Total War
#41
Posted 28 May 2010 - 06:50 AM
Aight so I played a few more hours... Things are going fast forward, I unlocked a tonne of technologies, and stuff. Austria promptly dispatched France, so I expanded a bit in the east indies trade theathre... built several 4th Rates and kicking fleet ass, and I've got 4 fresh new 2nd Rates coming up, I'm ready to dominate the seas - the others seem to be floating around on 5th and 6th Rates, Brigs and Sloops and Dhows and Galleons.
Since it seems like Austria overextended themselves, AND they're holding some trade spots, shortly after France reappeared I backstabbed them and took Flandres. Wurtenberg is kicking ass at securing my flank, bitchslapping bavarian armies every time they try to invade. The new France is keeping it civil with me, but they only have one province, and I just got my Scots and Swiss Infantry, just waiting for some decent artillery to smack 'em down. Venice joined Austria, which is a bonus, since they also occupy some trade spots, and this way I can pick them off the waters without going to war with some other allies of theirs, like the Italian States... but soon that won't matter, once I start spewing out 9 3rd Rates every 3 turns in Trinidad, Leeward Islands and Antwerp.
I'm a bit worried about the time limit though, as it's already 1729. I have to pick up the pace and go ballistic on maybe Americas... Once I know I'm safe at sea with superior gunpower, I might go and annex spanish holdings in the Americas, since I do need New Andalusia anyway... and think of a way of getting New York without getting into war with Great Britain, my faithful ally. I also hope I can just buy Carnatica from Marathas, these motherfuckers are scary and I'd rather stay on their good side (they're about to totally dominate mainland India).
Since it seems like Austria overextended themselves, AND they're holding some trade spots, shortly after France reappeared I backstabbed them and took Flandres. Wurtenberg is kicking ass at securing my flank, bitchslapping bavarian armies every time they try to invade. The new France is keeping it civil with me, but they only have one province, and I just got my Scots and Swiss Infantry, just waiting for some decent artillery to smack 'em down. Venice joined Austria, which is a bonus, since they also occupy some trade spots, and this way I can pick them off the waters without going to war with some other allies of theirs, like the Italian States... but soon that won't matter, once I start spewing out 9 3rd Rates every 3 turns in Trinidad, Leeward Islands and Antwerp.
I'm a bit worried about the time limit though, as it's already 1729. I have to pick up the pace and go ballistic on maybe Americas... Once I know I'm safe at sea with superior gunpower, I might go and annex spanish holdings in the Americas, since I do need New Andalusia anyway... and think of a way of getting New York without getting into war with Great Britain, my faithful ally. I also hope I can just buy Carnatica from Marathas, these motherfuckers are scary and I'd rather stay on their good side (they're about to totally dominate mainland India).
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
#42
Posted 28 May 2010 - 08:57 AM
most empire games works like that, the one thing about dowhs i find smart to remember is that the 3 cannons they have are DAMNED powerfull, more than once a fleet of gallys dowhs and small ships have blown some of my 3rd (and in one memorable battle my 1st) ship(s) out of the sea (also try not to blow them up when they are alongside you, even a big ship may burn fast...)
i want to see this world where T'lan imass kneels
#43
Posted 28 May 2010 - 11:33 AM
Gothos, on 28 May 2010 - 06:50 AM, said:
Aight so I played a few more hours... Things are going fast forward, I unlocked a tonne of technologies, and stuff. Austria promptly dispatched France, so I expanded a bit in the east indies trade theathre... built several 4th Rates and kicking fleet ass, and I've got 4 fresh new 2nd Rates coming up, I'm ready to dominate the seas - the others seem to be floating around on 5th and 6th Rates, Brigs and Sloops and Dhows and Galleons.
