So, what else is new in v1.5?

[loony]

Weird. I found economy very much ok in my Austrian campaign (h/h). Not too easy to take off the ground, but after it takes off - you just can't stop it.

Yes, i did research 2 farm techs and 3 enlightnment before researching any military (even bayonets). Had no problem with cash. Could field 2 full stacks in the beginning and 3 full stacks by 1710.
Afterwards, killed prussia off and went eco-crazy.

It is now 1770 and I rake 40 000 per turn :-)

[AussieGiant]

So I just conceeded a H/H UP Prestige Campaign.

I'm actually quite happy about it.

The economic situation is far tougher on the high campaign difficulty, which is well balanced in my view.

It was a real ding dong affair, which started with me being very aggressive and taking Flanders from the Spanish. I was wholey unprepared for war and spent the following 22 years locked in a struggle with the French. All alliance's held, i.e. GB, Prussia, Hannover and the other nation bordering UP.

Finally I lost Flanders but took Paris, I then brokered a peace deal with France, amazing considering I took their home province. I got dragged into a war with Sweden when they declared against Prussia, the main issue was Sweden sending 2nd raters to block my home trade port. I simply could not keep up with that.

Finally the Maratha Conf piled on and GB refused to help me in naval engagements so I conceeded in 1724 after Sweden parked a brand new 2nd rate right on my port for the 3rd time in 5 years.

Good fun, well balanced and no insanity from the AI on the campaign level.

I'm now starting again on N/N Presitge and will give it a second shot. I will certainly NOT attack Spain in Flanders until I'm ready. Of course the AI could take that away from me.