I play Japanese regularly. I really like the art style and the more infantry based army composition that is currently evolving. I do enjoy using religious units. Samurai feel strong, especially in castle age. My only issue is that playing a Japanese army feels dull to me. There are almost no unique abilities that are worth using at the moment. To be more accurate only the Buddhist monk with a relic and the shinobi are having an active ability at all. And both of them super niche to use. I don’t think it is an issue of balancing but fun to me. Even the Ozutsu doesn’t feel that special. Alot of army management is resolved by attack move - move - attack move. I was wondering wether there are people out there who think likewise. And if so, what could be changed? I was thinking about two possible solutions.
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Making shinobi more accessible. The unit design is interesting and it is a shame it’s not getting used more often. Maybe allow the production of shinobi in castle or imperial age and rethink koka township as a landmark. The landmark could give access to some unique abilities or buffs and allow early production in feudal age. If you miss our on and go for a more eco heavy approach it you still get a light-Version of the shinobi in castle age oder imperial age anyway.
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Give an active ability to samurai as the signature unit of the Japanese. Maybe something (not very unique but anyway) like a charge ability called “Banzai” or something like that. I am sure there are more original ideas out there.
And again: it’s not about balance but fun. Looking forward to your thoughts.