BI issues answered... Got it

[Doug-Thompson]

Foot archers have no missile attack greater than 7, eh? Is the same true of horse archers?

[Kraxis]

Foot archers have no missile attack greater than 7, eh? Is the same true of horse archers?

No, actually there are a few with 9, one of which are the Eastern Archers of the Eastern Empire.
The only bowarmed unit with a missile attack of over 10 is the Sassanid general with 11. A few horse archers including the Hun Elite have 9 while most have 8.

Meanwhile the infantry with missiles are dominated by the Roman infantry with up to 11 among the First Cohorts and Plumbatarii. Even the Francisca is only rated at 6.

Kerns will make a spectacular return alongside the famous Gallowglasses (bring on the complaints here). The Kerns are going to be one of three dedicated skirmishers, so apparently CA heard about the lack of use for that type of troops. But these skirmishers are all three fairly good.

Sadly there isn't a single javelinarmed cavalry.

Also, it seems I was a bit hasty with the Wedge. It works wonders at times, but most often it simply doesn't get anywhere. The cavalry unit will run in place and slowly push into the unit. So apparently it was suppoed to be better.

Btw, cavalry push all infantry back with a vengeance, even if losing badly.

[Doug-Thompson]

Horse archers work and have a higher attack than foot archers in a game that features the Huns. Christmas comes early for Doug.

Does Cantabrian Circle still make HA largely immune to foot archers?

[econ21]

Kraxis any chance of seeing whether AI phalanx armies still break up on approach? e.g. start a vanilla campaign and force a fight between say Greeks and Macedons. It's a long shot, as I don't believe there are phalanxes in BI, but personally I'd put improving phalanx AI near the top of my "to improve list" (it's hard coded whereas cav and archers were already nerfed by modders)

[Kraxis]

Kraxis any chance of seeing whether AI phalanx armies still break up on approach? e.g. start a vanilla campaign and force a fight between say Greeks and Macedons. It's a long shot, as I don't believe there are phalanxes in BI, but personally I'd put improving phalanx AI near the top of my "to improve list" (it's hard coded whereas cav and archers were already nerfed by modders)

Did a couple of Custom Battles. Me Julii with three of each of the three pre-Marian legionaries, and a general against 3 Hoplites, 3 Armoured Hoplites, 3 Heavy Peltasts and a general.

The hoplites presented nice front on the advance. They tried to keep their places. Sadly their general was a bit foolish and just before he engagement he ended up standing in front of the battleline. My Hastati made quick work of his unit with their pila. But the hoplites advanced relentlessly on me and kept their facing. But with six phalanxes and three Hastati, the swordmen ended up in the small gaps. This got he hoplites turning inwards on each other, creating three chevrons. I used that to my advantage while my Hastati were ripped to pieces.
So I would like to think the AI has gotten better, but so far I don't know. At least it doesn't redeploy right in front of me.

Just too bad I have suffered several cases of the 'infantry-cavalry' sickness on some enemy infantry. They charge in, fight a while, then pull back and recharge. Not good.

Neither is the fact that during my test of the Cantabrian Circle, the enemy archers didn't stop to shoot at me. Well, as long as it is only when there is only one unit.

[Orda Khan]

Horse archers work and have a higher attack than foot archers in a game that features the Huns. Christmas comes early for Doug.

I'll second that
Thank you Kraxis, for your in depth information
Judging by these comments it sounds like BI is everything I was expecting it to be. Like Doug, I have always enjoyed employing many cav units, even in STW but I was never happy with their dominance of the field in RTW. A strong cav charge is good and so is the fact that they get stifled even if they eventually win. It seems that CA have come closer to the ideal, with balanced armies being the way to approach the game. Excellent news and a big 'Thank You' to CA for this. The few 'silly' units is something that has always been a part of the game and something that has always been easily remedied.

On a new note, how does the MP Lobby look? Has this been improved - as in more user friendly?

......Orda