls, and then continued marching onward in the direction of Genua over the next several turns, taking out any Gauls in range! Over the next few turns, I was actually able to have my armies recover enough to allow me to begin setting aside money to finally pay for some infrastructure upgrades. That is where I am right now...!




Has anyone else experienced what I have experienced, particularly the Senate suddenly coming to the rescue? I am wondering that my army entering their territory due to a defeat from a mutual enemy triggered the Senate AI to attack the Gauls or not...the previous times I tried, the Senate just sat on their fat a***s and watched me get overwhelmed and slaughtered...! But then again, none of my armies had ever entered Senate territory before for any reason!

Comments and suggestions are welcome!


Hail!


"Glute"

[czePowerslave]

Oh yeah, when I was beggining my campaign, playing 6.4, for some reason from time to time Senate came along They really give the good breathing time for building up some defences and money income

[Hesus de bodemloze]

Actually VERsion 7 isn' t much different form 6.4 you can finde the changes in the README sticky but i will post them here for you.

----------------------------------------------
Latest Changes\ Update Log: 11/11/2008
----------------------------------------------

===== SPQR Total War: 7.0 ====

1. Roman Generals now have missile units to prevent AI suicide charges.
2. Super faction fix, now nations will no longer form superfactions like before
3. Egyptians Walls added back into the game
4. Larger Navies added to some other factions
5. Carthage must be destroyed and you must own their lands for Marius Reforms to take place.
6. Generals, Diplomats can only be recruited in Italy
7. Auxilia Infantry, Syrian Archers, and late Auxilia Cavalry can only be recruited Outside of Italy
8. Garrison Archers added to the game
9. Battlefield heights fixed no longer huge mountains to fight on.
10. New trade ships, Sieged model for campaign map, and wagons for trade.
11. Removed some population bonuses so the AI doesnt produce to many men all the time.
12. Cataphracts have saddles now.
13. Auxilia Archers can only be recruited in the Middle east Now.
14. Cost and upkeep of generals reduced
15. Roman Peasants now available for transporting recruits to other provinces.
16. As your Empire grows larger so does the possibility of Civil War, be aware it can happen at any time when you become a Larger Empire.
17. First 2 levels of Blacksmith added to Romans, Though secondary level doesnt occur until marius
18. NEVER NEVER stay in Senates Province, its ok to pass through but dont end turn there, you violated the Laws of Rome and they WILL attack you.
18. Many Many small changes that I cant remember now. See how many you can notice from before. ;-)

Also if you need some help with your game i suggest to read the guide that is provided for you here. It will help you survive the first fifteen turns of your game.

The only time the senate helped me was by destroying a rebel armie that was to close to there borders.

[Samariten]

The insane gaul invasion with waves after waves many here have felt it and fought it turn after turn...You should take care of Hannibal and Teophanes (misspell i know) first then send your forces north. I havent got any help from the senate in 7.0 yet but the better i dont need it.

As i notice in 7.0 you should really focus on building legions about five atleast to station in the north against the gauls and if you can try push them back and take back genua and perhaps mediolanum. Wage war with to many at the start can be the downfall. Good luck and keeps us posted on your campign.

[Ejergard]

OK,
Has anyone else experienced what I have experienced, particularly the Senate suddenly coming to the rescue? I am wondering that my army entering their territory due to a defeat from a mutual enemy triggered the Senate AI to attack the Gauls or not...the previous times I tried, the Senate just sat on their fat a***s and watched me get overwhelmed and slaughtered...! But then again, none of my armies had ever entered Senate territory before for any reason!

Actually, I had a tryout campaign of 7.0, before I tried Hesus 15-turn-start guide. Hesus 15 turn start became my main campaign of 7.0. However, the first campaign after I lost Genua, the Gauls went for Arretium, and once they were next to the border of the Latium border, the armies of Rome decended upon the poor Gauls However, they just kept them away from the area of Arretium, and didn't pursue them further.
With Hesus guide it's pretty easy, but you must have faith and succeed in the battles pretty good. I normally prefer to do a defensive warfare where I put my troops in attack range, and let the enemy attack them, however as I said, with Hesus guide you really have to play it aggressive and take the fight to the enemy before it gets too gritty.

Don't think I've been able to give you some rep yet Hesus, but here you go

[czePowerslave]

Actually, I had a tryout campaign of 7.0, before I tried Hesus 15-turn-start guide. Hesus 15 turn start became my main campaign of 7.0. However, the first campaign after I lost Genua, the Gauls went for Arretium, and once they were next to the border of the Latium border, the armies of Rome decended upon the poor Gauls However, they just kept them away from the area of Arretium, and didn't pursue them further.
With Hesus guide it's pretty easy, but you must have faith and succeed in the battles pretty good. I normally prefer to do a defensive warfare where I put my troops in attack range, and let the enemy attack them, however as I said, with Hesus guide you really have to play it aggressive and take the fight to the enemy before it gets too gritty.

Don't think I've been able to give you some rep yet Hesus, but here you go

Actually, Hesus is right on the guide, because in the starting turns, all factions need a bit to pump up, so if you force the hand there, you are able to save yourself a ton of future problems, or in my case, dozens of battles. But, as you said, its about what ppl prefer

[Gluteus Maximus Inflatus]

OK...so now I am wondering if the Senate intervening was just a fluke...?

Anyway, thanks for the link, Hesus! I will try out the advice therein and see what happens!


Hail!


"Glute"

[Hesus de bodemloze]

No problem man, i hope you like this mod and house rules becous i can assure you every one else loves it. Keep us posted on your progress and if you have any other questions. Enjoy and good luck.