A few questions about "Rome: Total War"

[eXistenZi]

Hello, this is my first post on this forum http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif Since the civilization I'm looking forward to the most is Greece, I have a question about it.

Will the game implement a realistic phalanx? (In the Rome video, the greek soldiers break out of the phalanx to fight each opposing soldier individually. That makes absolutely no sense.) I think that implementing a phalanx that plows through the enemy would be quite nice, and perfectly balanced. A phalanx takes some time to form, and when it is formed, it is highly vulnerable to a flank attack, and also is very slow moving and hard to maneuver. Therefore, there is a perfect balance between strength and weakness I think.

Personally, I will be greatly dissapointed if a realistic phalanx doesn't show up in the game.

Looking forward to your responses.

[MonkeyMan]

Hi eXistenZi http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

Welcome to the .org I hope you enjoy your stay. Can't answer your question personally, but i'm sure someone will be able to give an answer and perhaps your suggestions will influence the development of the game.

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

A word of advice, eXistenZi: give Monkeyman nuts regularly. You don't want to see what he does to those who don't.

[Nowake]

Slaps them to death? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[SmokWawelski]

This will probably be a question of balancing the game properly. I assume that this will be more important than the historical accuracy.

[Mak]

Existenz,
Brings up an interesting point of unit formations the Phanlanx for attacking head on, weakening your flanks. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/eek.gif

The Romans of course had the tortoise formation slowing movement by locking shields but protecting from enemy missile fire.

Any other people can think of perhaps another skirmish for formation for scout units..... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/idea.gif

[ShadesWolf]

Welcome to the Org eXistenZi

[JANOSIK007]

Where did you download that video?

I have downloaded one with the Romans fighting Barbarians.

[MiloMoria]

Quote[/b] (eXistenZi @ April 13 2003,15:24)]Hello, this is my first post on this forum http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif Since the civilization I'm looking forward to the most is Greece, I have a question about it.

Will the game implement a realistic phalanx? (In the Rome video, the greek soldiers break out of the phalanx to fight each opposing soldier individually. That makes absolutely no sense.) I think that implementing a phalanx that plows through the enemy would be quite nice, and perfectly balanced. A phalanx takes some time to form, and when it is formed, it is highly vulnerable to a flank attack, and also is very slow moving and hard to maneuver. Therefore, there is a perfect balance between strength and weakness I think.

Personally, I will be greatly dissapointed if a realistic phalanx doesn't show up in the game.

Looking forward to your responses.
As I understand it the Phalanax did at times break ranks to chase down routed enemies. I think a well enforced 'Hold Formation' command will allow one to use a Phalanax style unit to attack in formation. (Hopefully the unit will still break ranks when entcountering broken ground)

[eXistenZi]

Quote[/b] (JANOSIK007 @ April 18 2003,16:18)]Where did you download that video?

I have downloaded one with the Romans fighting Barbarians.
Hehe I guess they were the Romans then (I watched the video briefly)

Anyhoo, they weren't breaking formation to persue routers, but breaking formation to engage at the beginning of the battle...kinda pointless don't you think?

I have another question though: does turtle formation = phalanx? I'm asking because I'm not sure if the Greek phalanx was covered from missile fire by the men in the middle (shields up).

[MiloMoria]

Quote[/b] (eXistenZi @ April 18 2003,18:02)][quote=JANOSIK007,April 18 2003,16:18]
Anyhoo, they weren't breaking formation to persue routers, but breaking formation to engage at the beginning of the battle...kinda pointless don't you think?

I have another question though: does turtle formation = phalanx? I'm asking because I'm not sure if the Greek phalanx was covered from missile fire by the men in the middle (shields up).
I think no, as I understand it the troops(in the Phalanx) did not carry large enough shields to do this, like you later see the Legions doing.

[eXistenZi]

Quote[/b] (MiloMoria @ April 18 2003,21:22)]
Quote[/b] (eXistenZi @ April 18 2003,18:02)][quote=JANOSIK007,April 18 2003,16:18]
Anyhoo, they weren't breaking formation to persue routers, but breaking formation to engage at the beginning of the battle...kinda pointless don't you think?

I have another question though: does turtle formation = phalanx? I'm asking because I'm not sure if the Greek phalanx was covered from missile fire by the men in the middle (shields up).
I think no, as I understand it the troops(in the Phalanx) did not carry large enough shields to do this, like you later see the Legions doing.
Yes that's what I thought of too. The Romans in that video had about 4 foot tall shields while the Greek hoplites had much smaller shields: http://public.srce.hr/husar/Greek%20Hoplite%205th%20Cent%20BC.jpg (That's actually a Spartan)