I like the Germans, and don't really think they are that bad. I used to think they were a one-trick-pony because of their unit promotion bonus, but I really think their early +1 production from forests is very powerful. 1/2 cost barracks is nice too. They can hit really hard, but sometimes they are a little slow to get things going and get left behind by faster techers.
I know Dynadan has them as his favorite civ, Blitzkreig2000 on PS3 is really good with them too. I've had some really fun games with them. Again, this is another civ that is a little harder to use, and some maps don't really give them a chance. They can upgrade all those elite units are really do some damage, but going overboard with that bonus leads to a lot of German players losing. A great leader is extremely powerful with the Germans though, anytime they get one of those, watch out.
MK, you put the English, Japanese, and the Indians in your bottom tier. I can understand somewhat for the Indians, but they are more powerful than most people think. Religion after 5 techs and access to all resources can be quite powerful though. The English are a solid all-around civ, and they can get those knights faster than most civs, coupled with solid early defense and high early culture. Acess to dye makes them great early techers too. I know lots of people that have them in their top five.
the Japanese are average/above average. they are easy to use, so a lot of players think they are more powerful than they really are, but they aren't bad by any stretch.
I usually don't like these kind of threads, mainly because no one ever agrees, everyone has their favorites, and usually someone will argue to the bitter end that all civs are created equal, which most expirienced players don't agree with. I think most players agree on a few civs that are usually strong despite what map is being played. then there is a muddled middle grouping of civs that are just as powerful sometimes or have their good qualities compared with the chinese, zulu and americans. Usually most people agree that the French, Mongols and Russians are the worst, with a few other usual suspects ending up in the bottom tier.
I like all the civs, though I cringe when I get french, russians, or mongols sometimes. But usually like the challenge. The game gets boring just playing the same couple civs over and over again. I do have some civs I use more than others: Spanish (by far the most, everyone's gotta have their fav), Americans (stupid powerful on 99% of maps), chinese (only when playing against top zulu or chinese players, or if i'm lazy or drunk), english (been using them more and more), and Indians (because they require lots of skill and adaptation to succeed, games can go from any direction depending on the resources in my cities).
