Especially since the removal of the Guard ability, and the ability to throw pilas without having to charge the enemy.

There doesn't seem to be any notable benefits or effects either from staying in formation(something which normally is easier if you are playing defensively) unless you are flanked. There's no steady advances. I feel that the game encourages me to always charge the enemy before a melee fight. Pretty much the only exception to this if it is I who am being charged by Cavalry.

The only case where it's not so prominent is with Phalanxes, but even they have to attack/advance upon the enemy to properly function.

Now, I don't mind this highly aggressive playstyle when playing as say the Gauls, but when I play as the Romans/Hellenistic factions, I'd really appreciate a more defensive, steady-advancing battle style that really specialized in formations.

It is hard for me to think of a situation in Rome II where it would be better to stand my ground against incoming infantry rather than charge them.


Does anyone else feel the same way?