Diplomacy is such a huge exploit...

[Vampiresoap]

First of all, you can simply BUY cities.

Second, you can perform "sneak attacks" on your supposed allies. (Position your armies right next to undefended allied cities --> Break alliance --> Perform multiple devastating attacks, capturing several major cities --> suggest a ceasefire --> suggest an alliance --> the cycle begins anew)

If you have two diplomats and bring siege weapons, all that can be done in one turn. (Don't even have to wait!)

As Gondor, I used the same tactics to eradicate the Harad faction at 76th turn with minimal casualties.

Just a hint, villages are very good bargaining chips...

So yeah, I'm just saying all this really makes the game tedious...Of course, we can choose to ignore diplomacy and just charge in with guns blazing...But I still wish the diplomatic system can be as sophisticated as Europa Universal III's.

[Zimmy]

What does this have to do with Third Age? This 'exploit' is in the base game Medieval 2, go talk about it in that forum.

[Vampiresoap]

There's no need to be hostile. And in case you haven't noticed, diplomacy in Third age is very different from vanilla. Also, many other mods have vastly improved the diplomatic system. I was just saying that TATW may also use some improvements in this area. I'm not complaining, and I'm sorry if I gave you that impression.

[Withwnar]

True those things can be done but you're just spoiling the fun for yourself. Improving the diplomacy system is one thing, building in a lot of complicated script and/or AI logic just to prevent the player from 'cheating' is another.

Not that buying regions is cheating: it is a legitimate - and expensive! - operation.

[Vampiresoap]

If you really think buying regions is not cheating, then you are just lying to yourself...I mean, think about it, you just need to ally with all your neighbors and win the game by slowly buying most of their regions. You probably don't even need to fight a single real-time battle the entire time.

[Incomitatus]

If you really think buying regions is not cheating, then you are just lying to yourself...I mean, think about it, you just need to ally with all your neighbors and win the game by slowly buying most of their regions. You probably don't even need to fight a single real-time battle the entire time.

Buying regions from factions that are supposed to win the game = cheating.

Buying regions because you would prefer to get that Victory Condition province from your Ally peacefully instead of backstabbing them = not cheating.

Complaining because the team leaves it up to you to decide which you want to do? Priceless.

[Withwnar]

But who would bother playing a game that way? You're just cheating yourself out of an enjoyable experience.

[Ngugi]

But who would bother playing a game that way? You're just cheating yourself out of an enjoyable experience.

This.

Vampiresoap, come on?
I never ever heard anyone play like this (while folks noted it can be done, but they haven't done it), beside apprently yourself, and you bring it up as a big issue with the game?
Being able to buy a settlement is not a weakness of the game but a feature - while to set it in system in a manner the AI can't handle on the other hand is a weakness, but a purely self-created one of no consequence to the rest of us.
The only issue here is players who abuse the game limitations. So the problem is in all honestly you, not the game, since it do not force you to play like this. If you do not like to do it, then do not do it.


This thread has nothing further to contribute.


CLOSED

[Aldor]

It's your own choice, as said before. Why would the team do alot of work to make sure that you don't cheat yourself out. If that's a fun game for you, then go buy mordor.