Hello All :)

**Morindin** · 09-16-2004, 05:24

Hi.

I thought I'd make a topic and introduce myself.

Firstly I'd like to say Im somewhat surprized at the ranking system and restrictions on where one can post in this forum. I am a "forumite" of many years and this has to be the first forum I have come across to have such a system. I actually like it a lot actually, nice thinking.

Anyway, I've been playing computer games before I could walk, my first game I ever owned on a PC was Lords of the Realm, which I personally consider to be the great great grand daddy of MTW style games.
I was purchasing another computer game the other day and I saw MTW for $15. I had seen it in the store from time to time and it looked interesting, so I picked it up as well. I must say I am quite impressed.

I've had the game for about a week now and I conquered the world using the Byzantines on my first go on easy, so I've restarted the game using the English on Hard and enjoying it much more.
MTW reminds me of those oldschool games that are more about the enjoyable gameplay than pretty graphics and voiceovers, i.e. the quality ones. My only wish is that there was more diplomacy in the game but I understand that is going to be fixed in RTW.

I'm using 1.1 of course, and I have actually been mariginally impressed with the AI (I always fight my own battles).
Sure it's usually easy to beat, but on bridge battles it DOES defend both bridges and uses some cunning tactics from time to time. Maybe I just got lucky with my copy? :)
It does make some funny mistakes (such as having a general that is a balista unit) but I dont mind that, I like to pretend I was simply a better general on the day, although I havnt lost a battle yet even being outnumbered 4 to 1.
Anyway, I don't have very high expectations from AI knowing the ins and outs of programming myself, so the AI hasnt ruined the game for me thus far.

My version didn't come with a manual, it was a jewel CD case, so I've read the unit guide on this site (very helpful), and I've also read every thread of first 17 or so pages of both the main hall and multiplayer forums :P
Multiplayer looks very interesting indeed and I consider myself to be tactically sound under pressure, having played many RTS games where things get hectic and confusing. I am no stranger to hotkeys and having read so much of the multiplayer forum I think I know the do's and don't, still, practice makes perfect however.

I am wondering (since I only have 1.1) if it is worth buying VI with RTW just around the corner? Do many people play 1.1? This is a little late to be joining the community I know.

Also some of those historical multiplayer battles some of the regulars here have set up looked fantastic, I would love to participate in one of those. I feel that is where the best of multiplayer MTW would be, I have played a few games against my GF (who is much much better than the AI even on her first go) so I know what to except in MP, but personally the thought of "upgrading" units valor for money doesnt quite sit right with me - and I understand is the cause of many problems. Hence why I think the historical reinactments are so appealing.
One thing that I have noticed however from reading the MP threads, is that multiplayer seems to concentrate on too much number crunching, inevitable I guess but also extremely unrealistic. A commander wouldn't know exactly the attack/defence/armour/speed rating of his pikemen vs cavalry for example, another reason I find the historical reinactments appealing.

**Qilue** · 09-16-2004, 06:58

Welcome to the Org.

As to VI, it does add a separate campaign and a lot of other interesting stuff to the game, so it is worth the purchase.

**Soulflame** · 09-16-2004, 10:30

I hope you can find it for a reasonable price. I bought the Battle Collection, which is MI + VI for 30 euro's. I was apalled that the week after I found MI selling alone for 39 euro's and VI for another 30.

So I hope for you that you can find it cheap somewhere. It does add a few nice things.

If you plan to buy Rome;TW anyway, then it's a bit tricky... VI will probably drop even more in price when that's out, but it will be harder to find, and maybe you don't want to return lesser graphics and such.
You could opt to buy R;TW later, but you'll probably regret that as well ;).

**boot** · 09-16-2004, 11:24

Hi Guy
Yep iv got MTW+VI and i like to play the VI coz i live in the UK Anyway so i find it very intresting and there s not so many Factions so u can keep an eye on things....id get it to finnish the MTW saga off.

Boot

**Louis de la Ferte Ste Colombe** · 09-16-2004, 13:20

Welcome Morindin,

For MP purpose, most players are on VI 2.01.

With RTW coming, it's likely that in 2 or 3 months there will be few VI players online, and most players will have moved to RTW. Up to you to see if it's worth it.

I play mostly MP, 4v4 battles are more fun

I'd say the AI is somehow better than what most people say. In SP campaign, the strategic part is too weak, so AI armies are overpowered and gives the AI a bad name.

In custom game, AI is a bit better, provided you pick the right troops for it. I found the AI weak for handling missile units, more specifically x bow, arbalest, and hybrid warrior archers. But for everything else, it's quite good, better than its reputation.
To see the AI at its best, go for custom games, gives the AI archers and longbows for missile. You can play custom 4v4 games with the AI; very funny, as the AI got a very specific sense of teamplay

Good luck and have fun,

Louis,