I've heard that the Spanish and the Mayans are grossly overpowering in the way the game was designed and is in the process of being reduced. But I don't see how they are that powerful, in fact they seem pretty sucky to me.

i've never tried either of them.

Ive tried them, but since im not all that of a player I dont really noticed over/under powered things. Unless im trying to make up an excuse for losing. I can kind of see how spanish might be, not suer about Mayas, but im sure theres other peoples opinions who are probably better. ;)

IMO the Spanish suck.

they're better in Age of Empires II but thats' going off topic...

This posts are from very different dates. In first release of ron spain and maya were ovepowered. Spain mainly because extra resources from ruins, maya because of cheaper (wood) buildings, which were made faster. They could build wonder before enemy, although enemy started sooner. Theirs buildings were very strong also. With castle behind a city they were very difficult to take. Turks where best against them.

Now. With expansion pack and with updates, both nations are quite weak.