Graphics OR unit control ?

[PBI]

I voted for unit control, in the way the OP phrased it, of being able to have about 30-40 units. I'd be a bit wary of anything more than that, with really huge armies I'd worry that it would all turn into a huge free-for-all where tactics would become useless.

[pevergreen]

20 unit limit is fine with me. pretty colours please!

[Joker II]

Well, in my humble opinion, that is the way CA will keep on going, increase the details of animation/graphics and keep on the same level they have been for years related towards amount of units and unit control.

I think it's time CA REVOLUTIONIZED the controlling end of the units and in doing so has the ability to increase the amount of units a person can take control over without adding to much micromanagement ! Of course, this is all intertwined with the ability to get a descent AI, if you can't/won't invest in AI, then having more units who act the same as before won't improve the game, it'll make it worse.

Think 99% of the people who want more units are not asking for controlling 200.000 men or 50 or a 100 units.

But an increase to 30 or 40 should be made so you can have that feeling of a war being played instead of skirmishes !

I just want the ability to for instance send a part of my army on a flanking maneuver and still have my MAIN army consist of enough units that it feels and looks like my MAIN army ! Having 20 units just doesn't cut it for me !

I know it is (probably) to late for Empire, but really hope CA will reconsider this for the next engine !

[pevergreen]

Their product do follow the evolution/revolution cycle, ETW is an evolution.

I do expect a bigger amount of units possible, with better graphics.

[Joker II]

..., ETW is an evolution.

I'm sure you meant revolution

MedII = evolution.

[Raz]

Wasn't there another thread on unit numbers... "Magic number 24" or something?
Anyway, having more units under your control would insta-fail the multiplayer aspect of Empires. I couldn't imagine people playing real-time with no pause trying to get 5 units of cavalry to flank on one side and another 5 units to flank on the other whilst ensuring that the already engaged 20 units of infantry aren't flanked themselves. Of course, I doubt this player would even have thought that his 10 other units of reserves are being slaughtered just across the woods. I also doubt he'd have much time to admire the scenery, the funny hats, the detailed horsies and the cool ragdoll physics of his Lights whilst they are ambushed and promptly slaughtered en route to his main force.

That is of course if anyone still plays MP. Do they?

[RLucid]

That's why you need to be able to group units really effectively, "merging" them into larger entities for command & control. As it stands, controlling 20 units is too difficult, because you have to micro-manage (or put your faith on the deficient battle AI), that sucks on all kinds of levels.

A successful revolution in unit control would address that issue.

[pevergreen]

I'm sure you meant revolution

MedII = evolution.

Thank you for pointing that out

You are of course correct.

[batemonkey]

i wish there were comand buttons like flank the enemy, or advance to firing range that kind of thing. In a real battle a general would n't have to order his men to just this far fromthere wing then to just here behind and then charge he would just order " major sharpe i want you to flank x unit and then open fire" "yes sir" would be his response and off he'd go (god i hope sharpe's men are the uks unique unit)