I'm not entirely sure this is the proper forum for this, but I just had to post somewhere to tell the world I got my first Always War Emporer victory. [dance] :band:

And it was despite no Iron on my continent and the AI razing my second city. My AW mentor Betazed will be so proud.

Here's a save early on and one just before victory. If you care to you can re-play video of the game if you want to see from just how much of a come from waaaay behind with horsmen & cat pillage-o-rama victory this was. Yes, it was a tiny map with only 3 rivals, and I played China... but hey, you gotta start somewhere. :D

SAVE @ 390AD (http://www.civfanatics.net/uploads7/Mao_of_the_Chinese,_390_AD.SAV)

SAVE @ 1898 AD (http://www.civfanatics.net/uploads7/Mao_of_the_Chinese,_1898_AD.SAV)

Talk about a dense build...

http://www.civfanatics.net/uploads7/HANDY_AWE_CHINA.JPG

Congrats Handy :)

You could could try a small next.

Oh, I thought of a AWM game that might (or might not) still be a challenge. In the AG3 succession game we are playing 31 civs on a 362 by 362 map. It would be interesting to see if one could win that on Pangea in AWM, though it would be a real bear to play with the huge pauses; so probably not worth it.

Congrats Handy. :goodjob: :thumbsup:

You did not need any mentoring from me. I just showed you a trick or two. :)

Keep going. I am sure one of these days someone will post a AWS (Always War Sid) here.

After thinking it through I realized that using the largest size map is actually probably a lot easier than one with normal density, as you have incredible room to expand and will not meet many ppl.

Probably a 240 x 240 would be a bigger challenge.

AWS would be tricky. I was playing "survive to 1000BC" with AWS. I actually got close - 1150BC or so - before getting crushed (large pangea, 11 opponents). A fun little mini-game.
(There is one civ that is best suited for this mini-game, imho - I am curious if others pick the same civ).

Originally posted by Greebley
After thinking it through I realized that using the largest size map is actually probably a lot easier than one with normal density, as you have incredible room to expand and will not meet many ppl.

Probably a 240 x 240 would be a bigger challenge.

With regards to Tiny maps, you wind up with basically an ICS on your continent. If you get a chance open my AWE game & take a peek at how cramped I was on the home continent. OTOH only fighting 3 AI's helps alot. I'll never try another AWE without water in the opening screenshot!! Never! :lol:

After Easter I think I'll start an AWE Tiny Map SG. Fun game as it moves pretty fast. I think Vikings would be a good choice. Seafaring would allow you to put an early army to work pillaging on the other continent and Bezerks require no Iron and are attack 6. No Iron in my China AWE caused to game to go alot longer. Fortunately I had horses. Even with horses, there was no GA until late in the game since you need iron for Riders.

Originally posted by Greebley
AWS would be tricky. I was playing "survive to 1000BC" with AWS. I actually got close - 1150BC or so - before getting crushed (large pangea, 11 opponents). A fun little mini-game.
(There is one civ that is best suited for this mini-game, imho - I am curious if others pick the same civ).


CARTHAGE for AWsid?? 2.3.1 IIRC

Greece, possibly. Maybe Carthage. Sumeria is also very good with the cheap Spearmen and the Agricultural trait. Actually, I think Sumeria would be the best choice for AWS.

I've never played Sumeria in an AW game. Thanks for the tip Cuivienen. :) I'll play Sumeria in my next solo game after Easter.

Yep, that was my civ: Sumeria. The best for surviving AWS has got to be Sumeria. I don't think that makes it the best to win it though.