Age of Kings remedied most of this, but it did it at the cost of stripping most of the diversity from the civs. 50% and double bonuses became 15% or 20%. Despite the balancing out of bonuses, certain civs were forgotten about completely while others were used almost exclusively. The Britons, Mongols and Chinese So it’s natural then when you review the general concepts behind AoM’s three cultures and then further the gods and minor gods; how ambitious the differences are going to be, to have concern whether things are going to turn out wrong. Naturally, I have a lot of confidence in ES to do an excellent job at this For instance, let’s look at most recently the Norse showcase the facts unveiled about the Norse. In particular a few key points I’ll highlight: Yes, I know these have balance points. Mobile resource carts have to be trained at the TC – sacrificing vil production – and probably have less HP’s, making raiding more effective. Military building structures means that gatherers can’t, plus Norse buildings are easier to knock down. Etcetera. I am sure there are lots of polar opposites that create huge downsides to the Norse, as can logically be expected. All this aside the most important thing I think is that even if fundamentally the three cultures are equally balanced, the Norse are going to get the most attention. When the old hand jumps into the game, he’ll see all these features the Norse have that benefit pulling off a great rush, and will gravitate straight to them. RF_Gandalf pointed out this very thing, whether or not the Norse are equally balanced with the other cultures, their strategies will evolve the fastest merely because they’re inevitably going to be the most popular. And this is my greatest fear, I think. I am not an expert or even remotely competent by any means, and I doubt I will have any bearing on the development of what becomes rote in AoM…and those that will will want to play the Norse. So then, with all the strats developing for the Norse, the development of effective strategies for the Greeks and more importantly Egyptians - since they function so differently to the civs of AoK – will be close to nil, which is an effect which can only grow in impetus….leaving the other cultures further behind. So when I, Mr Average Inter Guy jumps into the game and choose Greeks, I'll lose to someone on even par who chooses Norse and reads Crexis' writeup on the 5 minute Ulfsark rush or whatever. Well, there was my unlikely speculation for how things may turn out. Thoughts? [This message has been edited by TheShadowDawn (edited 04-08-2002 @ 03:58 AM).]
TheShædøwDåwn
If you're like me, then it's possible you're a clone generated from my stolen DNA. I suggest you turn yourself in for destruction immediately.