Better Archer-line? (Snipers)

[ThePsyborg]

I have always used Archers for more than defense - Running around the battlefield alongside Swordsmen, shooting everything that moves before finishing them off with my blades. However, this comes to a stop when Crossbowmen upgrade to Gatling Guns, which only have 1 range.
Therefore, I've come here to suggest three new units to take the Gatling- and Machinegun's place in the Upgrade Path. Of course, these units are still useable as defense for tight areas, like between mountains etc. Anyway, like Levys, Skirmishers and Light Infantry, how about adding:


--Sharpshooter-- (Industrial Era)

2
2 Range
29
29
They have an attack-bonus against footsoldiers and Mounted Units, but a big negative bonus against Armored Units.

--Sniper-- (Modern Era)

2
2 Range
45
45
Like the Sharpshooter, the Sniper has a bonus against Mounted and footsoldiers, and a negative bonus against Armored.

--Modern Sniper-- (Information Era)

2
2 (3?) Range
55
55
Same as before. A possibility would be to include the ghillie suit as a part of the Modern Sniper's ability. Perhaps they could enter foreign territory, but if a foreign unit comes within 1 tiles range they're discovered? Which could trigger a response similar to when you Culture-Bomb them? Plus your Sniper being thrown out of the country.


Now, I did search for this to see if it was suggested, but I couldn't really find anything that wasn't much more than "What about snipers?"
I feel, however, that this is more. This is about retaining the fighting-style of the Ranged class.

Thanks for reading

 

[Ahriman]

I think it is interesting that combat isn't the same at every era, that we move from 2 range archers and catapults to 3 range artillery and tougher but 1 range gatling and machine guns.
It is good that we don't use identical tactics in all eras.

So I don't see a gameplay need for a change here.

 

[Thalassicus]

If you compare archers to bombers there are differences between the two, of course, but I use them in a very similar role: soften up enemies from afar.

 

[ThePsyborg]

If you compare archers to bombers there are differences between the two, of course, but I use them in a very similar role: soften up enemies from afar.

Ah, well, I guess that's true.


I guess both of you have a point, still - It's annoying to have one Ranged Unit per city (Like I always do) and then have them upgrade to Gatlings I don't need

 

[mystikx21]

It's annoying to have one Ranged Unit per city (Like I always do) and then have them upgrade to Gatlings I don't need

Because of the changes to GG/MGs and city defence in the GEM current build, they should give a pretty high boost to the city garrison strength for it shooting things and still give a finisher move to shooting at units that get through that.

In the later game if a city is (somehow) under threat, I end up using Artillery (and planes) for ranged strikes instead of MGs and use the MGs to hold actual tiles to keep them away from the city and still damage passing units if they bypass it. Upgraded from garrisoning units with the +.2 XP from oligarchy, they can have fairly high XP for strong attacks, and sometimes even blitz or range promotions.

 

[Thalassicus]

Gatling guns also cost 25% less to maintain than typical units of their strength level, which makes them excellent cheap garrisons for the Honor tree garrison bonus.