For the first presentation I decided to talk about the American factions : Iroquois, Aztecs, Mayans and Incans.
I will make a longer presentation about the Mayans since they are probably the most challenged faction of the continent.
In general Americans are the most fragile factions of the mod especially early game. However, if you do well and win battles against westerners, you will reduce a little bit the gap by getting horses and modern weapons.
Also cities in the Americas will be hit by small pox spread. An entire faction could be whipped out if the succession is not well prepared or because of bad luck.
Most of battles early game will be difficult, because of the technologic gap, but despite all of the difficulties I believe that Americans are very fun to play. If you want challenge, go American !
Iroquois
The Iroquois are located in the extreme North America. They are completely different of the three other American factions.
Since they start as a small tribe with small demography and surrounded by villages, they have very little economic power and will take time to develop into a solid nation.
For this reason, the Iroquois armies will remain small in early game.
Hopefully, it will take some time before the Europeans become a real threat and you will have some time to prepare their arrival.
Aztecs
The Aztecs are in my opinion the most exiting faction in Americas.
In the whole continent they have the best economy, the best units and a great potential.
The only thing is that you will need to survive against Spanish invasion which is not easy thing
But if you do a lot of possibilities will arise.
Incans
In all Americas Incans are the easiest to play early game.
They have more time to prepare against an invasion and have a good economy.
However there is a little draw back, they don't get really good reformed units.
If you play with Incans don't let your guard down by the way, who knows who can come when and where to challenge you .
Mayans
I decided to go a little deeper with Mayans presentation.
Why ? Because if you play Mayans you will really have to be a wise leader in order to succeed.
Mayans have a decent economy and decent armies, they could challenge Aztecs, but they lack something important : Time
The game starts when Cortes lands in Yucatan and yes that means that they are coming at you very soon.
Conquering an entire empire won't be your first objectiv, first you will have to survive no matter, what because there is no more doubt : They are coming !!!!
After few turns Spanish will start trying to invade your territories
Numbers alone do not confer victory
Hiding behind walls will be no use, they will come to get you
Expect struggle to keep your freedom
Expect difficult battles, lots of your men will die