Earlier XGM versions

[Silver Legionary]

Are the earlier XGM versions(e.g., 3 Final, 4 Final) a level of difficulty higher
than XGM 5-onward?

I am playing as the Romans, and I was getting my rear
handed to me by multiple Gallic and Punic full-stacks(nicely upgraded) around the late
260's-250's B.C. before I started over.

I also noticed their cities grew very fast.

EDIT: AI bonuses were on, and Campaign diff. was set at hard.

[Scutarii]

AI bonuses might've gotten toned down at some point, but don't quote me I just remember it being talked about. So its possible the earlier versions of XGM 5 are the hardest...

[DimeBagHo]

Yes the bonuses have been toned down over time, so some of the earlier versions are harder.

[Silver Legionary]

Lol, yeah, the A.I. armies in this are crazy, compared to XGM5.
Foot companions, Hypaspists, Chosen swordsmen, Armoured phalangites,
even Spartans everywhere.

It's tough, but I've gotten used to it.