Hoplite Nitpick

[Ferromancer]

I have a feeling this is a limitation of the Rome Total War's engine, but it seems like the hoplites (overhand spearmen) have the exact same attack range as sword-bearing units. I understand that it's a different formation than the two-handed phalanx, but the second row doesn't try to take potshots even though their spears would easily reach.

I'll post a screenshot tonight if I have time.

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Yeah, that's a RTW thing. Only the first row can attack.

[Pharnakes]

Hmm, i could have sworn i've seen more than one row attack, that might be cause I use BI and shield walls though?

[Watchman]

No idea really, but I've noticed that the combination of the BI shieldwall and the "spear" weapon attribute (this was on the "double armed" Massiloi Hoplitai incidentally - the "spear" attribute has enough odd issues I don't use it for troops with just one melee weapon) seemed to prompt at least the second rank to do their attack animation whereas when the same unit employed swords only the first rank did.

[Ferromancer]

I am using BI. How do you use/enable the shield wall?

[russia almighty]

My only extremely minor beef is Hoplites depending on which faction look like they're wearing leather armor vs. lino.

[Watchman]

I am using BI. How do you use/enable the shield wall?

You find the unit entry in the EDU and add ", shield_wall" to the end of the formation line. It takes a bit more work to get the proper interface icon though.

My only extremely minor beef is Hoplites depending on which faction look like they're wearing leather armor vs. lino.

Any reason why they couldn't be - or linothorax covered with leather, for that matter ?

[Dyabedes of Aphrodisias]

I am using BI. How do you use/enable the shield wall?

Use one of the several mods available to give units shield wall, or do it yourself in the EDU.