Since it seems like Austria overextended themselves, AND they're holding some trade spots, shortly after France reappeared I backstabbed them and took Flandres. Wurtenberg is kicking ass at securing my flank, bitchslapping bavarian armies every time they try to invade. The new France is keeping it civil with me, but they only have one province, and I just got my Scots and Swiss Infantry, just waiting for some decent artillery to smack 'em down. Venice joined Austria, which is a bonus, since they also occupy some trade spots, and this way I can pick them off the waters without going to war with some other allies of theirs, like the Italian States... but soon that won't matter, once I start spewing out 9 3rd Rates every 3 turns in Trinidad, Leeward Islands and Antwerp.
I'm a bit worried about the time limit though, as it's already 1729. I have to pick up the pace and go ballistic on maybe Americas... Once I know I'm safe at sea with superior gunpower, I might go and annex spanish holdings in the Americas, since I do need New Andalusia anyway... and think of a way of getting New York without getting into war with Great Britain, my faithful ally. I also hope I can just buy Carnatica from Marathas, these motherfuckers are scary and I'd rather stay on their good side (they're about to totally dominate mainland India).
Since it seems like Austria overextended themselves, AND they're holding some trade spots, shortly after France reappeared I backstabbed them and took Flandres. Wurtenberg is kicking ass at securing my flank, bitchslapping bavarian armies every time they try to invade. The new France is keeping it civil with me, but they only have one province, and I just got my Scots and Swiss Infantry, just waiting for some decent artillery to smack 'em down. Venice joined Austria, which is a bonus, since they also occupy some trade spots, and this way I can pick them off the waters without going to war with some other allies of theirs, like the Italian States... but soon that won't matter, once I start spewing out 9 3rd Rates every 3 turns in Trinidad, Leeward Islands and Antwerp.
I'm a bit worried about the time limit though, as it's already 1729. I have to pick up the pace and go ballistic on maybe Americas... Once I know I'm safe at sea with superior gunpower, I might go and annex spanish holdings in the Americas, since I do need New Andalusia anyway... and think of a way of getting New York without getting into war with Great Britain, my faithful ally. I also hope I can just buy Carnatica from Marathas, these motherfuckers are scary and I'd rather stay on their good side (they're about to totally dominate mainland India).
Have you built a lot of schools to improve the tech rate? I played as Britain, and sent an army to India right at the start. As I started taking more territory, my trade income went up heaps, as there are loads of spices and tea plantations, and the Indians were pretty easy meat early on. At the same time, I invaded the area just north of Florida, and started taking out islands in the Caribbean, and robbing trade to Spain and France, for even more income.
I ended up with loads of trade income, good footholds in America, and all of India, before I laid a foot in mainland Europe.
Great game, lots of ways to play. Building loads of schools from the start is a must though, even if it means changing weavers or other production centres.
So that's the story. And what was the real lesson? Don't leave things in the fridge.
#44
Posted 28 May 2010 - 11:40 AM
Actually I'm using just 2 tech centers - Utrecht (Netherlands) and Marburg (Rheinland). I'm comfortably ahead of my enemies like that, and I'm already starting to have trouble implementing the new research in a timely fashion - plantation and other building upgrades stall my army growth as it is, not to mention the increased unrest. More schools would just be a waste.
I did turn two weavers in the americas into church schools though. My provinces there are mostly catholic/animist, so the unrest is annoyingly high. I think I'll have to build one in Europe as well.
After this game I might go for India after offing the Pirates, and only go to Europe after subduing the whole indian theathre... should have money coming out of my every orifice.
I did turn two weavers in the americas into church schools though. My provinces there are mostly catholic/animist, so the unrest is annoyingly high. I think I'll have to build one in Europe as well.
After this game I might go for India after offing the Pirates, and only go to Europe after subduing the whole indian theathre... should have money coming out of my every orifice.
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
#45
Posted 28 May 2010 - 11:50 AM
India is super-rich, but you have to through a lot of troops initially, as there is so much unrest. Taking priests is essential too, I had to build quite a lot of churches. There are already a few colleges there which will increase the gentleman spawn rate, but they do add a bit to the unrest.
So that's the story. And what was the real lesson? Don't leave things in the fridge.
