What hath CA wrought?

[kerrfox]

Well, that sounded dramatic. However, what is dramatic is how CA has managed units and faction balance.

I always thought that there were two “win-lose” issues with a TW game. Namely realistic units vs. fantasy units and MP balance vs. the realistic imbalances or strengths and weaknesses factions actually had. “No way to resolve this to everyone’s satisfaction” and “No compromise” for these issues is what I thought. Basically the “it’s a game I should have my sandbox” group vs. the “historical reality” group that is well known to all on the forums.

However I like what I see concerning both of these for Rome 2.

As far as units go we have Mike Simpson saying that all units will be researched, and “we won’t make anything up.” Well that sounds good except we have some factions that nothing is known of until after 272 BC and others who were conquered before 28 AD. So to fill in the gaps one must “make stuff up.” However I have seen nothing that makes me believe that units – even units that are “made up” will be unrealistic, instead there is the promise for “authenticity” which encourages me. (Admittedly much of my enthusiasm is my speculation based on sparse, vague and incomplete information).

Barbarian factions developing tech that they did not actually get was a particularly painful thorn in my side, yet based on recent articles it seems that Barbarians who remain in their home territories will not advance more than they historically did (pleasing us history buffs) yet can advance should they take over territory that already has advanced techs (specifically the article mentioned that Mediterranean-type ships would be available .. like I said, some of the info is a bit sketchy).

As far as MP balance (why else would anyone want this?) the factions may have a strong starting alliance (such as Carthage and the Seleucids with their many client state regions) but they are limited in the regions they have exclusive control over.

So to me, CA has created a fine compromise, making a “win-win” out of two issues where I did not think that possible.

That’s my two cents, I am a wee bit curious how others may feel about unit representation and faction balancing.

[Oestvang]

As long as barbarian factions have to work at developing tech, i.e. trade, loot and raid outside their homelands, I agree. Even more fun would be the ability to hire out armies to a more developed faction. To be returned as armies you can raise with abilities dependinh on how your ally used them and comparative tech levels. And good political fun if you hire out a disloyal general who comes back decked in laurel and steel