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View Full Version : The Challenge of Maneuver



Dimeola
03-15-2003, 22:29
Have been noticing (duh you say...) that one important facet of battle is staying organized during movement. Movement being to either move in to the attack, launch a counterattack from defense, follow up a rout by assaulting another enemy, and in the initail stages moving your army to help your allies.
A disorganized army in movement will take longer to take up proper defensive position when at arrival, and if struck in movement is often a lost cause. I see many players, esp. new ones who have alot of trouble with this.
In a recent game my Germans routed the Italians in the wooded hilltop and turned to flank the next foe. But in my eagerness to press an advantage ended up entering combat helter skelter. Have also noticed many new players on the attack who are unsure and slow....and pressed this to advantage.
Now I am not a great player....so maybe someone could write up a tutorial on this and give us some pointers?
Here are my meager thoughts....keep forces together....do not get strung out. Group units together. I usually group my ranged units in 1 or 2 groups....my front line in 2....each wing separate....etc. So that in the thick of battle its much easier.
Move in shorter increments....that way when conditions change you can better make changes and if you cant make changes you wont have a unit walking into the enemy camp alone. Also helps cohesion.
Try to think ahead Dont just react, think ahead to what you want to happen. To what its likely your opponent can do. Try to keep your units in a good position at all times. Meaning flanks secure....supported by adjacent units.
As I still count myself as a novice here I welcome all criticism and advice.
And for the length of this post, as I have never written tuts....and its been `years` since i`ve written essays. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Dimeolas

Gregoshi
03-15-2003, 22:52
Good post Dimeolas. I wonder that too. I've bungled many an opportunity with very poorly executed maneuver and then paid the price for the bungle. I'm usually okay on the approach, but once the battle starts I have 2 left feet.

Michael the Great
03-16-2003, 00:23
Use waypoints.(they are very useful for controlling multiple forces all at the same time).
Launck a line attack with ur spear units grouped in a single line formation,click ahead of the enemy then direct every unit to attack individual enemy units,or just click one time on 1 enemy unit,and ur unit will march towards the enemy and when it gets close it will charge.


Also,I have a question:
HOW MANY OF YOU ARE ACTUALLY USING WAYPOINTS AND ALT-CLICKING (to keep facing while marching/running)???

Dimeola
03-16-2003, 00:48
Thank you, I must confess I dont. This is how I break it down....first you choose your force, then choose your formation and sketch out a strategy...maneuver prior to contact...the ranged unit contest...movement to contact...the melee...the break and pursuit....rally and/or helping your neighbour. There are opportunities at each step.
And how many of you fight it alone in a 2v2 to 4v4 and how many counsel with and assist your allies?
Dimeolas