#46
Posted 28 May 2010 - 11:53 AM
Getting India is like getting Egypt or Greece in Rome...insane amounts of dosh there. Almost too much.
Antiquis temporibus, nati tibi similes in rupibus ventosissimis exponebantur ad necem.
Si hoc adfixum in obice legere potes, et liberaliter educatus et nimis propinquus ades.
Si hoc adfixum in obice legere potes, et liberaliter educatus et nimis propinquus ades.
#47
Posted 28 May 2010 - 11:58 AM
France seems like a tasty treat too - I hear Paris gives like 12-15 thousand income per turn - that's more than I make from trade right now.
Also, how much of a boost is having a monopoly for, say, Ivory?
Also, how much of a boost is having a monopoly for, say, Ivory?
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
#48
Posted 28 May 2010 - 01:08 PM
In Empire I think the maximum amount of trade ships on a trade spot is quite low - like 3 or 4 before the amount of ivory evens out? (and stops increasing) On Napoleon you can get 10 merchants on a spot.
With anything, if you flood the market with too much, the price goes down, and you don't get as much money per turn.
Choosing carefully who to trade with gives a huge income boost - as many countries as possible is ideal, but if you trade with a country whos trade routes are continually raided a long way from your counrtry, it's sometimes not worth it.
That was the only bummer about invading India - they are a strong trade partner early on. It all works out when you take all their ports and resources though!
Also, look at your government - if the guy in charge of finance/tax collection is crap, kick him out each turn until you get a better one - it can make a load of difference to how much you get from trade and tax.
With anything, if you flood the market with too much, the price goes down, and you don't get as much money per turn.
Choosing carefully who to trade with gives a huge income boost - as many countries as possible is ideal, but if you trade with a country whos trade routes are continually raided a long way from your counrtry, it's sometimes not worth it.
That was the only bummer about invading India - they are a strong trade partner early on. It all works out when you take all their ports and resources though!
Also, look at your government - if the guy in charge of finance/tax collection is crap, kick him out each turn until you get a better one - it can make a load of difference to how much you get from trade and tax.
This post has been edited by Traveller: 28 May 2010 - 01:10 PM
So that's the story. And what was the real lesson? Don't leave things in the fridge.
#49
Posted 28 May 2010 - 01:14 PM
Right now I want to focus on getting 1-2 trade ships on all the nodes. Might be problematic, that's a lot of wars brewing if I want to remove other fleets from them. Including Knights of St. John, who somehow managed to get two full stack fleets. Where are they getting the money for that? Mostly 6th rates, brigs and sloops, though, I guess my 3rd and 2nd rates should make quick work of them...
And true enough about trade with India, I'm getting most of my trading with Maratha, another argument for keeping them as friends. But hey, once I'm ready to make the final push for the victory conditions, I can take the regions I need in one turn and finish it quickly without war repercussions.
Also, I have to ask: do my protectorates' provinces count towards the regions controlled victory condition?
And true enough about trade with India, I'm getting most of my trading with Maratha, another argument for keeping them as friends. But hey, once I'm ready to make the final push for the victory conditions, I can take the regions I need in one turn and finish it quickly without war repercussions.
Also, I have to ask: do my protectorates' provinces count towards the regions controlled victory condition?
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
#50
Posted 28 May 2010 - 01:24 PM
Not sure on that one... I always go for total control of the regions on the list.
Oh, and about the tech... trade it. I got loads from buying or trading techs with someone, them passing that on to someone else, who then gave me something else which I could trade. I was just careful not to give up an advantage, but really, if you're in Europe, does it matter if the Afghans have irrigation or topgallants if you can get something better in return?
btw I was able to take one of the french regions as part of my victory conditions, which immediately set me at war with spain and about 3 of their allies. But.. I bribed all of them back to peace with money and tech on the same turn, so they'd leave my trade routes alone! Foolish AI.
