New interview - only 5 starting factions !

[Martok]

Appreciate the link, TB666. I actually like the screenshot of the French provinces. It looks like CA has toned down the cartoon colors of Rome's map and given M2's map a bit of grittier feel.

That's surprising. I'd have thought that some non-Catholics would get a look in, but apparently not.

Yeah me too. I understand the English, the French, and even the HRE making the "first 5"; but I figured for the other 2 they'd grab one of the Muslim factions (Egyptians would probably be the best candidate) and for sure add the Byzantines! To not include them in the initial 5 factions simply baffles me.

This feeling is further reinforced when the Spanish and Venetians are in the initial list. While I think both factions will certainly be fun to play (I love the Spanish in the original MTW), I'm in absolute disbelief that they would be among the initial 5 factions, yet the Byz and Muslims aren't.