MTW noob

[Martok]

I personally recommend the Spanish, although the Danes and English are pretty good for beginners as well. The Spanish start with just two provinces (both with pretty good income), so they're easy to manage. They have a good solid roster of your typical Catholic units (all easy to use in battle). They also get Jinnettes, which are probably one of the best (and most fun!) units in the Early period. Finally, the Spanish can Crusade--something you'll probably find very useful as you go to war with the Almohad Caliphate.

Egyptians are my second favorite faction. They have a varied unit roster, and start with some of the richest lands in the game. They have two major drawbacks, however: 1.) Muslim units are somewhat harder to learn how to use correctly, as they rely more on speed and less on brute strength; and 2.) Egyptians start in possession of the Holy Lands, which makes you a prime target for the Crusaders.

I'd stay away from the Byzantines and the Holy Roman Empire at first, as they can both be somewhat overwhelming to new players. Both factions have a lot of provinces to manage, plus a lot of potential enemies to keep an eye on--many of whom are gunning for you. They're a ton of fun, but I wouldn't recommend them for beginners.

[Glaucus]

Thanks, I think I'll go with egypt. And no I don't have VI, is it that much better? I found that BI was not much better then RTW, it was basically the same with a few extra fetures (hordes, swimming, night battles) but not many. Unless VI drastically cahnges the game, I think I'm better off without it.

[naut]

VI drastically changes M:TW. It makes it a whole new experience, greatly incresing excitment and adding many new features. Plus opens the doors to try one of the many great mods.

And as an added bonus its as cheap as dirt nowadays.

[Derfasciti]

I suggest VI. But regular MTW is not bad.

As for the type of game- Spanish on Early. Although it is labeled hard, just make sure that after you build your forces up and take out the argonese, concentrate on a good defensive border with England and France and concentrate all your aggressiveness on the Almohads(sp?) The pope will not excommunicate you for fighting muslims and once you get to Northern Africa, there is only an eastward movement. No need to stretch your defenses over several territories.

[Quietus]

If you play Egypt, don't attack the Almohads, expand North. Before you attack the Byzantines on land, sink all their ships first.