Hard game

[Ciaran]

[...] But I have also had a failed XL German campaign. That was quite a challenge - surrounded by seven hostile factions.

Yes, that´s a real tough one. Too much land to be considered small (and therefore an acceptable ally), low loyalty in most of the provinces, bad infrastructure, no chance at all to build up a navy and a couple of greedy factions at the doorstep. It took me three tries for one to sucessfully last beyond the first fifty years, and that only because I got extremely lucky with the French suffering a civil war AND capturing Genoa in a do-or-die attempt.

[Vladimir]

How do you loose MTW? I suppose if you let your royal line die off it could happen (to me once). This game’s real simple; just remember MTW isn’t RTW and you’ll win half your battles. When I first started playing I tried taking spearmen against AUMs then I discovered Jinettes. I haven’t lost with the Spanish yet! This game’s real easy. Just use your head, tactics, and develop your infrastructure. The more hilly maps might be a problem attacking but even on flat terrain I can normally beat 4-1 odds defending. Loose this game? If I did, I’d have to order another copy.

Yes, that´s a real tough one. Too much land to be considered small (and therefore an acceptable ally), low loyalty in most of the provinces, bad infrastructure, no chance at all to build up a navy and a couple of greedy factions at the doorstep. It took me three tries for one to sucessfully last beyond the first fifty years, and that only because I got extremely lucky with the French suffering a civil war AND capturing Genoa in a do-or-die attempt.

Worst thing about the HRE is the micromanagement in XL. More provences means slower deployments. The thing I've found playing them (or the English) is to take out the French Royal line fast! Eliminating single provence factions and using the iron and hills to your advantage is a must too.