Quote Originally Posted by Sheogorath View Post
I, too, think the native bowmen are accurate. Bows SHOULD have the advantage over muskets. At least until breechloading rifles become common.
The only advantage they should have (IMO) is range. They do seem a little overpowered in combat effectiveness compared to firearms. Getting hit with an arrow shouldn't have the same impact as getting hit with a bullet, especially if the natives are firing at long range to stay outside the range of muskets. The European units weren't armored, but they did have multi-layer jackets, gloves, boots, etc. that would provide at least a little deflection for an arrow. The Eastern unit (horse archer, can't remember the name) might be a little more realistic, if they were using compound bows that hit harder.

Speaking of range.... it's a little annoying how enemy units like bowmen will approach and stop just outside the range of your line infantry muskets. I mean, literally a few feet outside their range. It makes sense that the natives would know, from experience, that they had longer range weapons. But there should be a little more randomness, or slack, in trying to stay outside musket range. Marching right up to the range marker exposes the game mechanics and breaks the illusion. It's like the way enemy ships will instantly reduce sails, the second you switch to chain shot. All the enemy admirals and field commanders must be telepathic.