What about the Germans?

**element** · 10-18-2004, 04:39

I tried posting about this in an unrelated topic and didnt get any responses so I figured I could start a small discussion about it.

I am having trouble with the germans. I know that they arent one of the big powerfull factions but their spearband is killer. I lose a lot of troops to it. To me it seems a little weird that barbarians can fight in phalanxe(sp?) formation.. i didnt think they had the disipline...

I know to flank them and charge the rear, but the germans pump those things out like crazy, then line em up in one long line... I feel like im fighting the greek city states.

**DisruptorX** · 10-18-2004, 04:53

They get a phalanx because for some odd reason, normal spearmen can't fight in ranks in Rome.

**smoothiemaker** · 10-18-2004, 04:54

a phalanx is one of the oldest types of warfar cavemen even used it to kill preditors(they would surownd pry with long sarpened sticks and stabit to death). i would think even the barbareans would follow in there ansasters foot steaps.

**DisruptorX** · 10-18-2004, 04:57

Unfortunately, "phalanx" in Rome means the macedonian phalanx. Normal spear formations do not work exactly like that, are more manoeverable and look different.

**element** · 10-18-2004, 04:58

Yeah I can see the logic in that.. But why do these guys eat my triarii spearmen up? They seem powerfull. Are they high on the germans unit list? It could be because I simply suck at battles... I think i need to practice.

**DisruptorX** · 10-18-2004, 05:01

Any unit attacking phalanxes head on tends to be crushed. Also, Triarii and other spear units use their spears as swords, so the natural advantage of the spear is wasted.

**Ashitaka-san** · 10-18-2004, 05:32

Interesting discussion here... I would think that any type of swordsmen (Hastati or Principes) would whip up on spearmen even if they are in a phalanx formation. However, I have not tried this myself so I would not know (I am currently playing as Scipii and don't face the Germans yet).
From what you all are saying, this is not the case.
How about using velites against them first? After this, distract them with a hastati or town watch with a frontal assault while coming around back with horses/principes/triarii. Or, even better, get many Cavalry Auxilia to just harass them to no end. Then use other units to finish them off.
Just some suggestions.

**Magraev** · 10-18-2004, 07:22

The big edge is, that while it's suicide to attack a spear-wall from the front they are SLOW and vulnerable to missiles and rear attacks.

You can skirmish with these guys, and finally get some use out of those velites and your pilas. Archers are great too. After that initial weakening wheel some equites around their flanks and kill-kill.