Worst Unique Unit?

i think there actually is a thread like this with a poll... im pretty sure camel archer was the popular choice
 
Ballista Elephant for being useless in 95% of games over what it replaces, then Panzer. The AI builds few tanks, and you'd have to assume at least tech parity to get ANYTHING out of a panzer past a normal tank. After ALL THAT, it's the latest UU in the entire game! Gah!
 
The only one that comes to mind is the Fast Worker. I build enough regular workers with other civs to the point where they often idle or build improvements that won't be touched for centuries and so getting that mine or pasture one turn sooner is hardly going to make or break a game for me. I mean it's nice that you have instant access to them and that they never go obsolete but imo they're only really useful if you start surrounded by jungles.

I would've preferred it if they built things 50% (or maybe 25%) faster like with serfdom or the hagia sofia or perhaps instead if they had a strength value like the scout and could chop forests or build roads outside your borders and be relatively safe from animals/barbarians.
 
I've played the Khmer twice and had Ivory each time, but I never used the Ballista Elephant any differently than a normal elephant. Its special ability is just incredibly niche.
 
potatoe said:
The only one that comes to mind is the Fast Worker. I build enough regular workers with other civs to the point where they often idle or build improvements that won't be touched for centuries and so getting that mine or pasture one turn sooner is hardly going to make or break a game for me.
Click to expand...

When I saw the original post, my first thought was "I don't know what the worst unit is, but the fast worker is the best". Upon further considerations, there are a lot of very good military unique units. Sorry to go the opposite direction of the original post, but...

I think the fast worker is awesome because it is available and ready for use immediately. I believe the most critical part of the game is the beginning. This unit can also be put into action during peace and war-time. Chopping and whipping are integral for gaining an edge on the AI. Workers drive chopping and whipping. Fast workers drive it better. The faster you can get your city networks up and going, the better. Fast workers can help link up to bronze more quickly to fuel an axe rush earlier and therefore, more easily. Similarly, it can help you to link up to stone or marble to give you a better chance of an early Wonder like Stonehenge, the Great Wall, the Oracle or the Great Pyramids (these are the ones I prioritize).

If that's not good enough, they never become obsolete. I don't mind if they sit on their butts until I get railroad. The sooner I can get my rail network up, the better.

I think I just talked myself into playing with India next game!
 
I agree about the fast worker and ballista elephants; they both make me smile.

The Fast Worker, no doubt, has its fans. I'm not saying it's a useless unit. It's just that I'll double/triple workers on some improvement and get stuff done just as easily. It's no big deal, add that after awhile plenty of workers are superfluous and do nothing so you may as well disband them. It has value but really: combat unique units are where it's at.

Ballista Elephants; I love 'em. Such a cool looking unit. Not especially useful though. Unique units should spark a little fear, a little concern, but these elephants aren't that game changing while they last units.

Love thinking about 'em; it could be worse, getting UUs like Corporate CEO or Rockthrower or ....
 
I've always considered the musketeer a pretty poor UU. I know a lot of people like them and put them to great use but the musketman is a fairly poor unit to start and to simply slap another movement point on it doesn't do much for me. The Oromo, on the other hand, gives two free promotions plus immunity to first strikes. The musketeer loses its extra mp the moment it upgrades, whereas the oromo keeps its promotions and can make much greater use of them as upgraded units.
 
potatoe said:
The only one that comes to mind is the Fast Worker. I build enough regular workers with other civs to the point where they often idle or build improvements that won't be touched for centuries and so getting that mine or pasture one turn sooner is hardly going to make or break a game for me. I mean it's nice that you have instant access to them and that they never go obsolete but imo they're only really useful if you start surrounded by jungles.
Click to expand...

Fast Worker is IMO generally the best UU in the game. It saves numerous worker turns in every game. Some military UUs can be stronger in some certain situations (like Quechuas in Dual map) but none of them is useful in every game like the FW.
 
The carrack looks pretty lame; a bog standard caravel that can house another missionary/explorer.
The Navy SEAL - because marines are lame, and the SEAL is just an upgraded marine.

And I'm tempted to add the War Chariot! The immunity to first strikes would be gained thorugh Flanking anyway. Still, not the worst; the increase in strength ensures that.
 
The Navy Seal is one of the best, if used right- it has massive endurance and versatility and is thus capable of doing anything and fighting campaigns that other units would have to pull out of. Also, the Carack is good for launching exploration missions, as it is owned by the most colonising civ there is. I agree o the WC, though
 
whitelaughter said:
The carrack looks pretty lame; a bog standard caravel that can house another missionary/explorer.
Click to expand...

What? The carrack can carry any unit, including settlers and military units. Regular civs have to wait until Astronomy for this ability, Joao gets it at Optics.
 
Carrack rocks, especially on a water map. You definately get first to any landmass, and set up nicely while everybody is just sending explorers and scouts.
 
i'd go for Keshik, to tell the truth. sure, ignoring the terrain costs is nice, but it is an invasion unit, and it will get killed by spearmen if it attacks alone. It's only use really is defense, which I never have to worry about because I am so invasive, and if your enemy has no copper or Iron, which is rare.
 
billybones27 said:
i'd go for Keshik, to tell the truth. sure, ignoring the terrain costs is nice, but it is an invasion unit, and it will get killed by spearmen if it attacks alone. It's only use really is defense, which I never have to worry about because I am so invasive, and if your enemy has no copper or Iron, which is rare.
Click to expand...

I hate being a jerk, but...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrjwaqZfjIY

The Keshik is one of the best UUs when used properly. Check out the Monarch Student game from a couple weeks ago for a demonstration:

http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=311236

Moderator Action: Don't try to beat the autocensor - please don't use profanity
Please read the forum rules: http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=422889
 
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