Oh, and about the tech... trade it. I got loads from buying or trading techs with someone, them passing that on to someone else, who then gave me something else which I could trade. I was just careful not to give up an advantage, but really, if you're in Europe, does it matter if the Afghans have irrigation or topgallants if you can get something better in return?
btw I was able to take one of the french regions as part of my victory conditions, which immediately set me at war with spain and about 3 of their allies. But.. I bribed all of them back to peace with money and tech on the same turn, so they'd leave my trade routes alone! Foolish AI.
This post has been edited by Traveller: 28 May 2010 - 01:27 PM
So that's the story. And what was the real lesson? Don't leave things in the fridge.
#51
Posted 28 May 2010 - 01:28 PM
in my games the AI walues his tec far to much for that to work, but what you CAN do is to arm a protectoarte (or a faction at war with a enemy) with semi powerfull tec, thats always fun (made teh mugal eradicate the marathi confedracy by giving them tec
i want to see this world where T'lan imass kneels
#52
Posted 28 May 2010 - 01:58 PM
One of my worst complaints about all TW games is that the AI is just obnoxious at gauging it's position and values. It's better in Empire, but still... there's just so much in diplomacy that should be implemented. Properly.
WTB the people that did Galactic Civilizations II to do TW AI
WTB the people that did Galactic Civilizations II to do TW AI
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
#53
Posted 28 May 2010 - 02:02 PM
what i hate is the threten buton it dosent do shit... i mean i have 3 times the size 10 times the army and infinte (ie they have 0) fleets and stil they refuse on the pain of death...
i want to see this world where T'lan imass kneels
#54
Posted 28 May 2010 - 02:05 PM
All threathen ever does is just make your relations EVEN WORSE THAN THEY ARE.
I did, however, once succeeded requesting a surrender during siege. I was stunned tbh.
I did, however, once succeeded requesting a surrender during siege. I was stunned tbh.
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
#55
Posted 28 May 2010 - 02:35 PM
mods you might like to look at.
Darth mod from rome and upwards.
Brilliant fun on Empire. But I think the Darth mod for rome was superior.
Medieval 2 the long road, uses the darth mod for the ai but it has over 200 provinces on the map, all the armies are redone. So my favourite scotland is forced to rely on militia men and so forth for spearmen damn annoying but interesting. Also all units are equal in numbers. Which means that superior usage of terrain is critical in winning battles. Some of the best battles in a strategy game I ever had was with this mod.
ROme total war alexander- the lord of the rings mod, Seriously try it, it just feels right, especially the elves. Playing as Silvan elves, it is about having a main force ready to march and take on the enemy anywhere, but smaller and faster forces that can harrass big enemy forces before your main force engages. So basically you are reliant on a guerilla warefare doctrine to keep Mirkwood clear.
Keeping Mirkwood clear is a challenge in itself, cause if the men of Dale and the Dwarves fail in the East and you are fighting Mordor you are praying for for a lull in the war so that you are ready for the Easterlings.
Also the game is a bitch in that numbers of the elves will deplete or go stagnant at least, so you can't afford to lose 2000 elves in one battle, losing 800 elves was a sad day despite taking out 6000 orcs that would have have tried their best to destroy me.
About the series itself, I think the reason why people didn't respond well to Empire is that with muskets it doesn't have the energy of two lines charging in too fight, if you're quick you can roll a line back on a flank, while in the previous games you had to get the men stuck in. I get badly mauled in Empire (ok i play on medium settings but i use mods) but I can play on medium settings for the mods on other games for the series and actually lose full strength armies.
About Galactic Civilisations 2 I think the AI is better implemented but weapons and defence for fleets is rock paper scissors, so human fleets are generally superior, it when you find yourself engaged against a multispecies alliance that when it becomes interesting. Let's say my fleets put up a noble resistance as they were shot to pieces. In Total war thereis a bit of of rock paper scissors but it makes sense.
Darth mod from rome and upwards.
Brilliant fun on Empire. But I think the Darth mod for rome was superior.
Medieval 2 the long road, uses the darth mod for the ai but it has over 200 provinces on the map, all the armies are redone. So my favourite scotland is forced to rely on militia men and so forth for spearmen damn annoying but interesting. Also all units are equal in numbers. Which means that superior usage of terrain is critical in winning battles. Some of the best battles in a strategy game I ever had was with this mod.
