It's been a long time since the scenario was published and I haven't written about it yet, but, as they say, better late than never
First of all, I would like to thank the authors for such a polished scenario. It's truly incredible! I especially admire the idea of basing the scenario on the works of the Father of History, Herodotus
It has been done so well that in spite of not having been interested in the history of ancient Greece, I started reading about it, finally getting to Herodotus's The Histories - a fascinating read
In my opinion, this scenario is definitely the best that has been created so far on the C3C scene. Until now, nothing else has been so enchanting and enjoyable for me. I listen to the soundtrack everyday too.
Now some comments:
One of the things that could be added is Apollo's oracle in Didim lead by an old hieratic family known as Branchidae. Herodotus mentions it when he describes how Croesus turned to different oracles to inquire whether he should start a war with Persia. I believe it was such an important place then, that it deserves to be placed in the scenario. I would suggest a small miracle that can be built only by Ionia. Actually, only the city of Miletus would be able to build it. As for bonuses, this miracle should give culture and increase income, but I'm not sure by how much. Also, I think a resource prophets might be added somewhere in the range of the city of Miletus. It would symbolize that oracle. I'm willing to prepare information for Civilopedia.
Below is some general information about the temple:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Didyma
http://penelope.uchicago.edu/~grout/encyclopaedia_romana/greece/paganism/didyma.html http://didimestate.com/didim_tr.php
Another thing that could be added is Alyattes II's mound. Herodotus mentioned it in his description of Lydia, so I think a mention in the form of a small miracle which could give a little amount of culture for the round is reasonable.
Both these miracles wouldn't influence the mechanics and balance of the game. I'm ready to prepare suitable entries for Civilipedia.
When it comes to the game itself:
Crete it must be unbelieveably hard to win on the emperor level, but I think a lot can be done to make others' lives difficult
One only has to have a goal to achieve. I didn't really know what I wanted to do, so I got stuck in difficult battles in Messeni.
Ithaca really hardcore! I conquered the nearby islands, but nothing above that, If I had played it better, I could have found some space to live on... Crete
I even raided and burnt two cities, but that was about it. Later I only fought for survival with everyone attacking me continuously. I haven't finished the game because I physically wasn't able to do it . A couple of rounds more and I would have been left with just Ithaca.
Athens I'm in the middle of playing and it's very enjoyable. There are plenty of resources and the very fast scientific development allows for dominance over the rivals. The allocation of special resources leads to the historical development of The Delian League, but I chose two different solutions. One was after taking over Euboea and the majority of the Cyclades attempting at conquering Crete. And there I got involved in a long-term war, during which I conquered some cities, but the Cretans were persistently trying to recapture them, attacking me with hordes of their armies and ravaging the cities' surroundings. I felt as if I were in a besieged fortress and I haven't gained anything except for getting involved in a deadly and long-lasting conflict.
Another thing is the conflict with Sparta. It is simply inevitable and leads to a situation in which it may seem that you are taking part in a real Peloponnesian War
Phrygia I've played just the beginning for a couple of times and tested the capabilities of Phrygian warriors. I could see that, with some luck, you can terrorize the neighbours (especially Lydia) in the beginning of the game and reduce the technological advantage. It may be significant for further playing. From what I observed, in most cases Lydia conquers Phrygia with the exception of a situation in which Phrygia attacks first in the beginning of the game. Then it is able to grow so powerful that Lydia isn't able to defeat Phrygia by itself. Anyway, playing in Asia Minor and playing in continental Greece are completely different; there are different challenges and different problems.
That would be all so far
I'll try to upload printscreens from different games later.
And a question to Rambuchan: Are you planning to work any more on this or other scenarios? I would really like to help. I can't modify the game but I can help with Civilopedia and content-related scenario preparations (of course if it will be based on history).