Advanced formations and Formation attack

[Eihger]

I apologize in advance if this question has been answered before. I couldn't find it in discussion so far.

Is there any plan on adding formations, or returning formation attack to the units that most likely would have them? If not perhaps a formation specifically for trained units such as romans/ greeks/helenistic etc.. Antiquity was known for its expansive use of military formations and troop positioning. Right now Roman legionaries and untamed barbarians fight virtually idenitical.

While Formation attack was a hit or miss with many people because they didn't like how it Looked. Personally I found it added more cultural depth to different factions. Historicaly and gameplay wise they did make a difference often for the better. The lack of Civilized units lacking formations make battles a bit more monotone as each faction fights just like eachother.

I wonder if even custom formations can even be made, such as having cohorts hold an inherent formation that can be toggled on and off much like how pikes do? In the event that Formation attack is not to make a return

[Fabri]

"The untamed barbarians" gave more than one idea to the civilizad romans. Hell, even the concept of polybian legionaries was born from the Scutari "barbarians" brought by the Carthaginians into the First Punic War.

[Eihger]

You know what I meant

[Fabri]

I'm actually unsure what did you mean, for on the first look sounds to me like the average and usually poor depiction of the so-called barbarians as brainless beings unaware of basic art of warfare. Which even happens with modern history, hence the reason we have absurd movie scenes like Enemy at the Gates "you know what I mean" opening battle.

[Petellius]

I apologize in advance if this question has been answered before. I couldn't find it in discussion so far.

Is there any plan on adding formations, or returning formation attack to the units that most likely would have them? If not perhaps a formation specifically for trained units such as romans/ greeks/helenistic etc.. Antiquity was known for its expansive use of military formations and troop positioning. Right now Roman legionaries and untamed barbarians fight virtually idenitical.

While Formation attack was a hit or miss with many people because they didn't like how it Looked. Personally I found it added more cultural depth to different factions. Historicaly and gameplay wise they did make a difference often for the better. The lack of Civilized units lacking formations make battles a bit more monotone as each faction fights just like eachother.

I wonder if even custom formations can even be made, such as having cohorts hold an inherent formation that can be toggled on and off much like how pikes do? In the event that Formation attack is not to make a return

Nothing is planned and no the formations are hardcoded, sorry :/

[Eihger]

Nothing is planned and no the formations are hardcoded, sorry :/

Well thats a Bummer. I'm assuming that Formation attacks isn't present in Attilla? Though it makes me wonder how the DEI guys managed to get Square formation into Rome 2

[Commissar Caligula_]

Just to clarify, are you asking about stuff like Shield Wall, Pike Wall, Testudo, ect (which are special abilites) or are you asking about actual formations like Single Line, Column, Triplex Acies?
I'm fairly sure you can modify stuff like Shield Wall.

I don't think the actual formations can be modded. The Formation Attack special ability where units try and hold a straight line rather than enveloping the enemy is in-game though, it can easily be applied to units.

[Eihger]

The formation attack where units try to hold straight lines Mostly.

However I am very curious about all the other formations as well. I have seen many modders go out of their way to make battles as formless as possible. So Its a concern of mine to see if this team was interested in making them return

[ABH2]

I don't think the actual formations can be modded. The Formation Attack special ability where units try and hold a straight line rather than enveloping the enemy is in-game though, it can easily be applied to units.

The actual formations can be modded to some degree, though I don't think we've had much luck with it at this stage. CA actually has a tutorial:
http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/Group_For..._documentation

[Petellius]

The actual formations can be modded to some degree, though I don't think we've had much luck with it at this stage. CA actually has a tutorial:
http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/Group_For..._documentation

Wrong formations ABH, he means the formation attack/special abilities ones I think.

There will be little to no abilities in AE, no formed attack at all either. This is simply due to the fact it doesn't work, like at all. All formations come with serious problems and we found the best and most accurate case was to simply adapt the way units behaved in battles and to show the disctinction that way, instead of them actually keeping in line.

It sucks but there is no cure.

On the actual army formations I've been messing about with them and will likely add it in at some point but its really not a huge thing.

[Eihger]

That is actually VERY disconcerting. Formation attack worked rather well in rome 2 and in DEI. Mind you staying in rigid lines was strange. To me it made the battles much more spectatular as well added a bit more tactical flexibility. Formed units were easier to disengage than non formed units. Its very sad to hear they will not make a return.

[KAM 2150]

Formation attack worked rather well in rome 2 and in DEI.

No, it did not, that mess never worked. That is why formation attack will be gone from DeI in 1.2 release. Just to give you better idea, units in formation attack are UNABLE to engage pike units so for example it made Romans to be the worst troops to fight against pikemen.

[Petellius]

even in Rome 2 they were buggy. If a unit was engaged in the side it would wheel sideways to face the flanking unit, or shift left and right endlessly to face the centre of the enemy unit meaning it was always outflanked... even when it should have been in a straight line.

[Eihger]

having over 200 hours in DEI I can honestly say I have had no problem with Formation attack. I found that formation attack worked in my advantage pretty much every time I ever employed it. The times I had problems was when units wouldn't stay together.
So please enlighten me as to why it doesn't work.

[Causeless]

having over 200 hours in DEI I can honestly say I have had no problem with Formation attack. I found that formation attack worked in my advantage pretty much every time I ever employed it. The times I had problems was when units wouldn't stay together.
So please enlighten me as to why it doesn't work.

Formation attack is pretty much just a malus due to the bugginess of reforming as well as the fact it stops the unit from attacking effectively. That's why not a single Rome 2 MP player with any skill keeps it enabled.

Next to Rome 1, where Guard Mode has units keeping a formation in a fluid realistic style, the exact mechanical grid and buggy reforming that is portrayed in Rome 2 is just a joke.

[Eihger]

Again I have never encountered any of these problems. literally EVER. When I position my units they usually do what I tell them. Can you provide a reference on what is going on? Because Formation attack is kinda a make or break deal for me. When roman units just mash into the fight like untrained brawlers it really ruins my immersion.

[Causeless]

Again I have never encountered any of these problems. literally EVER. When I position my units they usually do what I tell them. Can you provide a reference on what is going on? Because Formation attack is kinda a make or break deal for me. When roman units just mash into the fight like untrained brawlers it really ruins my immersion.

I'm talking about when units in formed attack do this. Or this. Or this. Or even this.

Formation attack in Rome 2 is an unrealistic mess compared to Guard Mode in Rome 1.

[Eihger]

Yes the engine sucks, we all know this. I find with a bit more management troop placement they will stay in place. The AI will always blob, no matter what. Sucks that theres no way to go around this.

[Maetharin]

I'm quite intrigued how KAM's new formation system for DeI works, maybe it can also be applied here?

[KAM 2150]

AE has own formations and ways to make it work since in Attila AI actually is able to use formation on its own ; P