how much do macadonians kick tail!!!!

[IliaDN]

Partian empire looks great too!

[Conqueror]

I like the Numidian and Armenian colors but not Brutii. Wrong type of green they got

Back on topic (well, sort of): If we assume generals of equal skill, in a Seleucids vs Macedonians fight, then I'll put my money on Seleucids. With equal generals, neither side will be likely to outflank the other's cavalry. So it will likely be a head-on cavalry fight, if they fight at all. Phalanxes will be basically the mirrors of each other (levy pikes, phalanx pikes, royal/silver shield pikes available for the two factions) so no advantage to either side there. Assuming it's a fight with units available in the campaign, both sides can hire cretans, so no archer advantage to either (in custom/MP battle, standard RTW, the Maccies will have advantage here).

Whether or not Elephants or legionaries are used at all is entirely up to the Seleucid general. They're not really needed, since he already has superior cavalry in otherwise almost identical armies. Legionaries might be useful on the flanks of the phalanx line. Elephants can be useful if there aren't too much archers.

In the end, Seleucids have more options at their disposal, but they can always play it safe and mirror the Macedonian army.

[alx1078]

Seamus... great post, although the upseting thing about this game's AI as pezhetairoi wrote, is that most people who play the game are better at it, and believe me Most people have no clue of what you wrote in that post of yours let alone know any of the battles or historical instances you mentioned ( i myself know just half of those and i pride myself of being a part-time history buff.)

As for the debate:

Seleucids do indeed have the most impressive army, but as a general i would always chose to have the Macedonians for every reason pezhetairoi wrote (along with the fact that i live there ). Early on in the game, there are few armies that can deal the damage a Macedonian army can, if commanded carefuly. Plus the starting point is ideal for world domination.

Seleucids start off with way too many enemies, and formidable ones to face with their early army. Plus in order for them to get some doe they have to challenge the Egyptians/Ptolemays.

And as A Macedon general, i have ended battles (against Romans) of 1000 + on both sides with 30 or 40 casualties on my side and a complete destruction of the oponent, by just using peltasts, archers and LL to deliver the final blows (while my phalanxes just waited for an attack that was never made -they all routed before they reached me), or by using just 4-5 units of phalanxes and 6-7 units of Mac Cavalry and LL (with no archers or missile whatsoever). So i guess that's the beauty of the Macedonians. You can achieve victory either with missile or by phalanx, but always with Horses.

That's the Key!Cavalry. Lots of it.

[Garvanko]

They're like wasps, those Lancers.