Minor correction: Funds are now at three levels (Small 5,000 – Medium 10,000 – Large 14,000), with Unit Sizes at the same four as they were before.
The only other change in set-up is Weather, for land battles we now only have Dry, Light Rain, Heavy Rain, and Rain Storm (which I imagine is on-again off-again rain). Gone are Snow, Dust, and Random.
And oh yes, there are no more Time Periods (duh), but everything else is the same as it was in Empire.
There are 22 maps total, 17 we haven’t seen before. All are 4v4 with an adjustable number of players, except 5 which are set for smaller teams (one - 3v3 and four 2v2).
There are now only 11 Factions, with some new (17 before including the 5 Native Americans).
Infantry unit types seem to follow a size/range/accuracy pattern to some degree, everything from 120 men/80 meters/30-35 accuracy, to 60 men/125 meters/ Accuracy 80.
Cavalry are all 45 man units I believe, varying in price along morale/melee capability lines.
Artillery have 6 to 12 pounders with 450 to 600 meter range. And the only fixed artillery I saw were Rocket Troops, and one mortar unit (Ottoman Bombard).
There are many new enhancements on the field, or should I say when you are in the field.
We now have player names available at a glance, and what looks like selectable recipient voice chat, if you have a mic.
Mostly to numerous to categorize at the moment are the enhanced realisms of battle. Most outstanding is the explosion concussion ground-shake. This was annoying at first, like having even just the sound of artillery busting all around you in Empire was unnerving at first. But when you get to be a battle hardened veteran, these things just melt away, as you steel your self to handle the task at hand.
Enjoy!
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