Quote Originally Posted by Xaziv
out of the starting faction, I would say to use the Spanish faction. I think that france is the strongest faction in game, but for your first time you will not use them well. Because most noobies do not know how to charge properly... But france has the best calvary and can make some big $$ quickly.

But spanish is good for getting to know how to use the game, and unlocking factions.

England is also a good choice to learn the game, but takes longer to complete the campaign. I love longbows, and you probably do too so you could choose england.

Germans have to face too many enemies for them to be good at the start, although it is possible.

Really though it doesn't matter what you start as.
I'm not a noob to total war games. I've played Shogun and Rome.