Alright, so yes, the generic line infantry in the game do have stat variations between nations, BUT, and I think many agree with me, it's a bit disappointing that they're all the same. This, and a few other 'easy' fixes, I think, are well within the limits of our fabulous modding community out here.
As I've said before, I have no particular computer-related modding skills. I would, however, be pleased to help out with the research a bit.
So, getting into the details, I hereby propose the following:
1. Creation of new skins/models for line infantry and guards, giving different ones to each nation. Uniforms should come from as early as possible initially. Re-name units in order to give yet more sense of variety (Lieb Guard, Old Guard, etc.)
1a. Addition of technology to the tech tree which gives units new uniforms? That would be great, if possible. If not, consider unlocking new units as a means of updating uniforms. This is already somewhat in place with the Ottomans and the Nizam units, which are unlocked with the 'Western Drill' technology.
Is it possible to disable outmoded units somehow? That might be worth investigating.
2. Removal of grenadier and grenade launchers, creation of proper grenadier units (IE: Improved line infantry). Take away Grenzer's 'double barreled muskets'. Basically fix the 'silly' units.
(NOTE: I, by no means, propose a %100 historical accuracy mod, but there is such a thing as going too far. I can deal with not having exactly the right uniform colors, and everybody wearing the same hat, and even the steamships, but, really, GRENADE LAUNCHERS? C'mon, people.)
3. Fix Georgia and Dageistan's unit rosters. Possibly just give Dageistan some Ottoman units as a quick fix. It's silly that they use Western units.
4. Throw in some more unique units. I'm sure it shouldn't be too difficult to come up with something for the United Provinces and Prussia. Each major faction should, IMO, have about the same number of units as the British.
5. Possible research into Eastern navies and creation of Eastern ship models. I know the Ottomans adopted Western-style ship building, but they also maintained more traditional ships, and I'm pretty sure the Indian states didn't build ships of the line.
5a. The naval units seem more or less good for now, but I think some improvements could be made, perhaps some minor model changes between nations to give ships a unique feel. As it is, I think the whole 'clone fleets' are a little odd).
If people are willing to join in on this little project, great. I'm willing to take opinions on this and to make changes in accordance with what the people want.
Keep in mind, once again, that this is NOT necessarily a historical accuracy mod. It is, if you will, a gameplay improvement mod. Certainly some changes will tend towards historical, but we should leave the %100 accuracy to the good folks at Empire Total Realism, which should be on its way shortly, if not already. While certain a-historical units which, in my opinion, break the 'feel' of the game (grenade launchers, once again ) will be taken out, some can remain, as long as they fit the 'feel', I'm fine with steamships, simply because they seem like they 'could have been'. Likewise Russia's 'Steltsy' unit.
This may seem a bit schizophrenic, but I'm sure something can be worked out. We are, after all, here to have fun :P
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