So it seems to me that the optimal team composition for AoC has been pretty settled for a while now – Mongols, Mayans, and Huns plus one of Persians/Spanish/Vikings/Celts. Some minor variations based on map type.
But we haven't had any major HD team tournaments yet, so I thought it'd be interesting to hear people's thoughts on what the best 4-civ team from the HD version would be! To kick things off, here's my pick (for land maps):
1. Mongols. They've been nerfed a bit, but a critical mass of FU Mangudai is still the most powerful thing in the game.
2. Berbers. Lacking late-game muscle, but would make a brilliant team civ for two main reasons: (a) their unique units counter the cav archers of Mongols and Huns, two of the most popular civs in the game (the Genitour is also available to all teammates); (b) thanks to their good eco bonus and cheaper stables, they have the best knight rush in the game — meaning a massive power spike at the ~15 min mark.
3. Indians. Very good eco, and their unique tech gives faster gold production so could be valuable for late-game slinging. Good gunpowder, and their Imperial Camel hard counters Paladin and is a strong raiding unit in its own right.
4. Torn between Huns, Ethiopians and Mayans. Huns obviously a strong cavalry civ, and their team bonus (faster stables) stacks with the others' strengths. Would be a Paladin civ in a team currently lacking one (though Indian camels can do the job). Ethiopians are arguably the best of all the new civs, and their siege with Torsion Engines is fantastic, but their melee units are lacking. Mayans are still great, and the Berber unique tech Kasbah (faster team castles) would be a great boost for their Plumes. Tough to call.
Let me know what you think! Am I missing something obvious?
But we haven't had any major HD team tournaments yet, so I thought it'd be interesting to hear people's thoughts on what the best 4-civ team from the HD version would be! To kick things off, here's my pick (for land maps):
1. Mongols. They've been nerfed a bit, but a critical mass of FU Mangudai is still the most powerful thing in the game.
2. Berbers. Lacking late-game muscle, but would make a brilliant team civ for two main reasons: (a) their unique units counter the cav archers of Mongols and Huns, two of the most popular civs in the game (the Genitour is also available to all teammates); (b) thanks to their good eco bonus and cheaper stables, they have the best knight rush in the game — meaning a massive power spike at the ~15 min mark.
3. Indians. Very good eco, and their unique tech gives faster gold production so could be valuable for late-game slinging. Good gunpowder, and their Imperial Camel hard counters Paladin and is a strong raiding unit in its own right.
4. Torn between Huns, Ethiopians and Mayans. Huns obviously a strong cavalry civ, and their team bonus (faster stables) stacks with the others' strengths. Would be a Paladin civ in a team currently lacking one (though Indian camels can do the job). Ethiopians are arguably the best of all the new civs, and their siege with Torsion Engines is fantastic, but their melee units are lacking. Mayans are still great, and the Berber unique tech Kasbah (faster team castles) would be a great boost for their Plumes. Tough to call.
Let me know what you think! Am I missing something obvious?