Oberiko
03-18-2003, 03:56
I am a large believer in learning from the works of others. Not copying mind you, but borrowing bits and pieces to improve your own product. With that in mind, there are a few features in Praetorians that I think could be used in R:TW.
Stationary formations
A formation for your troops where they essentially "dig-in" to prepare for the enemy. I think this could be an exceptionally useful formation in many cases.
Spearmen - Spearmen/Pikemen would line up and form a wall of spears (not unlike Braveheart) to prepare for charging cavalry or melee infantry. They would gain a considerable bonus, but be very vulnerable to missiles and flanking. Best used to hold a chokepoint and to protect archers.
Infantry (with shield) - Infantry would get into a crouched position with raised shields (as also seen in Braveheart). This would lower the damage caused by light missiles, but would be useless in melee combat. IIRC something very similar to this can be seen in the trailer, and might best be used automatically.
Inidividual units
Not counting against your total (assuming you can only bring a maximum amount of troops to battle), individual units would fill roles like scout, flag bearer etc. These would be very useful do to the low penalty for their loss and could be used to determine enemy positions or checking concealed areas for opposing troops. Their would probably have to be some further restrictions on their use (probably something like a delayed shared vision that stops as soon as they are dead so that you can't pinpoint exactly where they were killed or by what)
Gladiators
Considering that we have seen gladiators in the screenshots, I think it would be best if they were equipped either as Retiarius (trident + weighted net) or as Dimacheri (Wielding two swords) simply to add more variety (and in the case of Retiarius, more recognisability) to them.
Sieges
One of the better features of Praetorians is how it handles assaults on large fortifications. Manuevering your troops along the walls, towers, and interior of the keep allow for a much more flexible defense. From the screen shots we've seen, I think R:TW is going to be in fine shape for such occurances regardless.
Stationary formations
A formation for your troops where they essentially "dig-in" to prepare for the enemy. I think this could be an exceptionally useful formation in many cases.
Spearmen - Spearmen/Pikemen would line up and form a wall of spears (not unlike Braveheart) to prepare for charging cavalry or melee infantry. They would gain a considerable bonus, but be very vulnerable to missiles and flanking. Best used to hold a chokepoint and to protect archers.
Infantry (with shield) - Infantry would get into a crouched position with raised shields (as also seen in Braveheart). This would lower the damage caused by light missiles, but would be useless in melee combat. IIRC something very similar to this can be seen in the trailer, and might best be used automatically.
Inidividual units
Not counting against your total (assuming you can only bring a maximum amount of troops to battle), individual units would fill roles like scout, flag bearer etc. These would be very useful do to the low penalty for their loss and could be used to determine enemy positions or checking concealed areas for opposing troops. Their would probably have to be some further restrictions on their use (probably something like a delayed shared vision that stops as soon as they are dead so that you can't pinpoint exactly where they were killed or by what)
Gladiators
Considering that we have seen gladiators in the screenshots, I think it would be best if they were equipped either as Retiarius (trident + weighted net) or as Dimacheri (Wielding two swords) simply to add more variety (and in the case of Retiarius, more recognisability) to them.
Sieges
One of the better features of Praetorians is how it handles assaults on large fortifications. Manuevering your troops along the walls, towers, and interior of the keep allow for a much more flexible defense. From the screen shots we've seen, I think R:TW is going to be in fine shape for such occurances regardless.