Quote Originally Posted by Gustav II Adolf View Post
I've been thinking. CA recently stated again at the .com that they haven't decided on the final twelve because of balancing issues and that they will decide later this year. Why is it so difficult and why is it taking such a long time? Are they not agreeing with each other? Are they afraid factions will be too similar? It also strikes me that they refer to variety more than historical importance which fans mostly debate in this issue of choosing. A sort of gameplay vs history balancing seem to be in this. The most historically important factions might be seen by CA as too similar.

For me though I don't see this as a problem because every faction can have different units that give them a unique feel. I wouldn't want to leave out any important faction just to get some more variety since historically important factions will be more interesting to play. And I definitely hope no uber ninjas will appear to counter variety-angst. Still, of course it will be exciting to play exotic factions as well. I just wish that CA would have thought of this when first starting to make the game so that all important and some more exotic factions could be playable.




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Could it not be more to do with how to balance the game properly? From a properly historical point of view how playable are some of the "main" factions anyway?

Spain in the 18th cent? If it was represented accurately wouldn't exactly be a bundle of laughs to play would it? Economy in doldrums, infrastructure falling apart, colonies rumbling, armed forces completely neglected, society at breaking point. No disrespect to Spain, but it was in a bad way in the 18th century. To get it out of its hole would be a socio-political game not a game of empire.

Portugal? The same.

Prussia? How would you play that one without Allies subsidising your existence, or at least contuned means of waging war?

Holland? How are you going to maintain a first rank position when around you those with more resources have decided they like what you have?

Not saying any of these factions shouldn't be in there, but CA do have to decide on certain compromises to make them enjoyable game factions. Maybe this is harde to decide on than just looking at at a history book and looking up the leadding European countries of the period.