For a drastic change-of-pace play one of the horse-archer factions: Parthia, Armenia, or Scythia. HA's require an entirely different approach (hit-and-run) but when you get the hang of it you'll see that phalanx is simply cut to pieces with relative ease. Armenia's Cataphract HA's are one of the most devastating units on the board (IMHO) as they combine the horse-archery with the ability to charge into melee when called upon.