Blah blah-blah blah-blah blah blah. Geeze guys. So many long winded posts "debating" over nothing in particular. The AI sucks, the game is too easy for MOST people, and playing a "happy merchant game" just doesnt make up for the CRAP of the AI.

The selling point of this game was supposed to be the 3d battles. Real strategic goodness. Yeah, great. The AI FAILS to battle effectively, and that causes the game to suck right there.

Add in the fact that compared to games such as Europa Universalis III, the Strategic Map area of the game is the most empty, lifeless, and generally hindering aspect of life for the next five thousand years, and you have a game that does one thing very well...


Fails.

An improved AI, a working and complex diplomacy system, a complete overhaul of the trade system (yeah my merchant is going to walk over to Yorkshire, and stand around some grapes or something. Try having merchants compete in a MARKETPLACE, not in the middle of nowhere), and a general change to the "feel" of the game is the only thing that will really fix it.

I keep installing the bugger for two reasons. One - I like the graphics, especially of Militia units and archery units. Two - I bought the game instead of warez-ing it, so I have the CDs for when I get a craving. Trust me - if this game were a download, the peice of crap would have been deleted like Space Force Rogue Universe (THAT is a horrible game. UGH)

Anyways... Add more DEPTH to the game. Add more TRADE Depth. Add more PROVINCIAL Depth. (Holy Roman Empire anyone? What, its a gigantic nation, spamming armies? No, its a political body of many nations, whom sometimes slapped each other around, and generally were very interesting.). Finally, add more COMBAT Depth.

If im recieving a charge from the enemies calvary line (which could very well be a head on charge - nothing really wrong with that, just a bit suicidal.), the calvary should NOT turn around and run off after receiving a few volleys of arrow fire. Note I am not speaking about morale - im talking about literally being given a double-move(run) order to run in the opposite direction...

Oh it gets better.

Guess what happens next?

...The calvary comes back towards my archers, full speed. After taking another volley, they turn around again(!) and head back to their own front lines. This continues until the enemy is massacred and routing.

Dont even get me started on seiges.

This lack of intelligence in the combat department is enough to bury this game forever. It isnt the ONLY thing wrong, but if you are trying to put out a game whose entire point is the "awesome 3d strategic battles!", then at least make it worth playing. Make it a challenge.

Hey, you want a good example of how to stop people from "bum rushing" the AI? MAKE A BETTER AI. No excuses, no "Well use house rules"... JUST FIX THE GAME.

Yeah, end rant.