ShinigamiKenji
King
- Joined
- Nov 8, 2016
- Messages
- 921
I've been thinking about a strategy that might use all (or the strongest ones) the Egyptian uniques. Problem is, there seems to be no unifying theme.
First, the gold bonus and the unique unit. Gold, in my opinion, is best used to buy units and support them. Given that the Chariot Archer is quite strong (stronger than Saka Horse Archer, and also with more range) but more expensive, the gold helps in buying them. It's also in the Ancient Era, which leans towards conquest. However, that also means fewer international trade routes for the bonuses, and even fewer incoming ones. It's also inconsistent given that internal trade routes are so important, and early on you will have limited trade routes. So, the gold bonus is self-defeating and inconsistent until much later in the game (when Chariot Archers are obsolete).
Second, the production bonus for districts along a river. Overall ok, since they apply to wonders as well. So, Egypt is also leaning towards a Cultural Victory. The Sphinx also helps at it, since it gives culture as well, and since Culture usually leans to a more peaceful play, you'll probably have nice trade partners for gold. But that's all they get. Britain's and Kongo's bonuses outshines them by quite a stretch. You can't use Chariot Archers to steal Great Works since by that time no one will have Great Works at all.
Sphinx also gives a little faith. But that pales in comparison with Russia's Lavras. Even Scythia's Kurgans seems better, because pasture adjacency is much easier than Wonder adjacency, especially early game.
So, Egypt seems to be a jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none. How would you play Egypt? What path would be more efficient? Conquest, Gold-Culture or Religion?
First, the gold bonus and the unique unit. Gold, in my opinion, is best used to buy units and support them. Given that the Chariot Archer is quite strong (stronger than Saka Horse Archer, and also with more range) but more expensive, the gold helps in buying them. It's also in the Ancient Era, which leans towards conquest. However, that also means fewer international trade routes for the bonuses, and even fewer incoming ones. It's also inconsistent given that internal trade routes are so important, and early on you will have limited trade routes. So, the gold bonus is self-defeating and inconsistent until much later in the game (when Chariot Archers are obsolete).
Second, the production bonus for districts along a river. Overall ok, since they apply to wonders as well. So, Egypt is also leaning towards a Cultural Victory. The Sphinx also helps at it, since it gives culture as well, and since Culture usually leans to a more peaceful play, you'll probably have nice trade partners for gold. But that's all they get. Britain's and Kongo's bonuses outshines them by quite a stretch. You can't use Chariot Archers to steal Great Works since by that time no one will have Great Works at all.
Sphinx also gives a little faith. But that pales in comparison with Russia's Lavras. Even Scythia's Kurgans seems better, because pasture adjacency is much easier than Wonder adjacency, especially early game.
So, Egypt seems to be a jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none. How would you play Egypt? What path would be more efficient? Conquest, Gold-Culture or Religion?