Most usefull---Swordsmen or Horsemen?

[algonacy]

When attacking in the Ancient Age (which I rarely do) and not having a AA UU I build several swordsmen up front before the war and then switch to horsemen when the war starts. My swordsmen lead the way into battle and take the first couple cities and then the horsemen can come in behind and pick up quickly where they left off. So I didn't know how to vote. I find horsemen to ultimately be more valuable because of the upgrade path, which I guess is the key thing.

 

[alamo]

I recently overran Ceasar with a stack of horsemen. Took 3 cities before he knew what hit him. The dice were stacked against the few legionaires he could muster. At least he was nice enough to build the Oracle for me.


Horsemen are much superior IMHO - trading 1/3 attack for 2 moves, retreat and no iron required is a steal.

The retreat is underrated in most discussions. Even with an occasional retreat failure, it is like getting a free swing at the enemy most of the time. Sure you have to park them for a 3-4 turns to heal, but they're back in business soon enough. Also, a longer-lived horseman is more likely to become elite, making a 1/4 longer attack and a chance at you-know-what.

To be sure, you have to have a stack to be effective, and you have to bring along defenders. I build spearment to go with swordsmen anyway. It is the same defense but less cost, so why make your swordsmen defend?

Of course, the horseman looses its punch over time. Spearmen in large cities, pikemen and muskets can be brought down, but at a much higher cost.

 

[wysiwygger]

even if horseman were 0/1 I would vote for them because I only use them to upgrade to knights and cavalry, thats how you conquer, not with medieval infantry.

 

[Yoda Power]

Wow this is a close run, 31-31

 

[ProPain]

Originally posted by alamo
Horsemen are much superior IMHO - trading 1/3 attack for 2 moves, retreat and no iron required is a steal.

The retreat is underrated in most discussions. Even with an occasional retreat failure, it is like getting a free swing at the enemy most of the time. Sure you have to park them for a 3-4 turns to heal, but they're back in business soon enough. Also, a longer-lived horseman is more likely to become elite, making a 1/4 longer attack and a chance at you-know-what.

Welcome in the horsemen corner. I totally agree especially on the retreat

 

[Raw is War?]

I'll usually build a stack of swordsman and then build a mixture of the two as the war progresses.

 

[Laser guided]

Those little horsies can retreat all they want. When I launch my invasion with swordsman the last thing I do is take a route through flat terrain. Don't park a city next to a mountain or it is as good as razed!

The upgrade path won't do you any good if you never get the chance to upgrade!

 

[The Last Conformist]

Good point on using terrain when attacking with Swordsmen. If the AI was having any brains, it would have started systematically clearing any Forests on its borders towards me a long time ago.

Laser guided; do you by any chance love Keshiks? High movement rate on enemy Mountains is pretty sweet, innit?

 

[Laser guided]

Originally posted by The Last Conformist
Good point on using terrain when attacking with Swordsmen. If the AI was having any brains, it would have started systematically clearing any Forests on its borders towards me a long time ago.

Laser guided; do you by any chance love Keshiks? High movement rate on enemy Mountains is pretty sweet, innit?

Honestly, I have not played with the Mongols, but I have played against them and when I play against them I go after them early (if they are near me) well before they get those Keshiks. Also, because of the Mongols and that darn Xerxes I put fortresses on mountains right next to my cities so they can't use it as an invasion point, because that just kills any thought of a counter attack.

 

[dojoboy]

I voted for horsemen, specifically because of their upgrade line. Of course, I do mix the two in early wars, but I didn't get this option. Although, at some point I begin to produce horsemen exclusively.

 

[dojoboy]

Originally posted by Laser guided

Also, because of the Mongols and that darn Xerxes ....

You mean Temujin, right?