Okay played more for awhile and hers some thoughts:
Playability:
- Tech tree
Riflemen come to early and the bayonet unit to late, should be switched. I had rifleman in the 1500's, a 19th century technology. Cavalry comes to early as well, this unit probably represents the variey used in the 18th century as well as 19th, but I had it before rifleman.
- New World
I found little reason to be there. The constant barrage by barbarians was realistic but without the real world benefits, it seemed pointless. I could have just focused on taking mary over or some other weak nation instead. I would start by putting more resources in the carribean and you'll need to get a python guy to come up with something else. Perhaps a way of generating precious shipments as in civ 3 and allowing for some privateering fun by enabling the capture of these.
- Barbarians
They beging using swordsman and maceman and even musketman. This needs to stopped. Nothing but warriors, archers and horse archers if you ask me.
- Diplomacy
this is more of a question, did you make leanings to favor nations in this game? Mary should be tied to France and Spain should hate the aztecs and want to declare war on them as soon as they find them. I'm pretty sure this is possible rather easily, you tell me. I didn't notice any war from spain against aztecs or any other nations for that matter besides Portugal. Probably a good idea to make them have good relations with Portugal.
- AI and colonization
I think they agreed with me and saw little reason to go over therte. I didn't notice any AI colonies yet.
- Civics
Some of these should be changed or removed or just not possible. The governments should reflect more accurately as it was in this period.
Aesthetic (Most of these things you likely know already but I'm mentioning them so you can reference just in case):
- Religion
I would instead of changing the name of present religions, model each denomination after christianity. That way the music for them are the same and more fitting. Of course this won't be of any use until you have different icons, just a thought so you don't have to search for new music for each.
Misc.
- Mod should start in the late middle ages, music is more fitting. Plus you can take away some techs and make it more fun I think by having to advance into the new era. You start out with a lot and not a lot to look forward to.
- Railroad wokrer option, though not enabled should be removed.
- Musketeer looks far to French to be a generic for all Civs. I also don't see the reason of having an in between when really it reflects the same era as the regular musketman. Just have it take awhile to advance to the bayonet. That should be the upgrade, then later the rifleman.
Okay thats it. But I do want to conclude with that I find it very playable and enjoyable even though you haven't finished it yet. The map was very well done and city placement is superb. I really enjoy the various factions you have and the look and feel is very fitting. I cannot wait to see it completed.