ROme total war alexander- the lord of the rings mod, Seriously try it, it just feels right, especially the elves. Playing as Silvan elves, it is about having a main force ready to march and take on the enemy anywhere, but smaller and faster forces that can harrass big enemy forces before your main force engages. So basically you are reliant on a guerilla warefare doctrine to keep Mirkwood clear.
Keeping Mirkwood clear is a challenge in itself, cause if the men of Dale and the Dwarves fail in the East and you are fighting Mordor you are praying for for a lull in the war so that you are ready for the Easterlings.
Also the game is a bitch in that numbers of the elves will deplete or go stagnant at least, so you can't afford to lose 2000 elves in one battle, losing 800 elves was a sad day despite taking out 6000 orcs that would have have tried their best to destroy me.
About the series itself, I think the reason why people didn't respond well to Empire is that with muskets it doesn't have the energy of two lines charging in too fight, if you're quick you can roll a line back on a flank, while in the previous games you had to get the men stuck in. I get badly mauled in Empire (ok i play on medium settings but i use mods) but I can play on medium settings for the mods on other games for the series and actually lose full strength armies.
About Galactic Civilisations 2 I think the AI is better implemented but weapons and defence for fleets is rock paper scissors, so human fleets are generally superior, it when you find yourself engaged against a multispecies alliance that when it becomes interesting. Let's say my fleets put up a noble resistance as they were shot to pieces. In Total war thereis a bit of of rock paper scissors but it makes sense.
#56
Posted 28 May 2010 - 02:40 PM
The main problem with the Ai in total war is that it doesn't take notice really of an other countries force that it is not at war with. I mean the only reason why you see the AI lining up it forces on the ir border with you is that they plan to launch an attack.
#57
Posted 28 May 2010 - 02:51 PM
In Napoleon I have forced several regions to surrender, just by turning up on their doorstep with a huge army ( having lured the bulk of their forces elsewhere). Works well, when there is no one except militia to fight seasoned troops seems like the likely option. Saves having one of those slightly pointless battles with one unit defending a city.
This post has been edited by Traveller: 28 May 2010 - 02:52 PM
So that's the story. And what was the real lesson? Don't leave things in the fridge.
#58
Posted 28 May 2010 - 03:15 PM
You can get them to surrender in Empire but it more likely to happen if the only thing that is going to stop yoour army is the hundred or so militia that in the city. So if there is a nearby friendly army that is full of troops and they are fresh why should the town surrender?
The other condition is that they still have armies and they have beaten back the other enemy forces and all the town has to do is hold out for a few turns for the army to swing back and hit you.
The other condition is that they still have armies and they have beaten back the other enemy forces and all the town has to do is hold out for a few turns for the army to swing back and hit you.
#59
Posted 29 May 2010 - 02:38 AM
Yeah, that's one of the reasons I almost NEVER, EVER besiege provinces. I just rush the walls, take the losses, and then I get to fight the defensive battle (with the advantage of having their fortifications) against the (potential) relief army.
<!--quoteo(post=462161:date=Nov 1 2008, 06:13 PM:name=Aptorian)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Aptorian @ Nov 1 2008, 06:13 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=462161"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->God damn. Mighty drunk. Must ... what is the english movement movement movement for drunk... with out you seemimg drunk?
bla bla bla
Peopleare harrasing me... grrrrrh.
Also people with big noses aren't jews, they're just french
EDIT: We has editted so mucj that5 we're not quite sure... also, leave britney alone.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
bla bla bla
Peopleare harrasing me... grrrrrh.
Also people with big noses aren't jews, they're just french
EDIT: We has editted so mucj that5 we're not quite sure... also, leave britney alone.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
#60
Posted 29 May 2010 - 09:33 PM
I rather face the enemy on the field. If you are stuck in a fort you are immobile You can strand troops on the wall depending on fort type by blasting two breaches in a wall.