New faction Preview - The Byzantine Empire

**Beelzebub** · 09-15-2006, 03:40

Also disappointed by cities so far..maybe everything isn't complete yet in that area, we have seen some cool pics of some customised locations (Krak Des Chevaliers), perhaps the lack of others (Rome, Venice, Constantinpole) is due to unfinished artwork. Even some custom city icons on the map would add a lot of atmosphere, hopefully they arent restricted by the engine in this area.

**ChewieTobbacca** · 09-15-2006, 07:34

I'm happy to see that the Byzantine composition is more realistic now - their units not only have more authentic names, but they are more reliant on cavalry and archers, including western mercenary units.

Looks very promising.

**batu khan** · 09-15-2006, 14:36

i liked the byzantine infantery.i will enjoy killing them:)

**edyzmedieval** · 09-15-2006, 23:47

Apart from Byzantine infantry and the Guard Archers, everything is historically correct. Good job CA.

**cutepuppy** · 09-16-2006, 12:00

Originally Posted by edyzmedieval

Apart from Byzantine infantry and the Guard Archers, everything is historically correct. Good job CA.

the guard archers are also historically correct - to a certain extent. They were called mourtatoi and were elite archers around 1300.

**Little Legioner** · 09-16-2006, 12:47

Yes Murtaroi archers were exist in Byzantine army but however Varangian guards is not like Nordic or Slavic fashion except battle axe. They look like more typical not extraordinary.

Byzantine Empire gonna be good challange for my Turkish armies. Romanus Diogenes shall go his home without an army but the Sultans escorts

**AliAS** · 09-16-2006, 15:19

Video looks good. but i want longer videos preview.

**edyzmedieval** · 09-16-2006, 17:10

Originally Posted by cutepuppy

the guard archers are also historically correct - to a certain extent. They were called mourtatoi and were elite archers around 1300.

Thank you for the information. I was totally unaware.

(sarcastic)

Call them Mourtatoi for Gods sake not Guard Archers.

**econ21** · 09-16-2006, 18:36

Originally Posted by edyzmedieval

I was totally unaware.

(sarcastic)

No need to get snappy. I for one was totally unaware.

thanks, cutepuppy

**andrewt** · 10-03-2006, 04:22

Originally Posted by edyzmedieval

Thank you for the information. I was totally unaware.

(sarcastic)

Call them Mourtatoi for Gods sake not Guard Archers.

I agree. CA is very inconsistent about calling units either their real names or inventing some Westernized name for them. I'd rather they call them by their real names. This 50/50 thing is kinda weird.

**The Spartan (Returns)** · 09-16-2006, 18:43

is it just me or is the enviroment much more realistic and prettier?

**hoetje** · 09-16-2006, 18:49

Originally Posted by The Spartan

is it just me or is the enviroment much more realistic and prettier?

It's not just you,it's true

**Philippus Flavius Homovallumus** · 09-25-2006, 17:38

What? Those lances are about 12 feet long!

What concerns me here is the total lack of arbalasts. Are you seriously telling me they didn't have any.

Although I suppose it matters less with the new Merc system, as I'll be well into Western Europe by then.

**Lord Comnenus** · 09-26-2006, 10:15

the lances suck because they look western, the mtw kat was better because there lances were like spears

**Basilios II Voulgaroktonos** · 10-17-2006, 16:33

If constantinople was a city and not a castle there were not any balance betwen the Byzantines and the Turks but anyone is free to change it from a castle to city.The Varangian Guard really existed.They were sent by the Russ in the late 10th century to help the byzantines.They were the personalguard of the emperor and the palace in Constantinople.The byzantines did not have crossbows or gunpowder except of some cannons so its correct that CA did not put any...For the armour if i am not mistaken you can upgrade it so that you can reach the plate and also in western europe in early age they dont have units with plate armour.After the 14th century yes the byzantine army was consisted exqlusively of mercs but before and in the reign of Alexios I Komnhnos,Ioannhs II Komnhnos and Emanuhl I Komnhnos the army was cosisted of byzantine troops.And end i am not sure if the Mourtatoi ever existed!

**Prince Cobra** · 10-19-2006, 21:24

The preview was really interesting. However I am not very sure whether they had to emphasize on how much Byzantium was a shadow of Roman Empire. After all the idea of superiority was extremely strong ( theoretically alive until thed death of the Empire in 1453) and was very important during the reign of Emp. Manuel I Comnenus ( 1143 -1180). I think they should not have emphisized on the weakness of the Empire so much. It should be discovered by the player himself. The player should have the feeling of superiority which should be both good but very dangerous. Just small insignificant detail. Otherwise I liked the Preview. And yes the removing of the gunpowder units is really historically accurate.

**avatar** · 09-15-2006, 23:57

Very nice preview. The Byzantine faction should be as much fun to play as the first MW. I have read the other posts talking about the Byzantine Infantry and the Viking Guards, but no mention of the cavalry units. The cavalry units available to the Byzantines were a treat to play.