Couldn't resist

[Ibn-Khaldun]

France is interesting faction. However, really easy if you go after the rebel settlements in the beginning. Once you capture the rebel settlements and leave some time to build up your forces then you can easily steamroll over any other faction.

[Ethelred Unread]

After your vanilla experience I'd try some mods like stainless steel 6.3 - esp as they are all steam compatible.

[Yoyoma1910]

I'm still going at it, and trying not to eliminate too many other factions... although Milan had to go. I had forgotten how long the game takes to play out. I think after I get done with this campaign, I'll likely try one of the kingdoms expansions. Any suggestions?

[Myth]

Make sure to not have checked "Follow AI movement" or something of the sort. That will make for substantially faster turns.

I enjoyed the Britain campaign from Kingdoms, as well as the Teutonic one. Didn't finish them yet due to lack of time.

[A Nerd]

Americas was fun and different. All melee and on foot, save some archers. Only problem (in my case) was dealing with the colonials when they arrive with large armies time after time. I didn't finish it either, but might start a new campaign at some time. When I finish Britania anyway (good one too).