What i think is wrong, not that it matters.

[Sp4]

For ranged units yes, but not for normal units.

Exhibit A:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

What I am trying to say is, they took the formation every ranged unit has and slapped it on certain non ranged units with a little button to toggle between the two. They didn't go through the trouble of actually making an entirely new formation. I guess some modder could have done that, while I doubt anyone is going to mod in a family tree and stuff.

[Alcibiade]

It depends on what lies behind the faction's screen. Is it just random mechanics or is there an axial skeleton on which a family tree could be based. Where are coming from all those generals and statesman who conveniently spam when one of them just died.

[Hooahguy]

What I am trying to say is, they took the formation every ranged unit has and slapped it on certain non ranged units with a little button to toggle between the two. They didn't go through the trouble of actually making an entirely new formation. I guess some modder could have done that, while I doubt anyone is going to mod in a family tree and stuff.

But why would they create a whole new formation if the formation was already there and only had to apply it to other units? Seems like unnecessary work if you ask me. And thats how its always worked. A little button to toggle between loose and tight spacing. Its that simple. I mean, what do you want them to do besides a little button to toggle the formations, have it send off a burst of fireworks every time you press it? Why would they go through the trouble of making a whole new formation when loose formation literally is just increasing the unit spacing between soldiers?

[Sp4]

But why would they create a whole new formation if the formation was already there and only had to apply it to other units? Seems like unnecessary work if you ask me. And thats how its always worked. A little button to toggle between loose and tight spacing. Its that simple. I mean, what do you want them to do besides a little button to toggle the formations, have it send off a burst of fireworks every time you press it? Why would they go through the trouble of making a whole new formation when loose formation literally is just increasing the unit spacing between soldiers?

I'm saying it was there from the beginning and only had to be.. yeah what you said.

Now adding a working family tree and I don't see any indicators as to that existing in the current game, not even in the very very very basics. Faction members and generals just spawn when you need them, they get married when it's necessary for internal politics minigame reasons and they don't have children or anything like that. Every general is 'unique' and not one has anything to do with any other one.

[andrewt]

They've added so many gamey stuff I don't see why they just don't make generals immortal from aging. I really don't see any other way around this problem. Go to 2tpy or 4tpy and there will be more people complaining that the Marian reforms happen too early in game versus historically, among other stuff.