Problems with Phalanxes

[duncan.gill]

I have been having some issues with phalanxes.

I am playing KH - have found that when I attempt to use a phalanx (with very long spears) that often that they will allow enemy infantry close in (forcing them to use their alternative weapons); alternatively when I try to order them to press forward they put all their pikes up in the air, press forward slightly and then place their pikes back down in an attacking formation (by which time the enemy are within their formation).

By contrast when I attack pikemen in a phalanx from the rear/side often the enemy does an about face (whilst engaged) and pushes my soldiers to the end of their pikes (whereas logically they should be forced to use their alternative weapons).

Any thoughts?

[Korlon]

The computer cheats is the answer to the last part, as for the first...

Well, if a couple of people at the front of the phalanx are using their swords, you can try making them use the pikes by pressing stop or telling them to cease phalanx formation and then form phalanx formation.

[Sarkiss]

yeah, hit backspace they'll reform. do not command an attack it'll screw the formation up.

[duncan.gill]

What do you then do if the enemy charges you obliquely if you can't order your pikes to pivot to face the enemy directly?

[bovi]

Then you rue your poor deployment of troops.

[stupac]

Gotta keep on top of them, always keep those pikes towards the enemy. It can sometimes be a pain considering the AI, at least many times in my experience, will keep trying to flank your phalanxes and it can get old constantly redeploying them. If the enemy is charging my men from the side, sometimes it works to order your phalanx to attack them, they should turn around and present their pikes and advance towards the enemy. Note that you have to give them enough time though, because if the enemy manages to hit them and offset the formation they'll switch to swords. Don't forget to keep more mobile troops like Thureophoroi on your flanks to guard the phalanx. That will should keep them from hitting the phalanx in the sides.