He is still extremely strong (not overpowered as he was before)... and the Big reason being is that favor is gained faster (This makes up for the increase pop cost of animals) and I can still make enough apes in the beginning to disrupted my enemies.
Also that Anubite I usually get helps out a lot.
However,, the Bonus vs Animals that heroes now gets has put a bit of a problem into Ape massing strat but I have still managed to overpower my opponents.
Another note is that Set got stronger in the later ages as well.
Zone Name=
DeaconRien Founding Father of the Deacon Empire "I am the Dragon, before me you tremble"
-Francis Dolarhyde (Red Dragon 2002)