Roman legion balance question

[Richon]

Is it just me, or do Roman legions feel way too over-powered? If so, where should I look in the files to tweak that balance? If not, what recommendations can the community give me to even up the balance? As Rome, I feel too unstoppable, and it makes me afraid to play as anyone else...

[securitas04]

All factions have stronger top tier units. If you want to make the battles harder, only use mercenaries. Other factions are of course playable. As Carthage and Macedonia, I just crushed Rome right out the gate.

[Richon]

Originally posted by securitas04:

All factions have stronger top tier units. If you want to make the battles harder, only use mercenaries. Other factions are of course playable. As Carthage and Macedonia, I just crushed Rome right out the gate.

What are some good units for countering Rome with, say, Carthage and Macedonia?

[securitas04]

It's meta-gaming, but you know that Rome is the threat. As Carthage, I took Sicily ASAP and then invaded Italy. Here's the AARs:

http://www.slitherine.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=563&t=97844

http://www.slitherine.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=563&t=100566

I just blitzed Rome as Carthage and then tried diplomacy as Macedonia. Here's a general strategy guide:

http://www.slitherine.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=563&t=98599

and a Steam guide:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2036480925

Good luck!

[Richon]

Does this mean there aren't any truly comparable unit types that can go toe-to-toe with Romans under most circumstances? So far, as Rome, the only challenges I've faced are in mountains.

[securitas04]

I use the in-game battle system. Individual units are matched one on one, but other factors are also important. Have your best General (2-2). Have the right force mix for the terrain frontage. In open terrain like desert, you need up to eight of your best cavalry on the flanks and up to 16 of your best heavy infantry in the line of battle. For support, I prefer 16 light cavalry that are also good in pursuit. Unique armor and weapons or better horses are also possible. I dedicate one province to building trained units. All of my military structures go in the regions there. The experience from buildings increases if you have several of the same type in one province. The other AARs I did in that link have pics of some of the army stacks I used.

[Richon]

Originally posted by securitas04:

I use the in-game battle system. Individual units are matched one on one, but other factors are also important. Have your best General (2-2). Have the right force mix for the terrain frontage. In open terrain like desert, you need up to eight of your best cavalry on the flanks and up to 16 of your best heavy infantry in the line of battle. For support, I prefer 16 light cavalry that are also good in pursuit. Unique armor and weapons or better horses are also possible. I dedicate one province to building trained units. All of my military structures go in the regions there. The experience from buildings increases if you have several of the same type in one province. The other AARs I did in that link have pics of some of the army stacks I used.

Thank you. I'm still learning about the ways experience works, so this is very helpful.

[securitas04]

IIRC, the first building should be in the province capital. It grants full effect. Up to two other buildings of the same type in other provincial regions grant an additional 50% of the effect.

Also, the total number of your faction's red structures divided by the total number of regions you have is your Military Expertise. This may affect the level of your Generals. So if you build lots of walls in your regions, you'll have a high ME.

[galadon3]

Originally posted by securitas04:

IIRC, the first building should be in the province capital. It grants full effect. Up to two other buildings of the same type in other provincial regions grant an additional 50% of the effect.

Also, the total number of your faction's red structures divided by the total number of regions you have is your Military Expertise. This may affect the level of your Generals. So if you build lots of walls in your regions, you'll have a high ME.

One question I had about that, is it just the number of red buildings or does building-level factor in too? Cause I read both

[securitas04]

Correct, the level of the buildings is the factor.

[galadon3]

ah thanks, so basically lvl1 building: 1 point, level 2: 2points, level 3: 3 points, add up all the points of all military buildings and divide by regions, right?