Quote Originally Posted by DimeBagHo
(2) I've tried using short_pike a little and I didn't like the results much. They have such a short reach in phalanx formation that the troops switch to swords almost immediately on contact with the enemy. I'll try some more experiments though. I am planing to make a new model for German spearmen so that they can use short-pike phalanx / long-spear non-phalanx rather than the current pike / sword setup.

(3) I would rather beef up the Carthaginians to slow down the Scipii than take away the land bridge. Giving Messana to the rebels might be worth a try though (as long as it doesn't fatally weaken the Scipii or prevent them from expanding at all).

For the cavalry, one possiblility is to make Iberian Cavalry into quite good light lancers, and to make Round Shield cavalry into low quality auxilaries.
1) Short_pike is exactly what can make carthaginian heavies follow the historical unit... They will use the spear against cavalry and sword against infantry, making them a very good unit although somewhat weaker than principes and triarii... While not exactly a perfect setting that's what the carthaginian interpretation of hypaspists was.

2) I fear the problem is a bit complex here... Despite Hannibal running wild in Italy the 2nd punic war was mostly fought in Spain, the carthaginian economical and recruiting base.

3) I'd say change the round shields into something akin to light lancers or remove them fully... Aside from the sacred band and some other heavy cavalry corps the carthaginian totally relied on mercenaries like numidians and some barbarian cav...